Alternative Names

boils; hair follicle infection; infection - hair follicle

An infection of the hair follicles. Also see carbunculosis.

A furuncle (boil) is a skin infection involving the entire hair follicle and the adjacent subcutaneous tissue. Almost everyone experiences boils at some time. Staph bacteria are normally found on the skin surface. Damage to the hair follicle allows the bacteria to enter deeper into the tissues of the hair follicle and the subcutaneous tissue. Furuncles may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs.

Furuncles are generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus but may be caused by other bacteria or fungi. They may begin as a tender red subcutaneous nodule but ultimately become fluctuant (feel like a water-filled balloon). A furuncle may drain spontaneously, producing pus and a solid core. More often they are opened by the individual, a parent, or a physician.

Furuncles can be single or multiple. Some people have recurrent bouts with abscesses and little success at preventing them. Furuncles can be very painful if they occur in areas like the ear canal or nose. Furuncles by the nose should be treated by a health care provider. Furuncles that develop close together may expand and join together, a condition called carbunculosis.

• skin lesions
  • small firm tender red nodule in skin (early)
  • usually pea-sized, may occasionally be as large as a golf ball
  • swollen
  • pink or red
  • may grow rapidly
  • fluctuant nodule (later)
  • may develop white or yellow centers (pustules)
  • may weep, ooze, crust (later)
  • located with hair follicles
  • tender, mildly to moderately painful
  • may be single or multiple
  • may run together (coalesce) or spread to other skin areas
  • pain increases as pus and dead tissue fills the area
  • pain decreases as the area drains
• skin redness or inflammation around the boil
• fever (occasionally)
• fatigue (occasionally)
• general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise) (occasionally)

Note: Itching (pruritus) of the skin may occur before the skin lesions develop.

Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. Skin or mucosal biopsy culture may show staphylococcus or other bacteria.

Boils may heal spontaneously after an initial period of itching and mild pain. More often, they progress to pustules that increase in discomfort as pus collects. They finally burst, drain, and then heal spontaneously.

Boils (furuncles) usually must drain before they will heal. This most often occurs in less than 2 weeks. Boils that persist longer than 2 weeks, recur, are located on the spine or the middle of the face, or that are accompanied by fever or other symptoms require treatment by a health care provider because of the risk of complications from the spread of infection.

Warm moist compresses encourage furuncles to drain, which speeds healing. Gently soak the area with a warm, moist cloth several times each day. Deep or large lesions may need to be drained surgically by the health care provider. Never squeeze a boil or attempt to lance it at home because this can spread the infection and make it worse.

Meticulous hygiene is vital to prevent the spread of infection. Draining lesions should be cleaned frequently. The hands should be washed thoroughly after touching a boil. Do not re-use or share washcloths or towels. Clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that contact infected areas should be washed in very hot (preferably boiling) water. Dressings should be changed frequently and discarded in a manner that contains the drainage, such as by placing them in a bag that can be closed tightly before discarding.

Antibacterial soaps, topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) antibiotics are of little benefit once furuncle has formed. Systemic antibiotics may help to control infection.

Full recovery is expected. Some people may experience many repeated episodes.

• spread of infection through the circulation to other parts of the body or skin surfaces
• abscess formation
• sepsis (general internal infection)
• abscess of kidneys or other internal organs
• osteomyelitis
• endocarditis
• brain infection
• brain abscess
• spinal cord infection
• spinal cord abscess
• permanent scarring of the skin

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if furuncles (boils) develop and do not heal with home treatment within 1 week.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if furuncles recur or are located on the face or spine.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if boils are accompanied by fever, red streaks extending from the boil, large fluid collections around the boil, or other symptoms.

• good attention to hygiene
• antibacterial soaps
• antiseptic washes such as pHisoHex or Hibiclens

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. (See disclaimer).