Skin Abscess Treatment

What are Boils?

Boils (also referred to as abscesses, carbuncles, or furuncles) are swollen red, tender areas of the skin that fill with pus as the result of a tear in the surface tissue. The appearance of a boil is the result of a bacterial infection from the affected area. The most common bacterium to play a role in the formation of boils is Staphylococcus/MRSA.

Boils may grow, worsening the infection, and becoming more painful until they are drained. It is highly important to address boils with your physician immediately to avoid complications.

What Causes Boils?

Boils are most commonly caused by a Staph infection, which affects the hair follicles. The boils will occur when the bacteria enters the skin through a wound. The immune system attacks, sending white blood cells to the source of the infection.

Dead skin cells, bacteria, and dead white blood cells combine to build up the pus that forms inside of the boil.

Carbuncles (clusters of boils) are also caused by Staph bacteria, but people with poor health or compromised immune systems are at higher risk. Other contributing factors may include:

• Diabetes
• Long-term corticosteroid use
• Malnutrition
• Heart disease
• Drug-use (particularly injections)

Boil And Abscess Treatments

Your physician will be able to diagnose and create a treatment plan for your condition upon examination. In some circumstances, blood tests or tissue cultures are required for an accurate diagnosis. While some at-home modalities may reduce swelling (i.e., warm compress over the boil, or over-the-counter painkillers), most boils will require treatment by a physician. This may include:

• Incision and Drainage
• Antibiotics
• Advice on an at-home cleansing routine to prevent the spread and further infection