^

Health

A
A
A

Chirea: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
 
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle and surrounding tissue.

Over time, the inflammatory process affects the sebaceous gland and adjacent connective tissue. As a rule, the disease is provoked by Staphylococcus aureus. Failure to observe personal hygiene and damage to the skin, in most cases, lead to the development of purulent inflammation.

A weakened immune system, chronic diseases, vitamin deficiency, and diabetes play a significant role in the development of the disease.

trusted-source[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Causes chiruria

A boil is quite a painful disease. The inflamed hair follicle is very hard when palpated, and after pus begins to accumulate there, the pain increases greatly. But as soon as the abscess breaks through, the pain and inflammation gradually subside.

An abscess can appear for a variety of reasons. The most common causes of boils are low immunity, poor personal hygiene, hormonal imbalance, and poor nutrition. In some cases, taking certain medications can provoke furunculosis, and people with diabetes are more likely to develop the disease due to metabolic disorders.

A boil is formed after the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria gets into the hair follicle. The bacteria can penetrate through damaged areas of the skin and cause severe inflammation inside the hair follicle, as well as in the adjacent tissues. The abscess can form on any part of the human body (only where there is hair). Children and men are most susceptible to the disease. Small children have such a bad habit as scratching damaged areas of the skin with dirty hands, as a result of which the infection can easily penetrate under the skin. In men, a boil most often forms on the face, since they can damage the skin when shaving.

Most often, boils appear on the face, neck, armpits, thighs and buttocks.

trusted-source[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Pathogens

Risk factors

The main causes of boils are considered to be hypothermia. However, overwork (nervous or physical), decreased immunity, lack of vitamins in the body (especially C and A), chronic diseases, metabolic disorders (obesity, anemia, diabetes), various skin lesions where infection can get (abrasions, scratched insect bites, scratches), poor personal hygiene, a tendency to excessive sweating can also lead to the development of an abscess on the body. In addition, a boil can become a complication of an infectious disease.

The formation of boils most often occurs in the spring, when the human body is weakened and susceptible to all kinds of infections.

trusted-source[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ]

Symptoms chiruria

A boil appears as a small swelling on the skin around the hair. There may also be pain (from mild to very strong), redness (in some cases the skin color does not change significantly), itching, tingling. With normal maturation of the abscess, on the 3rd - 4th day the redness and swelling increase, a white or yellowish head of the purulent rod appears in the center of the compaction, a pulsating pain is felt.

If after a few days there is no improvement, the boil becomes very large or very painful, and the purulent head of the core has not appeared, you should contact a specialist for help.

The size of a boil can be from 1 to 3 cm. In some cases, purulent fluid may ooze from it throughout the entire ripening period, or, on the contrary, the boil may be covered with a rather hard crust.

trusted-source[ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ]

Is a boil contagious?

Staphylococcus aureus, which in most cases provokes the development of boils, can be present on the skin and mucous membranes of many people, while not showing itself at all, until favorable conditions for its development are created. Since Staphylococcus aureus can be transmitted from person to person, furunculosis is considered a rather contagious disease.

trusted-source[ 15 ]

How long does a boil take to go away?

The resulting boil quickly becomes inflamed and increases in size. In some cases, a small amount of pus may be released from it; if personal hygiene is not observed, the disease may spread to other parts of the body.

At the beginning of development, a painful reddish compaction appears around the hair follicle, which after 2-3 days can increase in size considerably, become denser, and the pain intensifies. On the 3rd to 5th day, a purulent core appears (a white dot inside the reddish compaction). At this time, the general condition may worsen (temperature rises, weakness, headaches). After opening or spontaneous breakthrough of pus, pain and swelling pass. If the disease proceeds without complications, then 10-12 days pass from the moment the furuncle appears until opening.

Boil on the head

A boil on the head is quite dangerous for human health. Such purulent inflammations can be complicated by purulent meningitis, blood infection (sepsis).

It is better to treat abscesses on the head under the supervision of a specialist, since if treated incorrectly, pus can quickly get into the brain.

There are several options for treating a boil on the head. Usually, a specialist prescribes a course of antibiotics, treating the affected area with special antiseptic solutions that accelerate the maturation process. With this approach, the furuncle goes away in 4-6 days.

You can also resort to surgical treatment of a boil, when a surgeon opens the inflamed area and cleans it of purulent contents.

In any case, whatever treatment is chosen, after opening the abscess (either naturally or surgically), it is necessary to apply antiseptic agents to the affected area for several days, which will prevent infection from entering the wound and promote healing of the skin.

Boil on the face

A boil on the face can provoke such a serious complication as inflammation of the venous wall, which in turn creates optimal conditions for the development of purulent meningitis. Such serious complications are accompanied by severe swelling of the face, pain, and stiffness of the occipital muscles. If there are multiple boils on the face, and the neck is also affected, you must urgently seek help from a dermatologist and undergo a course of antibiotic treatment.

