Pictures of Boils: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More A white or yellow center or tip Weeping, oozing, or crusting You may also have a general feeling of ill health, fatigue, or a fever, which is reason to call a doctor. Swipe to advance 3 / 19 Where Do Boils Form? Boils can form anywhere on the body, but they're most common on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, back, and buttocks. Hairy, sweaty areas are typical sites, as well as areas of friction, such as the inner thighs. Boils can also develop around the ear or near the nose. The pain often worsens as pus collects under the skin, then eases as fluids begin to drain. Swipe to advance 4 / 19 What Causes Boils? Most boils are caused by staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), which many healthy people carry on their skin or in their noses without a problem. When a scrape, cut, or splinter breaks the skin, the bacteria can enter a hair follicle and start an infection. Others boils, such as those associated with acne, develop from clogged pores that become infected.

Swipe to advance 5 / 19 Ordinary Boil or MRSA Infection? MRSA can look exactly like an ordinary boil: red, swollen, pus-filled, and tender. But MRSA infections are caused by one particular type of staph that is resistant to many antibiotics. If a skin infection spreads or doesn't improve after 2-3 days of antibiotics, your doctor may suspect MRSA. The right treatment given promptly is important to heal a MRSA infection and prevent a deeper, more dangerous infection. Swipe to advance 6 / 19 Are Boils Contagious? Not exactly, but the germs that cause boils (staph) are easily spread through skin-to-skin contact and contaminated objects. These bacteria usually do no harm unless they find a break in the skin. To avoid spreading staph, don't share towels, bedding, clothes, or sports gear while you have a boil. Avoid touching the boil, and keep it covered. Frequent hand washing can also help prevent spreading the bacteria. Swipe to advance 7 / 19 Early Warning: Folliculitis Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles that can develop into a boil.

Tiny pimples with whiteheads appear around individual hairs, sometimes surrounded by red skin. It can be itchy, tender, and uncomfortable, but is typically not as painful or deep as a boil. Shaving or friction from tight clothing can let staph bacteria slip under the skin -- the most common cause of both folliculitis and boils. Swipe to advance 8 / 19 Boil Type: Carbuncle When several boils form close together and join beneath the skin, it's called a carbuncle. They are most commonly found on the back and the neck but can develop anywhere. Men are more likely to develop carbuncles than women. A carbuncle tends to lie deeper beneath the skin than a boil and can take longer to heal. Swipe to advance 9 / 19 Boil Type: Cystic Acne Cystic acne is a type of skin abscess that forms when oil and dead skin cells clog a hair follicle, creating a place where bacteria grow and thrive. It affects deeper skin tissue than regular acne, leading to firm, painful cysts. It's most commonly on the face and shoulders and typically occurs in the teenage years.

Swipe to advance 10 / 19 Boil Type: Armpit and Groin When lumps and pus-filled abscesses repeatedly develop in these areas of the body, it may be a chronic condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. Infection starts in sweat glands and hair follicles that become blocked. Mild cases heal with home care. Several drugs and treatments are available for more serious and recurring cases. Swipe to advance 11 / 19 Boil Type: Pilonidal Abscess When a boil forms in the skin just above the buttocks crease, it may be a pilonidal abscess. Hair is believed to play a role, and irritation, pressure, and prolonged sitting may also contribute to the development of a cyst here. If a cyst becomes inflamed and infected, it becomes an abscess. Some children are born with a "pilonidal dimple" where infections can crop up. Signs of infection require a doctor's attention. Swipe to advance 12 / 19 Boil Type: Stye The familiar "stye on the eye" is a boil, usually caused by staph bacteria.

It starts in the follicle of an eyelash and may be red, warm, swollen, and uncomfortable. A stye is sometimes confused with a chalazion, which is also a lump on the eyelid, but a chalazion is usually painless and is caused by a blocked oil gland, not an infection. Swipe to advance Anyone can develop a boil. The risk increases with: Close contact with an infected person Acne, eczema, or other causes of breaks in the skin Diabetes 14 / 19 Treatment: Home Care You can take care of most boils at home. Apply warm, moist compresses several times a day to help a boil open and drain. After it starts draining, keep it clean, and continue using warm compresses -- a clean one every time. Change the bandage often and wash hands well. Resist the urge to squeeze or pop the boil. This can make the infection worse. Swipe to advance 15 / 19 When to Call the Doctor If a boil doesn't heal after a week of home care, call your doctor.

Other reasons to call include: A boil on the face or spine A fever or red streaks coming from the sore A very large or painful boil A boil that keeps coming back Swipe to advance 16 / 19 Treatment: Procedures If the fluid inside a boil doesn't drain by itself, your doctor may prick the top of the sore with a sterile instrument to be sure it drains completely. A deep infection may be packed with sterile gauze so it continues to drain. Antibiotics are sometimes given to help with healing. Swipe to advance 17 / 19 Treatment: Recurrent Boils For some people, boils are a recurring problem. In addition to standard treatment, your doctor may try to eliminate or reduce staph bacteria throughout the body. This can include washing up with a special antiseptic soap, using an antibiotic ointment inside the nose, or 1-2 months of antibiotics by mouth, or all three. Swipe to advance 18 / 19 Boil Complications Most boils heal with home treatment or a doctor's visit. Sores on the face may require antibiotics because they're so close to the eyes and brain.

Rarely, the staph bacteria from a boil or carbuncle can get into the bloodstream, which can then affect the heart and other internal organs. Swipe to advance 19 / 19 How to Prevent Boils Since bacteria are everywhere in our environments and on many people's skin, the best defense against boils includes: Hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer Careful cleaning of cuts, scrapes, and other wounds Keeping wounds covered Not sharing towels, sheets, razors, etc. Wash towels, sheets, and anything else in contact with an infected area in very hot water. Throw away any wound dressings in a tightly sealed bag. Swipe to advance Boils: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Folliculitis Causes Boils are very common. They are most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. They can also be caused by other types of bacteria or fungi found on the skin's surface. Damage to the hair follicle allows the infection to grow deeper into the follicle and the tissues under it. Boils may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body. They are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs. You may have 1 or many boils.

