Skin Infections: Boils

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. One of the first signs of a boil is the skin turns red in the area of the infection, which develops into a tender lump. After several days, the lump may start turning white due the pus that collects under the skin. Typically, boils can appear on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks.

What causes boils?

Boils are typically caused by bacteria that enter the body through tiny cuts in the skin or the bacteria can travel down the hair to the follicle. Some of the risk factors that make people more susceptible to skin infections can include people with diabetes, problems with immune system, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, and exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin.

What are the symptoms of boils?

Some of the symptoms of boils include:

• Hard, red, painful lump usually about half an inch in size
• Lump becomes softer, larger, and more painful as time progresses
• A pock of pus may form on top of the boil

Some of the symptoms of a severe infection can include:

• Skin around the boil is infected – turning red, painful, warm, and swollen
• More boils appear around the original one
• Fever
• Lymph nodes may become swollen

When should I seek medical care for boils?

Seek medical care when:

• You start running a fever
• You have swollen lymph nodes
• The skin around the boil turns red
• The pain becomes severe
• The boil does not drain
• A second boil appears

If you have any conditions such as diabetes or any problem with your immune system, then it is also important to seek medical care when you develop a boil.

Call 888-719-8448 or walk into your nearest Healthpointe location to receive prompt medical attention if you develop a boil and are experiencing any severe symptoms.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located near Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden grove. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit https://healthpointe.net/.