You must not touch the abscess with dirty hands. At the beginning of ripening, it is recommended to apply an antibacterial agent (Vishnevsky ointment, ichthyol ointment) to the furuncle several times a day. It is not recommended to warm up the abscesses, since in this case the probability of pus breaking through inside increases, which threatens sepsis. You also must not pick, scratch or squeeze the boil, so that the infection does not spread throughout the body.

As a rule, after 8-12 days, the boil matures well and breaks out. After this, it is necessary to remove the remaining pus with clean hands, wash the wound with hydrogen peroxide and apply an antiseptic to speed up the healing process. It is necessary to apply the antiseptic until the wound is completely healed.

A boil on the face most often appears in people with oily skin. Usually, timely and correct treatment helps to cope with the abscess. When a boil appears, the main thing is to seek medical help in time to avoid complications. You should not delay contacting a specialist in cases where a purulent core does not form within 3-4 days after its appearance. In this case, the risk of pus breaking through inside increases significantly, which can lead to the spread of infection throughout the body and blood poisoning.

trusted-source[ 16 ]

Boil on the forehead

A boil on the forehead puts the body in great danger. First of all, this is due to the fact that blood from the face quickly gets into the brain and if the pus breaks through inside or is treated incorrectly, purulent meningitis may develop.

As a rule, in such cases the doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics, which help not only to destroy the infection, but also to almost halve the recovery process. Local treatment in the form of ointments or compresses (Levomekol ointment, Vishnevsky ointment, etc.) is also prescribed.

Surgical removal of a boil may leave a small scar on the face.

trusted-source[ 17 ]

Boil on the eye

A boil on the eye first appears as a slight reddening of the skin under the eye, the skin above the affected area itches, swells a little, and hurts. After a few days, an abscess appears. With a normal course of the disease, the abscess fully matures in a few days and comes out.

In order to prevent the development of an abscess on the eye, it is necessary to begin treatment immediately as soon as the first signs of the disease appear. First of all, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist who will prescribe effective treatment. Usually, for inflammatory processes in the eyes, antibacterial therapy (penicillin, gentamicin), drops or ointments for local use (ciprolet, levomycetin) are prescribed. The most effective way to get rid of a boil on the eye is to use ointments (erythromycin, tetracycline), which effectively destroy bacteria from the mucous membrane of the eye.

Boil under the eye

A boil under the eye requires urgent treatment. A pustule under the eye is formed as a result of inflammation of the hair follicle as a result of bacteria. A boil usually appears with a weakened immune system, often an abscess is a harbinger of a cold, and can also appear after an illness has already been suffered.

At the first signs of the disease, when there is no pus yet, it is recommended to use dry heat. The following method is widely known among the people: apply a hard-boiled egg warm (or hot through a layer of towel) to the sore eye. In addition to the egg, you can also use heated salt wrapped in a bag.

This method speeds up the process of boil maturation well (however, there have been cases when the boil completely disappeared, without the formation of a purulent core). It is worth noting that it is impossible to warm up the affected area after the purulent core has formed.

In addition to folk methods, traditional remedies, such as Albucid drops, are good at dealing with a pustule under the eye. To boost immunity, it is recommended to take a course of vitamins. If a boil under the eye appears regularly or boils on other parts of the body periodically bother you, you need to see a specialist, find out the cause of the abscesses and undergo the necessary course of treatment.

trusted-source[ 18 ]

Boil on the eyelid

A boil most often affects the upper eyelid or eyebrow area, it is extremely rare that it forms on the edge of the eyelid. At first, a dense nodule with a slight swelling appears, which over time spreads to the entire eyelid and can even cover half of the face. After the purulent core matures and comes out, the eyelid heals, and a small scar remains at the site of the abscess. Quite often, a boil on the eyelid is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of the body (headache, weakness, fever).

During treatment, antibacterial therapy (broad-spectrum drugs) is usually used, local treatment of the affected area (before opening the abscess - with camphor oil, antiseptics, after opening - with iodine, brilliant green), anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ointments are also prescribed to speed up maturation, as well as after the pus has broken through to speed up healing and prevent infection.