Symptoms A boil may begin as tender, pinkish-red, and swollen, on a firm area of the skin. Over time, it will feel like a water-filled balloon or cyst . Pain gets worse as it fills with pus and dead tissue. Pain lessens when the boil drains. A boil may drain on its own. More often, the boil needs to be opened to drain. The main symptoms of a boil include: A bump about the size of a pea, but may be as large as a golf ball White or yellow center ( pustules ) Spread to other skin areas or joining with other boils Quick growth Skin redness around the boil Exams and Tests Health care providers can usually diagnose a boil based on how it looks. A sample of cells from the boil may be sent to the lab for a culture to look for staphylococcus or other bacteria. Treatment Boils may heal on their own after a period of itching and mild pain. More often, they become more painful as pus builds up. Boils usually need to open and drain in order to heal. This most often happens within 2 weeks. You should: Put warm, moist, compresses on the boil several times a day to speed draining and healing.

Never squeeze a boil or try to cut it open at home. This can spread the infection. Continue to put warm, wet, compresses on the area after the boil opens. You may need to have surgery to drain deep or large boils. Get treatment from your health care provider if: A boil lasts longer than 2 weeks. A boil comes back. It is important keep a boil clean. To do this: Clean boils and change their dressing often. Wash your hands very well after touching a boil. Do not re-use or share washcloths or towels. Wash clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that have touched infected areas in very hot water. Throw out used dressings in a sealed bag so that fluid from the boil does not touch anything else. Your health care provider may give you antibiotics to take by mouth, or a shot, if the boil is very bad or comes back. Antibacterial soaps and creams cannot help much once a boil has formed. Outlook (Prognosis) Some people have repeated boil infections and are unable to prevent them. Boils in areas like the ear canal or nose can be very painful.

Boils that form close together may expand and join, causing a condition called carbunculosis. Possible Complications Boils (Furuncle) – Pictures, Causes, Prevention, Treatment and Natural Remedies Home > Skin, Hair and Nails > Boils (Furuncle) – Pictures, Causes, Prevention, Treatment and Natural Remedies Boils (Furuncle) – Pictures, Causes, Prevention, Treatment and Natural Remedies Page Contents Troubled at the sight of reddish, painful bumps over your skin? You may be having boils on your body. Read and know all about boils, why they appear and how they can be treated by doctors and at home. What Are Boils? Picture 1 – Boils Source – boilstreatments Boils are raised bumps arising on the skin surface. These can arise almost anywhere on the surface of the body except the nails. Boils most commonly arise on body regions like face, armpit, neck, buttocks and thighs. Types of Boils Picture 2 – Furuncle Image Source – healthmango Boils are of two types, single or multiple. A single boil is known as Deep Follucilitis or Furuncle.

Multiple boils are called Carbuncles. Carbuncles are larger in size and deeper. Larger boils leave scars and take longer to heal. They also give rise to other symptoms like fever and fatigue. Carbuncles look like regular, singular boils but usually have multiple heads at the tip of the bump. Boil Size Boils are generally round in shape. These look like red, elevated bumps on the skin surface and may feel hot when touched. Each individual furuncle typically has a diameter within Â¾ and Â½ inch. Why Boils Occur? Boils are a result of infected hair follicle mainly caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria though other kinds of bacteria or fungi can also give rise to these bumps. Infection generally arises when the hair follicle or the skin region surrounding it suffers damage in some way. The broken skin allows bacteria to enter into the deeper areas of the tissues of the follicle and the underlying tissue. Boils Symptoms Boils usually arise as pinkish-red, elevated bumps on the skin surface. These are initially tender and about as large as a pea. In later stages they grow a little larger and the boils head may develop a yellow or white centre. The growth may be quick.

The bumps become redder and very painful as they begin to get filled with dead tissues and pus. In the final stages, boils swell to become as large as a golf ball. Boils located close to each other may join and spread to other regions of the skin. They look like water filled cysts and a crust is formed over their heads. These may ooze pus from time to time. Ultimately, the bumps may drain pus themselves or may be forced to ooze pus. Sufferers experience relief once the lumps have completely drained and healed. What Causes Boils? Bacterial infection are not only the cause of boils, they may also arise due to a number of other factors like : Poor Immunity Boils are very common in people with low immunity. Weakened immune system makes individuals more prone to bacterial infection. Diabetes Boils are often caused by Diabetes. Diabetes reduces immunity in sufferers and makes them vulnerable to microbial attacks such as bacterial infection. Bad Hygiene Poor hygiene is one of the main factors behind the appearance of boils. Not changing clothes or taking baths regularly makes the skin susceptible to infections and gives rise to carbuncles. It also leads to boils due to body heat build-up.

Tight Clothes Wearing tight apparels can make cloth constantly rub against skin and irritate it thus leading to the development of Furuncles on the body. Skin Conditions People suffering from skin disorders like Psoriasis, Dermatitis and Acne are highly susceptible to boils. Poor Nutrition Poor nutrition is also a strong causative factor. Bad nutrition results from non-inclusion of essential foods and nutrients in diet and leads to a weak immune system. Exposure to Strong Chemicals Boils also appear when the skin is exposed to harsh chemicals. Strong chemicals irritate the skin and gives rise to boils on the skin surface. Side Effects of Medications Medicines like Corticosteroids suppress the immune system which makes the body vulnerable to bacterial infections and skin disorders thus giving rise to boils. Pests Boils may also form after an insect bite. Tick bite is often seen to lead to the development of Furuncles over the bitten skin region. Liver and Kidney Problems Carbuncles also develop as a result of liver and kidney disorders. Boils Treatment Picture 3 – Boils Photo Source – arxbeauty For people with boils medical treatment actually depends on the causative condition.

