About this topic
A boil is an infection in the skin caused by germs. It is a red, swollen, painful area in the skin filled with pus. It most often grows on the face, neck, thighs, and buttocks. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
If the boil has not burst: ‚
- Put a warm, moist cloth over the boil. It will help draw the pus to the surface of the boil. Repeat this a few times a day.
- Do not squeeze the boil. Do not open it by cutting or popping it with a needle. This may cause an infection.
When the boil has burst open: ‚
- Put a clean, warm, moist cloth over the area 2 to 3 times a day. Then, wash the area with soap and water 2 to 3 times a day until it has healed.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the boil.
- Use an ointment to avoid infection. Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
- Make sure to change the bandage at least once a day or if the bandage is soiled.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities may be limited because of the pain. You can manage it by taking drugs to help with pain. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Spread of infection to other skin parts
- Blood infection
- Scarring
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands before and after touching the infected area.
- Take a bath or shower every day.
- Do not share towels, washcloths, sheets, or other items with someone who has a boil.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Boil comes back
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my boil.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or the boil comes back.
Where can I learn more?
NSW Government Health ‚
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/boils_and_skininfect.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