Boil on the upper eyelid

At the first stage of development, a boil on the upper eyelid appears as a small seal, there may also be slight redness of the eyelid and pain when blinking. At this stage of development, dry heat is recommended to speed up the maturation of the purulent core. If the general condition worsens during the maturation of the furuncle (fever, weakness, headaches), you can take painkillers and antipyretic drugs.

trusted-source[ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ]

Boil on eyebrow

A boil on the eyebrow appears as a small painful nodule. Over time, swelling can cover the entire eyelid, as well as half of the face. When a furuncle matures, throbbing pain, general weakness, fever may bother, and nearby lymph nodes may become inflamed. It is best to treat a boil on the eyebrow under the supervision of a specialist, since boils on the face are quite dangerous and can lead to undesirable consequences. As in other cases, at the first stage, dry heat is recommended, the establishment of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents, at the stage of purulent maturation (when a purulent core appears), it is impossible to warm up the furuncle, only compresses with pulling and antiseptic agents are indicated. After the pus breaks through, it is necessary to apply anti-inflammatory drugs for a few more days, until the wound is completely healed. The reason for an immediate consultation with a surgeon is the condition of the boil, in which on the 3-5th day the head of the purulent core is not visible on the surface, pain increases, and there is severe swelling. In this case, the pus can break through inside and lead to serious complications.

trusted-source[ 22 ]

Boil in the nose

Any inflammatory disease on the face is dangerous due to the peculiarities of blood flow. An infection from the surface of the skin of the face can easily penetrate deeper tissues and get into the systemic circulation. It is for this reason that any rashes on the face, and especially boils, should be treated with extreme caution.

A boil in the nose is located on the mucous membrane, in a rather hard-to-reach place. If such an abscess appears, it is better to immediately consult a doctor to avoid possible serious consequences.

A boil begins to appear with a slight tingling, the next day the tingling intensifies, pain, swelling, redness appear, and then the maturation of a boil in the nose is no different from maturation on any other part of the body. It is very important that the boil fully matures and comes out on its own, otherwise the infection may remain inside.

During the examination, the doctor will determine the most optimal method of treatment. In some cases, it is enough to apply antibacterial ointments and general strengthening therapy. But if the boil develops with some complications or if the process is advanced, a course of antibiotics or surgery will be required.

Boil under the nose

A boil under the nose usually occurs as a result of poor hygiene, infections, and various chronic diseases. The principle of treating boils under the nose is no different from treating them on another part of the face or body. The inflamed area can be treated with iodine, brilliant green, or alcohol. In some cases, antibiotics are required.

trusted-source[ 23 ]

Boil on the bridge of the nose

A boil on the bridge of the nose does not differ in its stages of development and appearance from abscesses on other parts of the body. In this case, the tumor can affect not only the affected area, but also cover most of the face.

trusted-source[ 24 ], [ 25 ]

Boil on the lip

A boil on the face appears most often. It is typical that in the vast majority of cases, an abscess develops on the upper lip. It is worth noting that a boil on the lip is dangerous because this part of the face is connected to both the anterior facial vein and the cavernous sinus (it carries out venous outflow from the brain and eye sockets and is involved in the regulation of intracranial blood circulation). It is for this reason that pimples or abscesses located in the nasolabial triangle should not be squeezed out, scratched, etc. If the infection penetrates the cavernous sinus or facial vein through the damaged area, this can lead to the development of thrombosis or meningitis, and a fatal outcome is not excluded.

Boil under the lip

In addition to the upper lip, a boil can also form under the lip and in the corners of the mouth. When abscesses appear in the lip area, after 2-3 days there is severe swelling of this area, and the cheeks and cheekbones can also swell.

A boil under the lip eventually becomes like a small bleeding ulcer that gradually heals. It is very important to know that you should only touch boils with clean hands, and you should also wash your hands well after treating the boil so as not to spread the infection throughout the body.

Treatment of boils in the lip area should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. As a rule, the therapy is no different from that prescribed for other localizations of boils (provided that the development process is not complicated) - at the initial stage, dry heat (UHF), then antiseptic, drawing compresses and, after the release of pus, it is recommended to apply anti-inflammatory drugs for several more days until complete healing.

Boil on the tongue

A boil on the tongue can appear as a result of poor oral hygiene, as well as when an infection is introduced during dental procedures. A furuncle on the tongue initially appears as a small painful lump, after a few days the tongue can swell up and turn red. As the furuncle progresses, the general condition of the body is disrupted, and the person cannot eat normally. As a rule, treatment of abscesses on the tongue is carried out surgically: the surgeon cuts the boil and cleans it of purulent contents, after which the patient is prescribed rinsing the oral cavity with antiseptic solutions.

Boil in the mouth

A boil in the mouth causes a lot of trouble. First of all, it is associated with severe pain, swelling, due to which a person cannot eat normally. Also, the treatment of purulent abscesses in the mouth is quite difficult, because the usually used treatment methods (dry heat, application of ointments, compresses, etc.) are almost impossible when a boil matures in the oral cavity.

In this case, surgical treatment and, if necessary, antibacterial therapy are prescribed.