If the bumps are found to be a result of bacterial infection, the nature and severity of the infection should have to be taken into account. In case of a large boil and serious infection, for people looking for boils treatment antibiotics like Cephalexin (Keflex) or Dicloxacillin (Dynapen) are prescribed. Washing boils with antibiotic creams can make them subside within a few days. In treatment of boils quick cure can be achieved through use of antibiotics. If patients are found to be allergic to penicillin-based medicines, Erythromycins may be used. In case of a severe infection, skin abscesses may form in the affected area. A minor surgical operation may be needed to completely drain the cyst in such cases. Boils Natural Remedies Small boils can be taken care of at home. Some of the main ways used for Boils treatment at home involve Applying Warm Compress Application of warm compress over small boils can help them drain quicker and subside in a few days. Warmth also helps reduce pain in the inflamed area. For people with minor boils quick treatment is often possible with warm compress, preferably thrice during the day. It is one of the best boils home remedies.

Application of Calendula Applying Calendula in a diluted form or in an herbal form over the bumps may also be quite effective as a remedy. Tea tree oil Application Applying tea tree oil is also quite helpful in curing boils naturally. Tea tree oil contains anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties which helps it fight bacterial infection in skin and hair follicles. Using Goldenseal Goldenseal has strong anti-bacterial properties which is effective in combating many types of bacteria. Goldenseal root powder is readily available in the market. Mix this with hot water and apply over your boils to get cured quickly. Dandelion Rise of toxic elements in the bloodstream is also a major cause for the formation of boils. Dandelion cleans toxins out of the bloodstream and liver and helps shrink boils naturally. Propolis If you have very painful boils on your skin, Propolis can be a powerful natural treatment. Propolis works as a natural antibiotic medicine and can fight bacterial infection. Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum In tender boils, application of the herb Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum can bring about fast relief and ensure boils removal. Burdock Root Burdock root is a natural antibiotic agent which is effective in stopping bacterial infection.

It is a powerful natural cure for boils and is often recommended by people. Flaxseed Apply grounded pulp of Flaxseed over boils as a poultice. This can give rise to a head more quickly and helping in boils bursting faster. Echinacea This North American perennial herb purifies the lymph glands and boosts the immune system. People who get boils due to low immunity can benefit greatly from this herb. Turmeric Paste Mix Turmeric paste with honey, mils, castor oil, iodine and Epsom salt and apply over the boils. In boils Turmeric paste helps faster shrinking. Furunculosis Furunculosis is a more serious kind of bacterial infection that is characterised by formation of furuncles that stay for a longer period of time than normal boils. These are usually present for several weeks and may last for months. The condition is caused by skin infection from by Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria. Furunculosis is a systemic condition and travels fast through the bloodstream to affect all regions of the body including the vital organs. This rapidly multiplies in the bloodstream and causes small blood capillaries to rupture. In worse cases, this may lead death of sufferers.

Furunculosis also gives rise to boils all over the body. Furunculosis may be cured by topical application of Formaldehyde solutions and Hydrogen Peroxide. Oral antibiotics, warm compresses and medicines like Romet and Terramycin are also effective in treating this condition. Boils after Pregnancy In some cases, expectant mothers are seen to develop boils during pregnancy. This is a serious condition and is usually a result of bacterial infection or medicinal side effects. A pregnant woman developing boils usually do not suffer a miscarriage though they can pass on the infection to their babies in 3 to 5% of cases. Boils in babies normally do not lead to any permanent damage. In pregnant women treatment of boils should be done very carefully as strong antibiotics can risk the pregnancy. In expecting mothers with boils medicines like Penicillin antibiotics are safe to use as they do not have any strong side effects thus making it possible to avoid deformities in newborns. Boils Due To Diabetes As aforesaid, boils are often a result of diabetes. It is actually Type 2 diabetes that gives rise to boils and other skin problems like acne. Type 2 diabetes is believed to result in non-use of insulin produced in the body.

High level of insulin in human body is the result of boil formation over the skin. Diabetic boils are also formed due to low immunity in individuals. Diabetes weakens the immune system and makes the body susceptible to a number of infections and diseases which healthy individuals are free of. Diabetic boils commonly occur in skin regions with highly active oil and sebaceous glands such as in the face, neck, chin and armpits. Boils Prevention Boils can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary modifications. Incorporating healthy foods comprising of essential vitamins and minerals into the diet can supply important nutrients to the body and make it strong enough to avoid infections. Furuncles can also be prevented by following good hygiene and sanitation. Taking regular baths, changing clothes, wearing loose dresses and non-use of soaps and creams with harsh chemicals can help you steer clear of boils. Boils Pictures Not sure if you are actually having boils on your skin? Check out these useful boils photos to know how boils look like. These boils pics will give you an idea about the appearance of boils and help you be sure whether you are really having furuncles.

Photo 4 – Picture of Boils Source – boilsbegonenow Image 5 – Photo of Boils Source – ehow If you are having boils which just refuse to go away despite natural remedies, it is time you make a visit to your doctor and start medical treatment. Boils can be very discomforting and painful. So the earlier you begin treatment the better it is for you. References: 10 Awesome and Little-Known Facts About the Human Body | Breaking Muscle 10 Awesome and Little-Known Facts About the Human Body Coach          Your body is many things: a mechanical device, a walking chemistry set, a sustainable life form, and an ever-changing biological phenomenon. There's a lot to know about the body. Were you aware of these ten amazing facts? 1. For every pound of fat gained, you add seven miles of new blood vessels. New tissue needs blood supply, so your vascular system expands to accommodate it. This also means your heart must work harder to pump blood through the new network, which may reduce oxygenation and nutrient replenishment in other tissues.

Lose a pound? Your body will break down and reabsorb the unneeded blood vessels from the previous tissue. 2. Muscle tissue is three times more efficient at burning calories than fat. This is why possessing more muscle should be a training goal for most people. More muscle = more calories burned = less fat = being more fit looking. Simple goals and simple math. 3. You are taller in the morning than in the evening. When you crawl out of the sack in the morning you are at your tallest. On average, you are approximately one half inch taller when you wake in the morning, thanks to excess fluid between within your spinal discs. While you are sleeping, these fluids replenish. During the day your body has to deal with the stress of standing, so the discs become compressed and the fluid seeps out. This results in you losing a small amount of extra height. 4. Your stomach manufactures a new lining every three days to avoid digesting itself. As a part of the digestive process, your stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HA). HA is a powerful corrosive compound also used to treat various metals. The HA your stomach secretes is also powerful, but mucous lining the stomach wall keeps it within the digestive system.

