Boils
- Symptoms and Treatments
Boils are caused by a local
infection deep in the skin that presents as a red, swollen area
that is tender to the touch and eventually forms into an abscess.
The abscess fills with white blood cells, or pus, to help stop the
infection. Acne, carbuncles, and other skin cysts are all variations
on boils. Boils are generally caused by a clogged pore, an ingrown
hair, or clogged sweat glands. Anyone can develop a boil; however,
people with weak immune systems are more susceptible to them.
Treatments for boils:
The most effective treatment for boils is heat application. Heat
causes cell movement, which brings the white blood cells to the
site of the infection faster. It is not advisable to squeeze it
or open it up before it forms a head. If the boil is very large,
it may be necessary to see a doctor. In some cases, there may be
an accompanying bacterial infection that will need to be treated
by antibiotics. Be sure to ask a healthcare professional if you
feel that your boil is excessively large and does not seem to be
healing on its own.
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