Boils - Location and Symptoms
Where was your boil located and what were the developing symptoms?
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What is a boil? What are the symptoms and signs of a boil?
A boil is a localized infection in the skin that begins as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm, hard, and more tender. Eventually, the center of the boil softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells from the bloodstream to eradicate the infection. This collection of white blood cells, bacteria, and proteins is known as pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin. Pus enclosed within tissue is referred to as an abscess. A boil is also referred to as a skin abscess.
There are several different types of boils:
- Furuncle or carbuncle: This is an abscess in the skin usually caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. A furuncle can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills. The term furuncle is used to refer to a typical boil that occurs within a hair follicle. The term carbuncle is typically used to represent a larger abscess that involves a group of hair follicles and involves a larger area than a furuncle. A carbuncle can form a hardened lump that can be felt in the skin. The condition of having chronic, recurring boils is referred to as furunculosis or carbunculosis.
- Cystic acne: This is a type of abscess that is formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissue than the more superficial inflammation from common acne. Cystic acne is most common on the face and typically occurs in the teenage years.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: This is a condition in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the armpits and often in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. This form of skin infection is difficult to treat with antibiotics alone and typically requires a surgical procedure to remove the involved sweat glands in order to stop the skin inflammation.
- Pilonidal cyst: This is a unique kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts often begin as tiny areas of infection in the base of the area of skin from which hair grows (the hair follicle). With irritation from direct pressure, over time the inflamed area enlarges to become a firm, painful, and tender nodule that makes it difficult to sit without discomfort. These frequently form after long trips that involve prolonged sitting.
See what others are saying
I developed boils in the center of my back and back of my neck that drain constantly. After seeing several dermatologists I was told that the boils are stress related. I was prescribed ointment, told to apply hot towels and it will take a long time for the boils to totally go away. I have been dealing with this since 2004. I go sometimes 2 to 3 weeks with no draining and the moment I get stressed they redevelop. I will be trying the Goldline treatment tomorrow.
I am only 15, and I have chronic boils. It all started when I thought I had a very bad spider bite on my left leg, I tried to self-treat until it got swollen and I couldn't walk. There was also one on my rear, not as big, but the same thing. This was my first trip to the E.R. They gave me antibiotics and told me to bandage them and let the pus drain. They said it was cellulitis. I did all they said and they went away slowly but left a nasty purple scar. Later I got about two red dots, one on my lower left leg and one on my left side of my pelvis. The one on my pelvis was getting large and red and swollen. It was warm to the touch and very painful. It was a bit white also. I went to the E.R. again, but this time I only told them about the one on my pelvis. Despite my pleas, the doctor pushed and squeezed all the pus out with me in tears and declared it as a boil. I get a few every week. I drain them and they leave a scar. I gave up on going back to the doctors. I have had them for a few months now. One time I got one on my chin and on my right leg, but other than that they are always on my left leg. I am trying to cut down on sugars and drink lots of water, and I even tried some turmeric in warm milk. I would just like to get rid of them and move on. They hurt my self-esteem where I can't even wear shorts.
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