In the oral cavity, bacteria and microbes multiply quite well in a moist environment on the mucous membrane. This is why treatment of any inflammatory processes in the mouth must begin immediately after the first unpleasant symptoms appear, in order to prevent more severe complications.

trusted-source[ 26 ], [ 27 ], [ 28 ]

Boil on the gum

A boil on the gum appears as a result of poor oral hygiene. Also, gum and dental diseases can cause abscesses on the gums. The disease is provoked by pyogenic bacteria, most often staphylococci. Microbes enter the tissue through damage to the mucous membrane. In addition, with insufficient oral hygiene, bacteria accumulate on the mucous membranes and as a result cause inflammatory processes with subsequent suppuration.

Treatment of abscesses in the oral cavity is carried out by a dentist, usually surgical intervention is performed: opening of the purulent focus and cleaning from necrotic masses.

Boil in the ear

A boil in the ear begins to manifest itself with a slight feeling of congestion, itching, and in some cases, tinnitus appears. Over time, as the boil matures, a sharp pain appears when pressed, and the temperature may rise.

To prevent the appearance of abscesses in the ear, you need to maintain personal hygiene, avoid damage inside the ear, and above all, do not use sharp objects (toothpicks, needles, etc.) for cleaning, since even a small abrasion is a good place for the reproduction of microorganisms. Minor damage should be immediately treated with alcohol, iodine, hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptics.

As a rule, only one boil can form in the ear. But when boils appear frequently or develop with complications, several abscesses appear, then it is necessary to consult a dermatologist and determine the cause. It is possible that frequent or multiple boils develop as a result of an existing chronic disease (for example, diabetes).

A boil can occur in a person at any age, but most often, people who are overweight, children and teenagers suffer from abscesses.

Boil on the earlobe

A boil on the earlobe can appear as a result of infection after piercing. Especially often, abscesses on the earlobe are formed as a result of unprofessional piercing, which occurs at home in unsanitary conditions. Infection can also be brought in in the salon, for example, with poorly disinfected instruments, dirty hands, etc.

trusted-source[ 29 ]

Boil behind the ear

A boil can appear on any area of skin where there is hair, i.e. the only place on the human body where boils cannot be is the feet and palms. Since a boil is an inflammation of the sac from which hair grows, the area behind the ear is no exception. A boil that forms behind the ear causes a lot of problems for the patient: pain, general malaise, and the parotid lymph nodes may also become inflamed. At the same time, the location of the boil makes it problematic to independently apply ointments or compresses to speed up the maturation of the purulent core.

Boil on the cheek

Boils appear on the face quite often. Poor hygiene, hypothermia, colds or chronic diseases - all this leads to purulent inflammation. In women, a boil on the face can appear due to clogged pores from frequent use of decorative cosmetics.

An abscess on the cheek causes quite a lot of inconvenience and unpleasant sensations. First of all, an abscess can lead to severe swelling (which greatly spoils the appearance), pain, and the maturation of the purulent core can also be accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition (weakness, fever, inflammation of the lymph nodes). Treatment of purulent abscesses on the face should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, since in case of complications or abnormal development (for example, when the purulent core breaks through inside), the infection in most cases goes straight to the brain.

trusted-source[ 30 ]

Boil on the chin

Inflammations and abscesses are always unpleasant, especially if they appear on the face. It is difficult to confuse a boil with a regular pimple. First of all, a beginning furuncle appears as a painful lump, which intensifies when pressed. Most often, abscesses are caused by an infection that has entered through damage to the skin.

In men, a boil on the chin is quite common, since with careless shaving they can introduce an infection into the cut. Furuncles can also bother people with oily skin, with metabolic disorders (with obesity, diabetes), with weakened immunity (especially in the spring).

The first signs of a boil are itching, swelling, and redness of the skin. A painful lump with a purulent center appears at the site of the lesion. Usually, after a few days, the abscess opens on its own and the contents are cleared. After this, the swelling and pain subside. To help the purulent core mature, thereby speeding up the healing process, you can apply compresses of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents.

But if after 3-5 days the head of the purulent core does not appear in the center of the redness, the process of opening the abscess does not occur for a long time (after 8-10 days from the beginning of development), or after opening the wound does not heal for a long time, bleeds or pus continues to flow out of it, you must urgently consult a dermatologist.

Boil on the temple

A boil on the temple can cause major swelling of the face a few days after its appearance. The maturation of a furuncle occurs almost the same way as on other parts of the body.

If not treated correctly, or if the body is severely depleted (for example, after serious illnesses), a boil can develop into an abscess.

trusted-source[ 31 ]

Boil on the back of the head

A boil on the back of the head appears quite often. It is best to see a specialist when a lump and pain appear in the neck area to rule out possible complications.

trusted-source[ 32 ]

Boil on the neck

A boil on the neck, as well as on the face, is very dangerous, since the spread of infection inside can lead to infection of the brain. It is best to immediately consult a doctor when the first symptoms of the development of an abscess appear (tingling, itching, compaction, redness), who, after examination, will determine the optimal treatment methods.

