What are Boils?
Boils or skin abscesses are large, sore, reddish bumps resulting from infections deep in the skin. A boil usually starts as a tender area that becomes hardened and swells resembling a “blind pimple.” It can develop slowly but eventually the center will soften and develop a “head.” The head is filled with bacteria, proteins, and the accumulation of white blood cells sent to fight the infection, otherwise known as pus. When the boil reaches its final stage, it can be drained by lancing or it may spontaneously drain. Applied hot packs will help this process along, as the heat draws more blood to fight the infection. There are several types of boils including furuncle or carbuncle boils caused by a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus. This type of boil, which may have multiple openings onto the skin, is sometimes accompanied by a fever or chills. Another common boil is caused by cystic acne. These abscesses form due to clogged or infected oil ducts. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissu
Boils present as one or more tender red spots, lumps or pustules. Careful inspection reveals that the boil is centred on a hair follicle. A boil is a deep form of bacterial folliculitis; superficial folliculitis is sometimes present at the same time. Staphylococcus aureus can be cultured from the skin lesions. If there are multiple heads, the lesion is called a ‘carbuncle’. Large boils form abscesses, defined as an accumulation of pus within a cavity. Cellulitis may also occur, i.e. infection of the surrounding tissues, and this may cause fever and illness.
