Most boils get better in a few weeks. There are things you can do to treat boils at home.
Do
-
hold a warm, moist face cloth to the boil for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day
-
cover the boil when it bursts with sterile gauze or a dressing to stop the spread of infection
-
wash your hands after touching a burst boil
-
use paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any pain
Don't
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do not squeeze or pierce a boil - this can spread the infection
How a GP can help with a boil or carbuncle
Contact a GP if:
- your boil does not heal within 2 weeks
- you have a carbuncle - a cluster of boils
Draining boils
Your GP may decide to drain the boil or refer you to hospital to drain the boil. They usually numb the area and use a sterile needle or scalpel to pierce the boil.
Antibiotics
Your GP may recommend antibiotics if you have a carbuncle and you:
- have a high temperature
- develop a secondary infection, such as cellulitis
- have a boil on your face - it can cause complications such as scarring
- are in severe pain and discomfort
Finish the course of antibiotics even if the boils go away. The infection can return if you stop treatment too soon.
Treating recurring boils and carbuncles
If you keep getting boils or carbuncles, talk to your GP. They can recommend further treatment.
Most people who keep getting boils are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). Staph bacteria live on the skin or inside the nose.
Treatment depends on the area affected.
An antiseptic soap can kill the bacteria on the skin.
You can use a prescribed antiseptic cream to treat bacteria in the nose.
Complications of boils and carbuncles
Most boils and carbuncles do not cause further problems. But some people develop a secondary infection.
Infections can include:
- minor infections of the deeper layer of skin, such as cellulitis
- serious infections, such as sepsis
Larger boils and carbuncles can cause scarring.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