As a result it breaks down the food you consume, but not your own stomach. 5. Your body produces enough heat in only thirty minutes to boil a half-gallon of water. Your body is the epitome of a study on the laws of thermodynamics . You produce heat from all that is going on - exercise, metabolizing food, maintaining homeostasis – and as you sweat, exhale, excrete, and urinate (lovely thoughts, all of them). 6. Human bone is as strong as granite, relative to supporting resistance. Would you believe a matchbox-size chunk of bone can support 18,000 pounds? Compared to concrete, human bone is four times greater in support strength . 7. Your skin is an organ. Just like the liver, heart, and kidneys, your outer covering is an organ . An average man has enough skin on his body to cover approximately twenty square feet. For an average woman it is approximately seventeen square feet. Approximately 12% of your weight is from your skin. And, your skin replaces 45,000+ cells in only a few seconds. It's constantly growing new skin and shedding old skin. 8.

By the age of eighteen your brain stops growing. From that age forward it begins to lose more than 1,000 brain cells every day. Only two percent of your body weight is occupied by your gray matter, but is uses up to 20% of your overall energy output (it needs carbohydrates). Your brain works continuously and never rests, even when you're asleep. Aside from producing REM dreams, your brain works overtime to replenish its ability to function normally during your daytime waking hours. 9. There are more than 600 individual skeletal muscles and 206 bones in your body. If all 600+ muscles contracted and pulled in the same direction, you could lift over twenty tons of resistance. Additionally, the adult skeleton is composed of 206 bones, but at birth an infant skeleton contains approximately 350 bones. Over time, some of the 350 bones fuse together and eventually grow to the 206 adult figure. 10. You need to consume a quart of water each day for four months to equate to the amount of blood your heart pumps in one hour.

Additionally, over a lifetime, at your normal (resting) heart rate you will have pumped enough blood to fill thirteen oil super tankers. To further expound on this fact, on average, your heart beats 40,000,000 times per year. Doing the math, over your lifetime (both men and women averaged), that results in 2,600,000,000 heartbeats (two billion, six hundred million). This does not even factor in your increased heartbeats due to your love of exercise. These are only ten things you probably did not know about body. Pretty amazing stuff! There is plenty more to know about the human body, and I recommend you discover these facts by being inquisitive. Are there any amazing facts about the human body that you’ve discovered? Please share in the comments below. Furuncles and Carbuncles: What You Need to Know - Medical News Today Furuncles and Carbuncles: What You Need to Know Written by Christian NordqvistReviewed by University of Illinois-Chicago, School of Medicine 4 4 A skin abscess happens when pus collects in hair follicles, skin tissues, or under the skin.

A furuncle, also known as a boil, is a painful infection that forms around a hair follicle and contains pus. A carbuncle is collection of boils that develop under the skin. When bacteria infect hair follicles, the follicles can swell and turn into boils and carbuncles. A furuncle starts as a red lump. It may be tender. The lump rapidly fills with pus , and as it grows it may burst. Furuncles, boils and carbuncles typically affect the thighs, armpits, buttocks, face, and neck. Individuals with weakened immune systems, adolescents, and young adults are more susceptible to furuncles than younger children or older adults. Contents of this article: Furuncles and carbuncles: How do they differ? Furuncles and carbuncles are similar but with some differences. Furuncles Furuncles develop rapidly as pink or red bumps. They are often painful. The surrounding skin is typically red, inflamed and tender. Carbuncles and furuncles are a kind of skin abscess. The lesions often appear on the neck, breast, face, buttocks or thighs.

They occur in places prone to hair, sweat, and friction, and they tend to start in a hair follicle. The bump fills with pus within a few days, and it grows. The bigger it gets the more painful it becomes. Furuncles may go away without any intervention, but sometimes they burst and heal without a scar within 2 days to 3 weeks. They are common among teenagers and young adults, and they affect males more than females. Overcrowded and unhygienic living conditions increase the risk . Carbuncles A carbuncle is less common than a furuncle, or boil. It is a collection of boils on one site. It is larger than a single boil, measuring up to 4 inches across. A carbuncle usually has one or more openings that drain pus onto the skin. The most common cause of a carbuncle is a bacterium known as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The infection may lead to generalized body symptoms, including a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and a general feeling of being unwell, weak, and exhausted.

The infection can spread to other parts of the body, and it can spread to other people too, so that other household members may develop one at the same time. Carbuncles are most likely on the back, the thighs, or the back of the neck. They affect males more frequently than females, and especially older men with poor health or a weakened immune system. Carbuncle infections tend to be deeper and more severe than those caused by furuncle. The risk of scarring is higher, and they take longer to develop and to resolve than furuncles. Causes S. aureus, also known as staph bacteria, live on the skin and inside the nose and throat. Usually, the body's immune system keeps them under control, but sometimes they enter the skin through a hair follicle, or through a cut or graze in the skin. When the skin becomes infected, the immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the affected area to destroy the bacteria. Pus is an accumulation of dead bacteria, dead white blood cells, and dead skin.

The following conditions increase the risk of developing furuncles: Diabetes: High blood sugar, or high glucose levels can reduce the immune system's ability to respond to infection Medications: Some medications weaken the immune system HIV and some other diseases: Certain conditions weaken the immune systems Skin conditions: Psoriasis, eczema , and acne increase susceptibility Often, the normal bacteria in a person's nose or on their skin can lead to an abscess. Sometimes, however, the infection can spread between people when sharing space, materials, or devices, such as clothing and whirlpool footbaths. Treatment, complications, and prevention A number of solutions can help to relieve the symptoms of skin abscesses. Home treatments Applying a warm face cloth for 10 minutes a few times a day may help speed up the healing process. Heat draws more blood, and so more whites cells, to the affected area and encourages pore dilation and release of pus. It is important to wash the hands thoroughly after touching the site and to avoid squeezing a furuncle or carbuncle, as this increases the risk of spreading infection. Medical treatment The doctor may use a sterilized needle to lance the abscess, which means pricking it and draining the pus away.

