Boils & Carbuncles

What are boils and carbuncles?

A boil (or furuncle) is a pus-filled bump that develops in your skin. Carbuncles are clusters of several boils. Boils usually begin as red bumps, which quickly increase in size and fill with pus. Boils are usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection).

These painful skin abscesses result from bacteria infecting a hair follicle. They commonly occur on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs, but can appear anywhere on your body.

Many boils get better with at-home treatments such as warm compresses. Larger boils may require treatment by a healthcare professional.

What are the symptoms of a boil?

A boil develops over a few hours or days. It usually starts out as a tender, swollen red bump. It may feel warm to the touch. As the boil develops, it:

• Becomes painful: The area is sensitive, and it may itch before the boil forms.
• Fills with pus: It may feel squishy or firm.
• Grows in size: It usually starts smaller than a pencil eraser. It can grow as large as a golf ball.
• Has a yellow or white center (similar to a pimple): The skin around the center (“head”) is red and shiny.
• May “weep” or crust over: The boil may ooze pus as your body fights the infection.
• Might spread to other areas: The bacteria that caused the boil can spread to other parts of your body. You can also pass the infection to other people through close contact or by sharing towels or other personal items.

What are the symptoms of carbuncles?

Carbuncles are formed when multiple boils cluster together and form an area of infection. In addition to the symptoms seen with boils, carbuncles may also be associated with fever, chills and fatigue.

What causes boils and carbuncles?

Boils are usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection), but other bacteria and fungi can cause them too. Bacteria enter your skin through a cut or a hair follicle (the opening in your skin where hair grows out). Your body’s immune system responds by sending infection-fighting white blood cells to the area. The white blood cells build up, along with damaged skin, to form pus. Carbuncles develop when more than one hair follicle gets infected. The infection is deeper and more severe than one boil.

Anyone can develop a boil, but certain factors can increase your risk. These risk factors include:

• Close contact with someone who has a staph infection.
• You have obesity.
• You have a skin disorder, such as eczema.
• You have a weakened immune system, cancer or diabetes. These conditions make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Can I treat a boil at home?

A boil or carbuncle should never be squeezed or pricked with a pin or sharp object to release the pus and fluid. This can spread the infection to other parts of your skin.

If left alone, a boil will break and drain on its own over time. In certain cases, a doctor may need to cut into your skin to drain the pus. Once the fluid and pus drain from the boil or carbuncle, it will heal. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if there is a serious infection.

If you have a boil, you can do the following:

• Apply warm, moist compresses (such as a damp washcloth) several times a day. This can speed healing and relieve some of the pain and pressure you’re experiencing. You should use a clean washcloth (and towel) each time.
• See a healthcare provider if the boil persists or comes back, or if it is located on the spine or on your face.

If you have a fever or other serious symptoms with the boil, see your doctor. Patients who have diabetes or who have a condition that affects the immune system should see a doctor for the treatment of the boil.

How can I prevent a boil or carbuncle?

A boil or carbuncle can happen despite the best hygiene. However, you can prevent boils if you:

• Avoid close contact with someone who has a staph infection, boil or carbuncle.
• Wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soaps and gels, which can help prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Bathe regularly with soap.
• Don’t share or reuse washcloths, towels and sheets.

What is the outlook for people with boils and carbuncles?

Most boils heal and clear up in about two to three weeks. Boils don’t usually cause serious or long-term health problems. If your provider drained the pus, you may have a small scar. Severe carbuncles can leave scars after they heal.

What are the complications of boils and carbuncles?

For some people (especially people with a weakened immune system), boils and carbuncles come back in the same area or never completely go away. Recurrent boils can be a sign of a life-threatening infection called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Rarely, bacteria from a boil can:

• Enter your bloodstream, causing your body to have a severe reaction (sepsis).
• Get into the brain and cause life-threatening problems such as meningitis.
• Infect the skin and the area just under the skin (cellulitis).
• Spread to the spinal cord, bones, heart and other organs, leading to severe infection and death.

How can I keep my carbuncles from spreading to others?

If you have a carbuncle:

• Wash your hands often.
• Do not share washcloths and towels with family members.
• Don’t let others lie on your bed sheets.
• Use antibacterial soap, especially if you’ve touched your carbuncle.
• Do not squeeze or prick the head of your carbuncle.
• Avoid close contact between another person and your carbuncle.
• Carefully bag and dispose of dressings and bandages that cover your carbuncle.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Boils are painful and unsightly, but they rarely cause serious health problems. Many boils heal with home treatments like warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers. But it’s a good idea to call your provider if you have signs of a boil, especially if it’s painful. Your provider will monitor you to ensure the infection doesn’t spread or worsen, and will provide treatment if necessary. To reduce your risk of developing a boil, keep your hands clean, bathe regularly and maintain good overall health.