Boil (small skin abscess)
About Boil (small skin abscess)
A small abscess (collection of pus) of the skin. A group of nearby boils can come together to form one large boil (a carbuncle). The infection arises from hair follicles and rapidly turns into an abscess. The most common bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus with MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) becoming more common. They can occur anywhere on the body but are more commonly found on the back, neck or in skin areas that are shaved frequently. The infection can be contagious and is more common in those people with diabetes or other disorders that depress the immune system.Symptoms
Skin redness, skin swelling, painful skin, increased skin warmth, a bump with a white center, oozing pus from a skin bump.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical will be done. No other tests are generally necessary. Occasionally a wound culture will be done.Common tests: Wound culture.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Drainage of the material in the boil must occur for complete recovery. You can help this to happen spontaneously by placing a warm moist cloth over the area. When this does not work, a health professional will need to use a sterile, small knife to open the area and drain the material. Antibiotics may be prescribed by mouth such as cephalexin (Keflex), clindamycin (Cleocin), or erythromycin (Ery-Tab). If the provider is concerned about MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) or linezolid (Zyvox) may be prescribed. At times a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin (Bactroban) may be administered.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Dermatology · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Dermatology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Boil (small skin abscess).