An abscess can be surgically removed. This must not be done at home, but by a health care professional with the proper training and equipment. Antibiotics should only be used if recommended by a medical professional. Complications and prevention There is a risk of secondary infection, which is when the infection spreads to other parts of the body. Cellulitis is one type of potentially serious secondary infection that can occur. Ways of preventing boils and carbuncles include: Keeping the skin clean by washing it regularly Immediately cleansing all skin wounds, cuts, and grazes, however small Putting a sterile bandage over any cuts to help prevent infection. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting regular physical exercise will improve your general health and your immune system, reducing the risk of developing furuncles and carbuncles. When to see a doctor A furuncle usually goes away after around 2 weeks without treatment, but if a fever accompanies the abscess, the person should seek medical help. Patients with a chronic disease, such as diabetes or cancer , or those who are taking immunosuppressive medications, should consult their doctor if they have a carbuncle.

Hot packs and lancing may be sufficient to resolve them, but if the infection spreads to a deeper layer under the skin, antibiotics may be recommended by a medical professional. Experts say patients should not try to burst or squeeze furuncles or carbuncles. If the lesion is very painful, if it lasts for more than 2 weeks, or is accompanied by an elevated body temperature, you should see your doctor. Written by Christian Nordqvist Click the stars to rate this article Furuncles and Carbuncles: What You Need to Know Public / Patient Boils | definition of Boils by Medical dictionary Boils | definition of Boils by Medical dictionary Definition Boils and carbuncles are bacterial infections of hair follicles and surrounding skin that form pustules (small blister-like swellings containing pus) around the follicle. Boils are sometimes called furuncles. A carbuncle is formed when several furuncles merge to form a single deep abscess with several heads or drainage points. Description Boils and carbuncles are firm reddish swellings about 0.2-0.4in (5-10 mm) across that are slightly raised above the skin surface. They are sore to the touch.

A boil usually has a visible central core of pus; a carbuncle is larger and has several visible heads. Boils occur most commonly on the face, back of the neck, buttocks, upper legs and groin area, armpits, and upper torso. Carbuncles are less common than single boils; they are most likely to form at the back of the neck. Males are more likely to develop carbuncles. Boils and carbuncles are common problems in the general population, particularly among adolescents and adults. People who are more likely to develop these skin infections include those with: diabetes, especially when treated by injected insulin alcoholism or drug abuse jobs or hobbies that expose them to greasy or oily substances, especially petroleum products allergies or immune system disorders, including HIV infection. family members with recurrent skin infections Causes and symptoms Boils and carbuncles are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that causes an infection in an oil gland or hair follicle. Although the surface of human skin is usually resistant to bacterial infection, S. aureus can enter through a break in the skin surface—including breaks caused by needle punctures for insulin or drug injections.

Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle. As the infection develops, an area of inflamed tissue gradually forms a pus-filled swelling or pimple that is painful to touch. As the boil matures, it forms a yellowish head or point. It may either continue to swell until the point bursts open and allows the pus to drain, or it may be gradually reabsorbed into the skin. It takes between one and two weeks for a boil to heal completely after it comes to a head and discharges pus. The bacteria that cause the boil can spread into other areas of the skin or even into the bloodstream if the skin around the boil is injured by squeezing. If the infection spreads, the patient will usually develop chills and fever , swollen lymph nodes ( lymphadenitis ), and red lines in the skin running outward from the boil. Furunculosis is a word that is sometimes used to refer to recurrent boils.

Many patients have repeated episodes of furunculosis that are difficult to treat because their nasal passages carry colonies of S. aureus. These bacterial colonies make it easy for the patient's skin to be reinfected. They are most likely to develop in patients with diabetes, HIV infection, or other immune system disorders. Carbuncles are formed when the bacteria infect several hair follicles that are close together. Carbunculosis is a word that is sometimes used to refer to the development of carbuncles. The abscesses spread until they merge with each other to form a single large area of infected skin with several pus-filled heads. Patients with carbuncles may also have a low-grade fever or feel generally unwell. Diagnosis The diagnosis of boils and carbuncles is usually made by the patient's primary care doctor on the basis of visual examination of the skin. In some cases involving recurrent boils on the face, the doctor may need to consider acne as a possible diagnosis, but for the most part boils and carbuncles are not difficult to distinguish from other skin disorders. Treatment Patient and family education Patient education is an important part of the treatment of boils and carbuncles.

Patients need to be warned against picking at or squeezing boils because of the danger of spreading the infection into other parts of the skin or bloodstream. It is especially important to avoid squeezing boils around the mouth or nose because infections in these areas can be carried to the brain. Patients should also be advised about keeping the skin clean, washing their hands carefully before and after touching the boil or carbuncle, avoiding the use of greasy cosmetics or creams, and keeping their towels and washcloths separate from those of other family members. Some doctors may recommend an antiseptic soap or gel for washing the infected areas. If the patient has had several episodes of furunculosis, the doctor may examine family members or close contacts to see if they are carriers of S. aureus. In many cases they also need treatment for boils or carbuncles. Skin infections and reinfections involving small groups or clusters of people are being reported more frequently in the United States. Medications Boils are usually treated with application of antibiotic creams—usually clindamycin or polymyxin—following the application of hot compresses. The compresses help the infection to come to a head and drain.

Carbuncles and furunculosis are usually treated with oral antibiotics as well as antibiotic creams or ointments. The specific medications that are given are usually dicloxacillin (Dynapen) or cephalexin (Keflex). Erythromycin may be given to patients who are allergic to penicillin. The usual course of oral antibiotics is 5-10 days; however, patients with recurrent furunculosis may be given oral antibiotics for longer periods. Furunculosis is treated with a combination of dicloxacillin and rifampin (Rifadin). Patients with bacterial colonies in their nasal passages are often given mupirocin (Bactroban) to apply directly to the lining of the nose. Surgical treatment Boils and carbuncles that are very large, or that are not draining, may be opened with a sterile needle or surgical knife to allow the pus to drain. The doctor will usually give the patient a local anesthetic if a knife is used; surgical treatment of boils is painful and usually leaves noticeable scars .

