A boil (or pimple) is a purulent bump that forms under the skin due to a bacterial infection of a hair follicle or sebaceous gland. Sometimes, several can form in a well localized point and, in this case, the phenomenon is defined with the term "honeycomb". Fortunately, it is possible to treat it at home, and it typically heals on its own within a week or two. If you are unsure whether it is a boil or if the infection is quite severe or widespread, you should see your doctor and seek appropriate therapy.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms Associated with Boils
Step 1. Look out for a red, sore bump
When a boil begins to develop, the infection is found deep enough in the skin. At first it looks swollen and reddish, the size of a pea, and is painful to touch. In some cases, it can hurt even if you don't touch it.
- The surrounding skin may appear swollen and inflamed.
- Boils can appear anywhere on the body, but are more likely to develop in areas where sweating and friction are common. The most common spots include the face, neck, armpits, thighs, and buttocks.
Step 2. Notice if it gets bigger as the days go by
Keep an eye on it in the days following its appearance. If it is a boil, it will begin to expand as the subcutaneous abscess fills with pus. In some cases, it can grow to the size of a baseball, but it is very rare.
- You can check its development by putting a pen mark on the edge to see if it spreads out. Alternatively, you can measure it every day.
- As it grows, it becomes more painful and soft to the touch.
Step 3. Notice if there is yellowish pus under the skin in the center of the bump
As the boil grows, see if it forms a yellow or whitish "head". It happens when the pus inside comes to the surface and becomes more visible. In many cases, the growth breaks on its own allowing the purulent material to come out and heal.
- Note that the pus is not visible if the boil has recently appeared. Usually, it stands out in the later stages of development.
- Don't try to puncture or squeeze it to squeeze the pus out. In this way, the infection could spread deeper into the dermis.
Step 4. Look out for more severe symptoms that may indicate a honeycomb
If you notice a large number of boils that appear to be clustered in one spot, it could be a honeycomb. These infections are most common on the shoulders, back of the neck and thighs. In addition to the pain and swelling, notice if you have a fever, chills, and a general feeling of unwell.
- The honeycomb can reach a diameter of 10 cm. Usually, it resembles a large swollen area accompanied by a dense cluster of pustules at the highest point.
- A honeycomb or boil in severe condition can also cause swelling of the nearest lymph nodes.
Method 2 of 2: Get a Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. See your doctor if the boil is in serious condition or a honeycomb has formed
Although in most cases it heals spontaneously, it is worth seeing a doctor if it is large or severe. Furthermore, it is preferable to keep an eye on the phenomenon in case of relapses or accumulations of contiguous boils. See your doctor right away if:
- You have a boil or honeycomb on your face, spine, or buttocks
- It is very painful or grows rapidly;
- The boil or honeycomb is accompanied by fever, chills, or other symptoms of general malaise;
- The protuberance exceeds 5 cm in diameter;
- It does not heal after 2 weeks of self-medication;
- He heals, but returns;
- You fear another cause or are unsure if it is a boil.
Step 2. Undergo the diagnostic tests prescribed by your doctor
In most cases, the doctor will be able to tell if it is a boil during the visit. However, if the phenomenon is frequent or recurring, it may recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis or identify the underlying cause. Tell him if you have relapses or other symptoms that worry you.
- He may ask you to take a sample of purulent exudate to be analyzed in the laboratory. It can be used to establish the therapy to be followed especially if the boil is caused by a bacterium resistant to common antibiotics.
- Tell them if you have any other health problems potentially related to developing boils. The most common risk factors include diabetes, skin diseases (such as eczema and acne), a weakened immune system from a disease or dysfunction, close contact with a person with boils or honeycombs.
Step 3. Learn about treatment options
Depending on the severity of the problem, your doctor may recommend self-medication or suggest a more aggressive intervention. For example, he may make a small incision to let the pus out in the office or prescribe an antibiotic to eradicate the infection.
- Follow his instructions carefully if you self-medicate. Complete any antibiotic therapy unless instructed otherwise.
- He may recommend that you use a warm compress to relieve pain and help break the boil. If you decide to have it incised, you will likely need to dress and bandage the wound until healing is complete. Also, it could apply 1-2 stitches.
- Go back to his office to make sure the boil is healing properly.
Advice
- If you think it's a boil, cover it with a sterile bandage until it heals. Since it is a bacterial infection, be aware that it is contagious and can spread.
- Ichthyol can promote the healing of small boils. Just apply it on the bump and cover with a bandage. However, be aware that it has a strong odor and stains fabrics.
