What are Boils ?
Boils are painful pus-filled bumps on the skin resulting from the deep infection of hair follicles.
Causes
Infection is usually caused by a type of bacteria called staphylococcus aureus.
Singn and Symptoms
A red to purple, tender lump on an area of the skin that also has hair.
Are Boils contagious?
Boils can be very contagious. Do not share clothing, towels, bedding or sporting equipment with others.
Who's at risk ?
1) Boils are most common in teenagers and young Adults.
2) Athletes participating in contact sport or using shared equipment.
When to see medical care?
1) You have multiple boils or If Boils increase in size or numbers.
2) You have fever or chills, severe pain.
3)The Boils fail to drain.
4)The area of redness surrounding the boil begins spreading.
5) You have Diabetes, a heart murmur.
6) You have had repeated outbreaks of boils.
Treatment
1)The pus inside of a boil needs to be drained.
2)The area than will be cleaned and bandaged with prescribed antibacterial ointment.
3) Your doctor may also be prescribed a course of antibiotics to be taken by mouth.