Boil on the back

The first signs of a boil on the back are a small painful lump, quite often redness forms at the site of the lesion. In the early stages of development, it is recommended to warm up the inflammation with dry heat, after that, when a purulent core appears, it is necessary to apply a compress of antiseptic ointments. In some cases, you will need to take a course of antibiotics.

trusted-source[ 33 ]

Boil on the chest

A boil is a rather dangerous purulent disease that can occur for several reasons. The main reason for the appearance of abscesses is weak immunity. Personal hygiene should also be observed. In addition, the appearance of boils on the body is facilitated by the consumption of large amounts of sweets or alcohol. If hygiene is not observed, boils can spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, before touching the abscess and after treating it, it is necessary to wash your hands well.

If the immune system is weakened, a boil can be very dangerous, since in this case, several hair follicles can become inflamed at the same time, which will lead to the development of a carbuncle - an acute inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Boil on the mammary gland

If any inflammation, compaction, or abscesses appear on the mammary gland, you should immediately seek advice from a specialist to determine the cause of such rashes. A boil on the mammary gland may be the result of hypothermia, a cold, or some disturbances in the functioning of the body.

trusted-source[ 34 ], [ 35 ]

Boil on the side

Inflammation of the hair follicle can occur, as already mentioned, on any part of the body. The factors that provoke diseases are primarily associated with weakened immunity, when the body is unable to resist infection. Most often, the causative agent of purulent processes is Staphylococcus aureus. 20% of the population are carriers of these bacteria, which are present on the skin and do not manifest themselves until a certain moment. Failures in the immune system are a good impetus for the active reproduction of staphylococcus, and if there is damage to the skin, the bacteria easily penetrate under it and provoke inflammation.

A boil that appears on the side initially looks like a small pimple that hurts when palpated. Treatment in this case is not much different from accepted treatment methods. First of all, it is necessary to accelerate the maturation of the purulent core and facilitate the release of purulent contents using antiseptic, anti-inflammatory compresses.

Boil on nipple

The nipple is absolutely not a typical place for boils to form, so you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If possible, it is better to immediately contact a mammologist, but if this is not possible, then you need to consult a surgeon.

trusted-source[ 36 ]

Boil on the stomach

As already mentioned, a boil occurs on those areas of the skin where there is hair.

In the context of modern fashion, some men resort to chest and abdominal hair removal, which can provoke inflammation of the hair follicles in this area.

As in other cases, at first a small painful lump appears, which after a few days grows to several centimeters, while the pain and redness intensify, and a white (or yellow) purulent rod appears in the center of the inflammation.

In cases where the process of boil maturation occurs with certain difficulties (severe pain, swelling, high temperature, etc.), you should immediately consult a doctor.

trusted-source[ 37 ]

Boil on the butt

A boil often appears on those areas of the skin that are often warm, sweat or rub against clothing. That is why abscesses on the butt are very common. Most often, a boil bothers older people and teenagers, as well as people prone to obesity or suffering from diabetes.

The maturation of a boil is almost always accompanied by pain, especially in the buttocks, since it is extremely difficult for a person to sit in this case. With proper treatment, the process of boil maturation can be significantly accelerated, and this will also help prevent complications.

trusted-source[ 38 ]

Boil on the elbow

A boil on the elbow appears at the first stage as a small, rather painful pimple. Over time, when palpated, you can feel a hard ball inside, increasing every day. The abscess can reach up to 4 cm in diameter, while it is very painful and causes a lot of inconvenience to the patient, especially on the elbow - at the bend of the arm.

Boil on finger

Often after cuts, scratches or small wounds on the fingers, purulent inflammation occurs. A sign of a boil on the finger is swelling, redness of the finger, and twitching pain.

Boil under the arm

A boil under the armpits can appear for several reasons. First of all, it is failure to observe the rules of personal hygiene, hypothermia, minor injuries after shaving. Interestingly, a boil can also appear in case of excessive hygiene, for example, too frequent use of deodorants leads to clogged pores and as a result, hair follicles become inflamed.

trusted-source[ 39 ], [ 40 ]

Boil in intimate place

A boil can appear in a person of any age and in any place. However, people cannot always seek help from a specialist, since a boil can jump up in an intimate place and many are simply embarrassed to seek medical help with such a delicate problem. Quite often, an abscess in intimate places develops after shaving, epilation.

