Of all the common skin conditions, skin boils may be among the most unpleasant. One infected boil can be bothersome, while a series of them can be extremely uncomfortable and distracting. If you’re dealing with this issue, Glendale Dermatology can help. Here’s what you need to know about boils and boil treatment.
What Is a Boil?
Also known as skin abscesses, boils form as a result of a cut or break in the skin, which leads to a bacterial infection. They are characterized as a red, tender area with a painful, pus-filled center that can open spontaneously or by surgical incision. Some boils are caused by ingrown hairs. Others are caused by plugged-up sweat glands, such as some types of cystic acne. Anyone can get a boil. They grow quickly and are usually painful until they drain. However, left alone a boil will naturally come to a head and burst open, allowing the pus to drain and the skin to heal. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to these growths than the general population.
Where Do Boils Form?
These unique growths tend to occur on parts of the body that have hair or sweat glands and are exposed to friction. You may find boils on back skin, neck skin, on the face, armpits, or buttocks.
What Types of Boils Are There?
There are a variety of different types of boils:
- Furuncle or Carbuncle – These abscesses are caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. A furuncle is an individual boil; carbuncles are deep clusters on the back of the neck, shoulders, or thighs.
- Pilonidal Cyst – An infected hair follicle around the buttocks caused by long periods of sitting. Pilonidal cysts almost always require medical treatment.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa – These are multiple abscesses that form from blocked sweat glands in the armpits or groin areas.
- Cystic Acne – These growths are situated more deeply into skin tissue than the more superficial forms of acne. They typically occur among teenagers.
How to Get Rid of Boils?
Do not puncture or squeeze the boil because it can lead to further infection. If the boil does not go away within two weeks, is accompanied by a fever, or is painful, contact us at Glendale Dermatology for a consultation. During your visit, Dr. Brezel will examine your boil, and if necessary, clean, lance and drain it as well as prescribe an antibiotic to alleviate the infection.
Reliable Boil Treatment in Queens with Glendale Dermatology
While some boils go away on their own, others require medical intervention. Since boils represent a bacterial infection, if one is not going away, you’ll want us to treat it as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation, fill out and submit the form below and we will be in touch with you shortly.