Alternative treatment Naturopathic therapy Naturopathic practitioners usually recommend changes in the patient's diet as well as applying herbal poultices to the infected area. The addition of zinc supplements and vitamin A to the diet is reported to be effective in treating boils. The application of a paste or poultice containing goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) root is recommended by naturopaths on the grounds that goldenseal helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Key terms Abscess — A localized collection of pus in the skin or other body tissue. Carbuncle — A large, deep skin abscess formed by a group or cluster of boils. Follicle — The small sac at the base of a hair shaft. The follicle lies below the skin surface. Furunculosis — A condition in which the patient suffers from recurrent episodes of boils. Pustule — A small raised pimple or blister-like swelling of the skin that contains pus. Homeopathy Homeopaths maintain that taking the proper homeopathic medication in the first stages of a boil or carbuncle will bring about early resolution of the infection and prevent pus formation. The most likely choices are Belladonna or Hepar sulphuris.

If the boil has already formed, Mercurius vivus or Silica may be recommended to bring the pus to a head. Western herbal therapies A variety of herbal remedies can be applied topically to boils to fight infection. These include essential oils of bergamot (Citrus bergamia), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), lavender (Lavandula officinalis), and sage (Salvia officinalis), as well as tea tree oil (Melaleuca spp.). Herbalists also recommend washing the skin with a mixture of goldenseal and witch hazel. To fight the inflammation associated with boils, herbalists suggest marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) ointment, tinctures (herbal solutions made with alcohol) of blue flag (Iris versicolor) or myrrh (Commiphora molmol), and slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) made into a poultice. Prognosis The prognosis for most boils is excellent. Some patients, however, suffer from recurrent carbuncles or furunculosis.

In addition, although the spread of infection from boils is relatively unusual, there have been deaths reported from brain infections caused by squeezing boils on the upper lip or in the tissue folds at the base of the nose. Prevention There are some precautions that people can take to minimize the risk of developing bacterial skin infections: cleanse skin properly with soap and water, and take showers rather than tub baths do not share washcloths, towels, or facial cosmetics with others cut down on greasy or fatty foods and snacks always wash hands before touching the face consider using antiseptic soaps and shower gels consult a doctor if furunculosis is a persistent problem—it may indicate an underlying disease such as diabetes Resources Books Hacker, Steven M. "Common Bacterial and Fungal Infections of the Integument." In Current Diagnosis, edited by Rex B. Conn, et al. Vol 9. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1997. Patient discussion about Boils Q.

how do i get rid of boils I have been plagued by boils for about 3 to 4 years now, i get a boil, go to the doctor, get antibiotics, take them for 10 days, and about a week later the boils are back. I came accoss this site a week ago and learned about (turmeric) i purchased some, i've been taking it and i still manage to get more boils, i have one existing boil right now and a new one is forming please help because i don't have health insurance and it cost to much to keep going to the doctor and getting medicine for boils only to have the boils occur back in a weeks time please help, demario y A. Have you ever consulted a dermatologist (a doctor that specialize in skin problems)? He or she may diagnose the problem more accurately and address it better. What you describe may be acne or other disease that are treated by such doctors. Anyway, you can find several suggestions about preventing boils here ( and here ( Q. hey how about having brown rice in place of white or boiled rice…….? A. Brown rice is a good carb, plus I personally think it tastes delicious. Q. what should i do if i got burned from boiling water?

how should i take care of my self? will i get a scar? A. ooooOOOooo! i hope you are asking a hypothetic question... a friend wife of mine still got scars from a boiling water accident a few years back. anyway, here is a site that gives instructions on how to react after burns. boiling water is probably second degree burns: Boils - Treatments, Causes, Symptoms of Boils Boils Outlook A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin. The most common places for boils to appear are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. When one forms on the eyelid, it is called a sty . If several boils appear in a group, this is a more serious type of infection called a carbuncle . Causes of Boils Most boils are caused by a germ (staphylococcal bacteria). This germ enters the body through tiny nicks or cuts in the skin or can travel down the hair to the follicle.

These health problems make people more susceptible to skin infections: Exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin Symptoms of Boils A boil starts as a hard, red, painful lump usually about half an inch in size. Over the next few days, the lump becomes softer, larger, and more painful. Soon a pocket of pus forms on the top of the boil. These are the signs of a severe infection: The skin around the boil becomes infected. It turns red, painful, warm, and swollen. More boils may appear around the original one. A fever may develop. Lymph nodes may become swollen. When to Seek Medical Care You start running a fever. The skin around the boil turns red or red streaks appear. The pain becomes severe. The boil does not drain. A second boil appears. You have a heart murmur , diabetes , any problem with your immune system, or use immune suppressing drugs (for example, corticosteroids or chemotherapy ) and you develop a boil. Boils usually do not need immediate emergency attention. However, if you are in poor health and you develop high fever and chills along with the infection, a trip to a hospital's emergency room is needed.

Exams and Tests Your doctor can make the diagnosis with a physical exam . Many parts of the body may be affected by this skin infection, so some of the questions or exam may be about other parts of your body. Continued Boils Treatment -- Home Remedies Apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the surface. Once the boil comes to a head, it will burst with repeated soakings. This usually occurs within 10 days of its appearance. You can make a warm compress by soaking a wash cloth in warm water and squeezing out the excess moisture. When the boil starts draining, wash it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and clean with rubbing alcohol. Apply a medicated ointment (topical antibiotic) and a bandage. Continue to wash the infected area two to three times a day and to use warm compresses until the wound heals. Do not pop the boil with a needle. This could make the infection worse. Medical Treatment for Boils If there are concerns about the seriousness of the infection, additional blood tests will be performed. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is severe.