Boil in the groin

A boil in the groin causes a lot of inconvenience to a person. In addition to severe pain, a person may experience discomfort when moving. Despite the delicacy of the problem, a boil must be shown to a specialist who, after examination, will determine whether the maturation process is normal or whether it is necessary to resort to surgical intervention.

trusted-source[ 41 ], [ 42 ]

Boil on penis

A boil on the penis occurs for the same reasons as in other places, but the appearance of an abscess on the male genital organ is a rather complicated situation that requires consultation with a dermatologist. If a boil is treated incorrectly, it threatens the appearance of new abscesses (in the same or other parts of the body). At the first stage of abscess development, before contacting a specialist, it is recommended to apply compresses with ichthyol ointment, Vishnevsky ointment, Levomekol ointment, in parallel, you can apply an aloe leaf with the fleshy part to the affected area for a couple of hours (preferably at night). At the appointment, the specialist may consider it necessary to prescribe a course of antibiotics to relieve inflammation and pain. A boil on the penis requires immediate treatment, since this organ contains a large number of vessels, and the skin is quite thin, which makes the process of opening difficult at advanced stages of the inflammatory process.

trusted-source[ 43 ]

Boil on the labia

A boil on the labia should not be treated independently, since the problematic location of the abscess will not allow you to properly assess the correctness of its development, and this, in turn, can lead to furunculosis (multiple appearance of boils on the body, which are quite difficult to get rid of).

In addition to the usual causes of boils, in women the appearance of abscesses on the labia can occur under the influence of physiological cycles, when some functions are restructured in the female body.

trusted-source[ 44 ], [ 45 ]

Boil on the clitoris

A boil on the clitoris can appear as a result of insufficient hygiene of intimate areas, too tight underwear, minor injuries, hypothermia, etc. An abscess in such a delicate place causes women a lot of inconvenience, as severe pain and swelling prevent normal movement. A boil on the clitoris must be treated under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise serious complications are possible.

trusted-source[ 46 ], [ 47 ], [ 48 ]

Boil in the perineum

The perineal mucosa may be involved in an inflammatory process, which may be expressed by a purulent lesion of the skin. A boil in the perineum may manifest itself in different forms: from a small pimple to severe inflammation, with swelling, ulceration and bleeding. Usually, such inflammations in the perineum appear as a result of secondary infection of the hair follicles and tissue damage.

trusted-source[ 49 ]

Boil on the testicle

The testicles have a fairly extensive vascular network, so with any complication, a boil can lead to inflammation of the venous wall or varicose veins. Do not self-medicate if any rashes appear on the testicles, it is better to immediately consult a dermatologist who will help determine an effective and safe treatment method.

Boil on the scrotum

The scrotum is the most vulnerable, unlike other areas of the skin. When a boil appears on the scrotum, swelling can affect the entire area, and over time, the testicles will also be involved in the inflammation process. Abscesses on the scrotum must be treated under the supervision of a specialist.

trusted-source[ 50 ]

Boil on the anus

A boil on the anus can appear as a result of acute purulent inflammation. The disease proceeds with severe pain, causing great discomfort. Usually, antibacterial agents are used for treatment, which prevent the spread of boils throughout the body.

trusted-source[ 51 ], [ 52 ]

Boil on the leg

A boil on the leg looks like a pimple at the beginning of its development, only slightly larger in size. The appearance of abscesses on the skin can be caused by damage to the skin, which has been infected, weak immunity, concomitant diseases, a lack of vitamins in the body. When a furuncle forms on the leg, you should not try to squeeze it out or pick it. Such rashes on the skin should mature well and break through on their own, treatment in this case is aimed at accelerating the maturation of the purulent core. Surgical treatment is prescribed when complications occur (the purulent core does not appear, the pus does not break through for a long time, there is too much swelling and inflammation, etc.).

trusted-source[ 53 ]

Boil on the thigh

A boil appears as a pimple, in the center of which you can see a rod - an inflamed follicle. The inflammation increases quite quickly, and the pain intensifies. Over time, the hair follicle is filled with pus - a product of bacterial activity. In the normal course of the disease, the pus breaks out on its own, after which the wound needs care - applying an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory drugs, and, if necessary, a sterile bandage.

Boil on the knee

As already mentioned, acute purulent inflammation of the skin can appear anywhere where hair grows. Quite often, a boil can jump up on the knee, its appearance is provoked by the same factors as in any other place. Treatment in this case consists of maintaining hygiene, applying compresses with Vishnevsky ointment, ichthyol ointment, etc. In the early stages, the affected area can be lubricated with alcohol, iodine. After breaking through the purulent contents, the resulting cavity must be thoroughly washed with hydrogen peroxide, then apply an antiseptic ointment. If the furuncle on the knee is very large (more than 5 cm), the purulent core is not visible on the surface, maturation occurs with severe pain - this is a reason to seek urgent advice from a dermatologist.

Boil on the inner thigh

The appearance of a boil on the inner thigh is not uncommon. The infection can affect any hair follicle. In this case, treatment should be carried out after examination by a dermatologist, since there is a possibility that the abscess can mature with some complications. The doctor will also send you to take some tests that will help determine the cause of the boil and avoid the recurrence of purulent inflammation.

