Skin boils

Boils are painful lesions on the skin that may start as a red and tender patch which would then swell and grow firm as it fills with pus. Most boils can be treated at home. Early treatment is preferred as larger infections may have complications. Recurrence is common, and may require oral antibiotics to stop the spread of infection.

Patients with boils who also have underlying medical condition such as diabetes or cancer should seek medical attention immediately. Likewise, any development of fever should be checked by a doctor as this may mean systemic infection has spread in the body.

Almost anyone can be expected to develop boils at some point in their life. People with weakened immune systems or with existing medical conditions are at a higher risk developing boils. Boils are usually short lived and heal on their own, but some cases may require the attention of a qualified doctor and may also tend to develop complications.