What are boils?
When more than one hair follicle is affected, this forms a multi-headed abscess called a carbuncle. If the infection spreads beyond the area of the hair follicle, a serious infection called cellulitis can occur. You will need antibiotics to treat this condition successfully.
Boils are common in adolescents and may also be spread from person to person due to skin contact. People with undiagnosed medical conditions are also more likely to develop these skin infections, so it is important to get help whenever you suspect you have a boil or any bacterial skin infection.
Causes and treatment
A boil starts out as being tender in the infected area. It then becomes swollen, hot and painful. The infection may ‘come to a head’ where a yellow coloured top bursts through the skin, releasing pus. It may also subside over a few days, leaving the skin tender but intact. Boils and carbuncles that burst generally leave a scar and may recur in the same spot or in nearby hair follicles.
A boil that has come to a head may be pierced (lanced) with a sterile needle, allowing the pus and infected tissue to be released. Care must be taken not to put pressure on the boil as this may push the infection into the surrounding tissue. A single boil may be treated with antiseptic creams and thorough cleansing of the surrounding area with antiseptic skin cleansers.
Further treatment
If boils recur or a carbuncle develops, then it is best to see your doctor, as you may need suitable antibiotics to stop the infection recurring or getting worse. Some people find that shaving hairy areas leads to boils developing repeatedly, so care must be taken when using razors or shavers to prevent reinfection. It may be helpful to use an antiseptic preparation when shaving in order to prevent boils.
If you have had a boil, or believe that you or your family have a skin infection, see your community pharmacist as they can provide you with products to treat or prevent infection. They can also tell you if you need to see your doctor in order to get antibiotics for your skin infection, or if you may be at risk of medical conditions that result in increased infection.
BOILS PRODUCTS
Livon Lypospheric Vitamin C Box Of 30 - Triple Pack Super Deal!
Life Pharmacy Orewa
How Is It Different From Other Oral Vitamin C? Most forms of oral Vitamin C (powders, capsules, tablets, liquids and even the Vitamin C from your food) are not efficiently processed and absorbed by...
Price $164.99
Livon Lypospheric Vitamin C Box Of 30
Life Pharmacy Orewa
How Is It Different From Other Oral Vitamin C? Most forms of oral Vitamin C (powders, capsules, tablets, liquids and even the Vitamin C from your food) are not efficiently processed and absorbed by...
Price $64.99
Home Essentials Magnesium Sulphate Paste 80G
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Magnesium Sulphate has a mild antiseptic action and has been traditionally used as a cleanser and drawing agent. It may help with minor boils and pimples.Size: 80g
Price $17.99
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Lucas' Papaw Ointment may be used as a local topical application on the following conditions: Abscesses and boils, Bruises and burns, Carbuncles and chafings, Cuts and cysts, Dry and Cracked skin o...
Price $23.99
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Lucas' Papaw Ointment may be used as a local topical application on the following conditions: Abscesses and boils, Bruises and burns, Carbuncles and chafings, Cuts and cysts, Dry and Cracked skin o...
Price $10.99
Harker Herbals Vitamin C+ Echinacea 200Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
High strength Echinacea fortified with Vitamin C (550mg per dose) and the recommended daily intake of Zinc. The combination of antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in this formula provides p...
Price $42.99
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