Boil on the heel

A boil is a purulent inflammation of the sac from which hair grows. Hair does not grow on the heel, so such an abscess cannot appear on the heel. Most likely, when purulent inflammation appears in the heel area, we are talking about a completely different disease.

Boil on the foot

The only places where a boil cannot appear are the feet and palms. This is due to the fact that these places do not have hair follicles that become inflamed when boils develop.

Early stage boil

A boil at an early stage looks like a small pimple with a whitish dot in the center - a purulent core. If you start treating a boil at an early stage (dry heat, applying compresses with anti-inflammatory drugs), you can significantly speed up the maturation of the purulent core. In addition, in some cases, earlier treatment helped to completely prevent further development of the boil.

trusted-source[ 54 ]

Boil during pregnancy

A boil can appear as a result of decreased immunity, which is often observed in pregnant women. In addition, hormonal changes in a woman during this period can provoke purulent abscesses on the skin. During pregnancy, you cannot try to treat or squeeze out boils on your own. The female body is quite vulnerable during pregnancy and approaches to treating any diseases during this period should be determined by a doctor.

trusted-source[ 55 ], [ 56 ]

Boil in a child

A boil in children is quite a common occurrence. This happens primarily due to poor hygiene. Children, especially small ones, tend to touch everything with their hands, and they often fall and get injured, which leads to infection. If an abscess begins to develop on the child's body, then he loses his appetite, weakness, fatigue, headaches, and fever appear. It is good if parents notice a boil at an early stage of development, in which case proper treatment will help avoid surgery to remove the furuncle.

Boil on the face of a child

A boil on the face appears quite often. Children often touch their face with dirty hands, if there is even the slightest damage on the face, this can cause the development of an inflammatory process. Furuncles are also a consequence of weak immunity, so if a child often gets boils, you need to pay attention to his diet, reduce the amount of sugar consumed, increase fruits and vegetables in the diet.

Treatment of boils on the face should be carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician. Blood from the face flows directly to the brain and complications with boils can lead to the development of more serious diseases.

Boil in a baby

Treatment of a boil in an infant is carried out according to the same principle as in an adult. Usually, in an uncomplicated process, local treatment of the abscess with antiseptics is prescribed, after which the boil opens on its own. After this, it is necessary to apply anti-inflammatory drugs for a couple more days. If complications arise, infants are prescribed injections with antibacterial drugs or surgical opening.

Stages

The maturation cycle of a boil usually lasts 8 to 12 days.

At the first stage of maturation, slight swelling appears on the skin around the hair, redness, itching, and soreness may occur.

At the second stage, the boil increases in size, the skin becomes red, inflamed, and a pulsating pain is felt at the site of the abscess. On the 3rd to 4th day, the furuncle reaches its peak development – a purulent core (a whitish dot in the center of the redness, covered with a thin white film) appears in the center of the abscess (which reaches 1 to 3 cm in diameter). During this period, depending on the location of the boil, nearby lymph nodes may become inflamed.

The third stage of furuncle development is expressed in the opening of the abscess - the film covering the core is rejected and the pus breaks through and the purulent core is discharged. After this, the pain and redness begin to subside, and recovery occurs.

trusted-source[ 57 ], [ 58 ], [ 59 ]

Diagnostics chiruria

A dermatologist diagnoses boils, determining the disease based on the results of examination and research of the affected area. To identify the causes of abscesses or pathogens of the inflammatory process, the doctor prescribes various types of research (urine and blood tests, identification of possible disorders in the functioning of internal organs, etc.). If necessary, the patient can be referred for consultation to another specialist. If complications arise during the maturation of the purulent core, the patient is referred for biological blood culture in order to prevent or promptly diagnose a blood infection.

trusted-source[ 60 ], [ 61 ], [ 62 ], [ 63 ]

Who to contact?

Treatment chiruria

First of all, if you find a boil on your skin, you should not try to squeeze it out or pick at it. It is best to consult a specialist as soon as possible to begin effective treatment.

The ointment Ilon K, produced by the German pharmaceutical company Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co, has proven itself well in the treatment of boils. The ointment is made from medicinal herbs and is an effective, more aesthetically pleasing alternative to Vishnevsky and Ichthyol ointments.

The active ingredient of the ointment is larch turpentine and purified turpentine oil, as well as essential oils of eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary and thymol. Not belonging to the group of antibiotics, the ointment has pronounced anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and blood circulation enhancing properties. Applied to the skin under a sterile bandage or plaster, the ointment disinfects the affected area and increases blood flow to the inflammation site, which helps to accelerate the resorption or maturation and opening of the boil.

The active ingredients in the ointment completely remove pus from the affected area of skin and prevent further spread of inflammation. Due to the plant origin of the ingredients, the ointment is well tolerated and has virtually no contraindications. Therefore, the ointment can be used not only for treatment, but also as a preventive measure to prevent skin inflammation. You can buy Ilon K ointment in pharmacies.