If the boil is drained, a culture may be done to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection and to assess if an appropriate antibiotic was given. Next Steps -- Follow-up Whether the boil is drained at home or is lanced by a doctor, you will need to clean the infected area two to three times a day until the wound is healed. Apply an antibiotic ointment after washing and cover with a bandage. If the area turns red or looks as if it is getting infected again, contact your doctor. Preventing Boils Boils: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies See the complete gallery of slideshows. What Is a Boil? A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. Also referred to as a skin abscess, it is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells that the body sends via 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. Boil Symptoms A boil starts as a hard, red, painful lump usually less than an inch in size. Over the next few days, the lump becomes softer, larger, and more painful. Soon a pocket of pus forms on the top of the boil. Signs of a severe infection are the skin around the boil becomes red, painful, and swollen; more boils may appear around the original one; a fever develops; the lymph nodes in the area become swollen. Where Do Boils Form? The most common places for boils to appear are on the neck, When one of these occur on the eyelid, it is called a sty (stye). What Causes Boils? There are many causes of boils. Boils are usually caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus (staph). Many staph infections develop into abscesses and can become serious very quickly. This germ can be present on normal skin and enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin or by traveling down a hair to the follicle. Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair.

Others can form as the result of a splinter or other foreign material that has become lodged in the skin that causes the infection to develop. Additional Causes of Boils The skin is an essential part of our immune defense against materials and microbes that are foreign to our body. Any break in the skin, such as a cut or scrape, can develop into an abscess (boil) should it then become infected with bacteria. Folliculitis Could Be an Early Warning Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles. This condition can develop into a boil and appears as numerous small red or pink little bumps at the hair follicles. Infection of the hair follicles can occur when the skin is disrupted or inflamed due to a number of conditions, including acne, skin wounds or injuries, friction from clothing, excessive sweating, or exposure to toxins. Are Boils Contagious? Boils themselves are not contagious, but the bacteria that cause boils are. Until it drains and heals, an active skin boil is contagious. The infection can spread to other parts of the person's body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact or the sharing of personal items. What Are the Types of Boils?

There are several different types of boils. Another name for a boil is furuncle. Among these are carbuncle sty (stye) Boil Type: Carbuncle A carbuncle is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It usually involves a group of hair follicles and is therefore larger than a typical furuncle, or boil. A carbuncle can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with fever or chills. Boil Type: Cystic Acne Cystic acne is a type of abscess that is formed when oil ducts become clogged and inflamed. 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. Boil Type: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Hidradenitis suppurativa 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 hair follicles.

This form of skin inflammation is difficult to treat with antibiotics alone and typically requires a surgical procedure to remove the involved hair follicles in order to stop the skin inflammation. Boil Type: Pilonidal Cyst A pilonidal cyst is a unique kind of abscess that occurs in or above the crease of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts often begin as tiny areas of inflammation 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, tender nodule making it difficult to sit without discomfort. These frequently form after long trips that involve prolonged sitting. Boil Type: Sty A sty (also spelled stye) is a tender, painful red bump located at the base of an eyelash or under or inside the eyelid. A sty results from a localized inflammation of the glands or a hair follicle of the eyelid. A sty is sometimes confused with a chalazion, a lump on the inner portion of the upper or lower eyelid, but a chalazion is usually painless and caused by obstruction and inflammation of an oil gland, not an infection.

Who Is Most Likely to Develop a Boil? Anyone can develop a boil. However, people with certain illnesses or medications that impair the body's immune system are more likely to develop boils. Among the illnesses that can be associated with impaired immune systems are diabetes and kidney failure. Diseases, such as hypogammaglobulinemia, that are associated with deficiencies in the normal immune system, can increase the tendency to develop boils. Many medications can suppress the normal immune system and increase the risk of developing boils. These medications include cortisone medications (prednisone and prednisolone) and medications used for cancer chemotherapy. What Is the Treatment for a Boil? Most simple boils can be treated at home. Ideally, the treatment should begin as soon as a boil is noticed since early treatment may prevent later complications. The primary treatment for most boils is heat application, usually with hot soaks or hot packs. Heat application increases the circulation to the area and allows the body to better fight off the infection by bringing antibodies and white blood cells to the site of infection. Do not pop the boil with a needle. This usually results in making the infection worse. Should Boils Be Drained?

As long as the boil is small and firm, opening the area and draining the boil is not helpful, even if the area is painful. However, once the boil becomes soft or "forms a head" (that is, a small pustule is noted in the boil), it can be ready to drain. Once drained, pain relief can be dramatic. Most small boils, such as those that form around hairs, drain on their own with soaking and/or heat application. On occasion, and especially with larger boils, the larger boil will need to be drained or "lanced" by a health-care practitioner. Frequently, these larger boils contain several pockets of pus that must be opened and drained. Should Boils Be Treated With Antibiotics? Antibiotics are often used to eliminate the accompanying bacterial infection. Especially if there is an infection of the surrounding skin, the doctor often prescribes antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not needed in every situation. In fact, antibiotics have difficulty penetrating the outer wall of an abscess and often will not cure an abscess without additional surgical drainage. In most cases, incising and draining the boil is sufficient to cure the infection. When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

You should call your doctor and seek medical attention if: the boil is located on your face, near your spine, or near your anus; a boil is getting larger; the pain is severe; you have a fever; the skin around the boil turns red or red streaks appear; you have a heart murmur, diabetes, any problem with your immune system, or use immune-suppressing drugs (for example, corticosteroids or chemotherapy) and you develop a boil; the boil has not improved after five to seven days of home treatment; you get many boils over several months. What Can Be Done to Prevent Boils (Abscesses)? Good hygiene and the regular use of antibacterial soaps can help to prevent bacteria from building up on the skin. This can reduce the chance for hair follicles to become infected and prevent the formation of boils. Your health-care practitioner may recommend special cleansers such as Hibiclens to further reduce the bacteria on the skin. What Can Be Done to Prevent More Serious Boils and Abscesses? Pilonidal cysts can be prevented by avoiding continuous direct pressure or irritation of the buttock area when a local hair follicle becomes inflamed. Regular soap and hot water cleaning and drying can be helpful.

