Do you sometimes get painful, red lumps on your skin? If so, you may have boils. Boils are a common skin infection that can be caused by several things.
In this blog post, we will discuss the top causes of boils. We will also talk about the symptoms and treatment options for this condition but first, you need to know that the immune system of your body responds by sending infection-fighting white blood cells to the affected area.
What Are Boils?
A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a deep infection of the hair follicle. Boils most commonly occur on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs.
They begin as small red bumps that become increasingly tender, swollen, and painful. Eventually, the bump gets filled up with pus and forms a whitehead. The boil then comes to a head and drains.
Cystic acne is a type of skin abscess that develops when oil and dead skin cells plug a hair follicle, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. It affects deeper skin tissue, resulting in solid, painful cysts.
Boils usually go away on their own within two weeks without scarring; however, more serious cases may require antibiotics or surgery.
Types Of Boil Causing Organisms
Boils can be caused by many different types of bacteria. The most common type of boil is a staph infection.
Other types of bacteria that can cause boils include:
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics.
MRSA can cause serious skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections.
Pseudomonas
This type of bacteria is often found in hospitals and can cause skin infections, ear infections, and respiratory problems.
E Coli
E Coli is a type of bacterium that lives in the intestines and can cause food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea.
Klebsiella
Klebsiella is a type of bacterium that can cause pneumonia, blood infections, and skin infections.
Enterobacter
This type of bacteria can cause respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections.
Serratia
Serratia is a type of bacterium that can cause respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections.
Most boils are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, which is often found in the skin or on the nose. Some staph infections develop into abscesses, which can quickly become life-threatening.
Boils are more common in people who have impaired immune systems, diabetes, or other medical conditions that make it difficult for their bodies to fight off infection
Top Causes Of Boils
Boils are a fairly common occurrence and can be caused by a variety of things.
Knowing what causes boils can help you to treat them more effectively and speed up the healing process.
There are many different causes of boils, but some of the most common include:
Ingrown Hair
When hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outwards, it can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to a boil.
Friction
Repeated friction from clothing or skin-to-skin contact can damage the hair follicle and lead to a boil.
Clogged Sweat Glands
If your sweat glands become plugged, it provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
This can also cause an infection that turns into a boil.
Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene practices can lead to an accumulation of dirt and oil on the skin, which can block the pores and cause a boil.
Compromised Immune System
A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to developing infections, such as boils.
Exposure To Harsh Chemicals
Chemicals like bleach and other cleaning products can irritate your skin and make you more likely to get an infection.
Diabetes
This chronic condition weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
Weakened Immune System
If you have HIV/AIDS or are undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system may not be able to adequately fight off infections.
Skin Conditions
Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can leave your skin open to infection.
Crowding
When there are too many people living in close quarters, it increases the chances that someone will spread the infection.
Are Boils Contagious
Most boils are not contagious, but they can spread if the bacteria that cause them infect other hair follicles. If someone has a boil, it is best to avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, with others. It is also important to keep the affected area clean and covered to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Diagnosis Of Boils
Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and order tests to determine the cause of your boils and to rule out other conditions. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary.
Treatment Of Boils
- Treatment for boils usually involves draining the boil.
- Taking antibiotics to clear the infection. Antibiotics are used to treat acne and hidradenitis suppurativa.
- Antibacterial soaps.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids may be needed on a long-term basis to prevent recurrent abscess formation.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
Conclusion
If you have a boil, it is important to see your doctor so that the infection does not spread. Boils can often be painful and uncomfortable, but they are usually not serious.
However, if you have a fever or the boil is located near your anus or vagina, it could be a sign of a more serious infection and you should see your doctor right away.
If you have multiple boils or recurrent infections, you may need to be seen by a dermatologist or an infectious disease specialist.