If it is not possible to seek medical help immediately, then anti-inflammatory drugs (Vishnevsky ointment, ichthyol or levomekol) can be applied to the affected area, and the inflamed area can also be lubricated with iodine.

At the initial stage of development, dry heat (salt, boiled egg, etc.) helps well. The aloe plant has a good pulling effect, the pulp of which can be applied to the inflamed area for 2-3 hours (preferably at night). The affected area should be treated only with clean hands, and it is also necessary to wash your hands after treating the abscess.

Treatment of boils consists of facilitating faster maturation of the purulent core. For this purpose, local compresses of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

How to cure a boil?

If a boil occurs, it is advisable to take a course of vitamin preparations to increase the body's defenses. It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after treating the boil, preferably with antibacterial soap.

Dry heat (UHF, warming up) is used to treat a boil at the initial stages. You can use a fairly simple method on your own - wrap a boiled egg in a towel and apply it to the affected area, you can also use heated salt or sand. This method helps speed up the maturation process. It is worth noting that warming up after a purulent vesicle (the head of the rod) appears on the surface of the boil is strictly prohibited. In this case, the likelihood of premature rupture of the abscess and the spread of infection throughout the body increases. At the stage of the appearance of a purulent rod, it is recommended to use products with a drawing effect - Vishnevsky ointment, levomekol. After the boil has broken through and the purulent rod has come out, the wound must be thoroughly cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and ichthyol ointment or levomekol applied, which will speed up healing.

Is it possible to squeeze a boil?

When a boil appears, you should not try to squeeze it out yourself, especially if it is located on the face. When squeezing, an infection may get into the wound, as a result of which a boil may appear on another area of the skin, and this may also provoke furunculosis (multiple boils).

If a boil has appeared, the body needs help to cope with the disease, and not to provoke even greater complications. To speed up the process of boil maturation, and thereby speed up the recovery process, you can treat the affected area with special means (ointments, creams, antiseptic essential oils, etc.).

How to remove a boil?

A boil can also be removed surgically. Doctors recommend opening boils located in the nasolabial triangle immediately, since the closely located vessels increase the likelihood of infection of deeper layers of skin and blood.

During surgical removal of a boil, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the affected area of the skin and cleans the cavity from the accumulated pus and core. After this, the wound is treated with antiseptics, an anti-inflammatory ointment (usually Levomekol) is placed in the cavity, which helps to completely clean the wound and reduce inflammation in the tissues. This operation is performed under local anesthetics, the pain and discomfort caused by the boil quickly disappear after the operation.

How to treat a boil on the butt?

A boil on the bottom should be treated in the same way as on any other part of the body. At the initial stage, the newly appeared furuncle should be warmed up with dry heat and treated with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agents, then it is necessary to apply pulling compresses (Vishnevsky ointment, ichthyol), after opening the abscess, clean the cavity with hydrogen peroxide and apply anti-inflammatory ointments (levomekol, ichthyol)

How to squeeze out a boil?

When squeezing a boil on your own, you should maintain maximum cleanliness. It is important to wash your hands well with an antibacterial agent before squeezing, and treat the surface of the damaged area with alcohol. You can only squeeze out a well-ripened boil, and be sure to completely remove the purulent core, otherwise complications are possible (recurrence of boils, skin infection, severe inflammation, etc.).

More information of the treatment

Prevention

To prevent boils, it is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, treat various injuries with antiseptics (iodine, brilliant green). In addition, it is extremely important to monitor your general health - treat diseases in a timely manner. The spread of boils throughout the body is facilitated by squeezing, cutting off the upper part of the purulent core with a razor, warming compresses at the stage of purulent formation, in addition, this can cause serious complications.

How to prevent a boil?

To prevent boils, in addition to maintaining personal hygiene and treating wounds, abrasions and other injuries with antiseptics, it is important to avoid hypothermia (as well as overheating, especially in the sun), and you should also properly care for oily skin and not overuse deodorants.

When cleaning the ear canals, use only special cotton swabs to avoid damaging the delicate skin.

You need to monitor your diet, which should include a sufficient amount of vitamins.

trusted-source[ 64 ], [ 65 ], [ 66 ], [ 67 ]

Forecast

The prognosis for a boil, if it is a single uncomplicated abscess, is favorable in most cases. Much also depends on the location of the furuncle. If the process of developing a boil is accompanied by any complication, then a favorable prognosis largely depends on timely and effective treatment.

A boil is a rather dangerous inflammatory process that can lead to serious consequences. Usually, with proper and timely treatment, abscesses are successfully cured and no longer bother a person. Often, boils are just a consequence of an existing chronic disease, so it will be impossible to cure boils without treating the underlying disease.

trusted-source[ 68 ]

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.