For acne and hidradenitis suppurativa, antibiotics used as anti-inflammatory agents may be required on a long-term basis to prevent recurrent abscess formation. Finally, surgery may occasionally be needed, especially for hidradenitis suppurativa or pilonidal cysts that recur. For pilonidal cysts, surgically removing the outer shell of the cyst is important to clear the boil. For hidradenitis suppurativa, extensive involvement can require plastic surgery. Stay Informed Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox! Plus receive a free PDF Health Report when you sign up! Related Reading Topics Furuncle: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Your message has been sent. OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Furuncle is another word for a boil. Boils are bacterial or fungal infections of hair follicles. The infected hair follicle can be on any part of your body, not only your scalp. When the hair follicle becomes infected, the skin around it becomes inflamed.... Read more Furuncles Furuncle is another word for a boil.

Boils are bacterial or fungal infections of hair follicles. The infected hair follicle can be on any part of your body, not only your scalp. When the hair follicle becomes infected, the skin around it becomes inflamed. The furuncle looks like a red, raised bump on your skin and will rupture and weep fluid. Furuncles are most commonly found on the face and neck. You might also develop a boil on your thigh or buttocks. Symptoms of a Furuncle A furuncle may begin as a benign-looking bump on your skin, similar to a pimple. However, as the infection worsens, the boil can become hard and painful. Bacteria and dead skin cells may build up under the skin, forming pus. Pressure builds, which may cause the furuncle to burst and release its fluids. The pain is usually at its worst right before a furuncle ruptures and will most likely improve after it drains. According to the Mayo Clinic , furuncles range in size from as small as a pea to as big as a golf ball. The skin around the infected hair follicle may become red, swollen, and tender. Scarring is also possible.

The development of several boils in the same general area of your body is called a carbuncle. Carbuncles may cause a fever and chills. These symptoms are less common with a single boil. What Causes Furuncles? Any type of bacteria or fungi can cause a furuncle. The most common bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus, hence why furuncles can also be called staph infections. Everyone has S. aureus on their skin as a normal occurrence. The bacterium causes an infection only if it enters your bloodstream through an open wound, such as a cut or a scratch. Once the bacterium is in your blood, your immune system tries to fight it and the boil is actually the result of your white blood cells working to eliminate it. You are more likely to develop a boil if your immune system is compromised or if you have a medical condition that slows down the healing of your wounds. Diabetes and eczema, a chronic skin disorder characterized by extremely dry, itchy skin, are two examples of chronic conditions that may increase your risk of getting a staph infection. Your risk can also increase if you engage in close, personal contact with someone who already has a staph infection.

Treating Furuncles Many people do not need to see a doctor for treatment unless a boil remains large, unruptured, or very painful for more than two weeks. Usually a furuncle will already have drained and begun to heal within this timeframe. Treatment for stubborn furuncles generally includes steps to promote drainage and healing. Warm compresses can help speed the rupturing of a furuncle. Apply a warm, moist compress throughout the day to facilitate drainage. Continue to apply warmth to provide both healing and pain relief after a boil has ruptured. Wash your hands and the boil site thoroughly and frequently with warm water and antibacterial soap to avoid spreading the staph bacteria to other areas of your body. Contact your doctor if your furuncle remains unruptured or if you are in severe pain after a couple of weeks. You may need antibiotics to clear the infection. Your doctor may also elect to manually drain the boil with sterile instruments in their office. Do not try to open it yourself by squeezing, pricking, or cutting the boil. This can increase your risk of deeper infection and severe scarring.

Complications from Furuncles The majority of furuncles heal without medical intervention or complications, but in rare cases, boils can lead to more complicated and dangerous medical conditions. Sepsis Blood poisoning is an infection of the bloodstream that may occur after having a furuncle. This type of infection, called sepsis, can lead to infections in the heart’s lining or in the brain. MRSA Another possible complication associated with boils is the development of an infection called MRSA. MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is resistant to many antibiotics used to treat furuncles. This infection is more serious and your doctor will most likely prescribe a different kind of antibiotic called vancomycin if you develop this infection. Preventing Furuncles Prevent furuncles through good personal hygiene. If you do have a staph infection, to keep it at bay and prevent it from spreading: wash your hands often Symptoms and causes - Boils and carbuncles - Mayo Clinic Boils and carbuncles Boil Boil A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump under your skin — the result of a bacterial infection of one or more hair follicles.

Carbuncle Carbuncle A carbuncle is a cluster of boils — painful, pus-filled bumps — that form a connected area of infection under the skin. Boils Boils can occur anywhere on your skin, but appear mainly on your face, neck, armpits, buttocks or thighs — hair-bearing areas where you're most likely to sweat or experience friction. Signs and symptoms of a boil usually include: A painful, red bump that starts out about the size of a pea Red, swollen skin around the bump An increase in the size of the bump over a few days as it fills with pus (can sometimes reach the size of a baseball) Development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows the pus to drain out Carbuncles A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection. Carbuncles often occur on the back of the neck, shoulders or thighs. Compared with single boils, carbuncles cause a deeper and more severe infection and are more likely to leave a scar. People who have a carbuncle often feel unwell in general and may experience a fever and chills. When to see a doctor You usually can care for a single, small boil yourself.

But see your doctor if you have more than one boil at a time or if a boil: Occurs on your face Worsens rapidly or is extremely painful Causes a fever Is more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) across Hasn't healed in two weeks Recurs Causes Most boils are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. Boils sometimes develop at sites where the skin has been broken by a small injury or an insect bite, which gives the bacteria easy entry. Risk factors Although anyone — including otherwise healthy people — can develop boils or carbuncles, the following factors can increase your risk: Close contact with a person who has a staph infection. You're more likely to develop an infection if you live with someone who has a boil or carbuncle. Diabetes. This disease can make it more difficult for your body to fight infection, including bacterial infections of your skin. Other skin conditions. Because they damage your skin's protective barrier, skin problems, such as acne and eczema, make you more susceptible to boils and carbuncles. Compromised immunity.

If your immune system is weakened for any reason, you're more susceptible to boils and carbuncles. Complications Rarely, bacteria from a boil or carbuncle can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. The spreading infection, commonly known as blood poisoning (sepsis), can lead to infections deep within your body, such as your heart (endocarditis) and bone (osteomyelitis).

Question: On the human body, as what is a furuncle more commonly known?
Answer: A BOIL