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WHAT ARE TREATMENTS Options FOR A BOIL?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
1. Antibiotics (If the lesion is greater than 4 mm or the person has an increased risk of an infection that will not resolve itself).
A. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (160 mg trimethoprim/800 mg sulfamethoxazole) orally 2 times a day.
B. Clindamycin 300 to 600 mg orally 3 times a day (however, resistance to clindamycin is becoming more prevalent).
C. Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times a day.
D. Linezolid 600 mg orally 2 times a day.
2. Incision and Drainage can be done for some lesions that are greater than 4 mm and the patient has no extraordinary risk such immune suppression.
3. Warm compresses can be applied to boil to try to make the boil burst and drain by itself.
4. For Boils resistant to oral antibiotics, intravenous antibiotics such as Vancomycin can be used.
CAN YOU PREVENT BOILS?
Maybe. Some suggestions for preventing boils are the following:
1. Hibiclens liquid soap (available at most pharmacies without a prescription) may reduce staphylococcus aureus and therefore may prevent a recurrence.
2. Low dose antibiotics for 1 -2 months may reduce recurrence.
3. Mupiricin nasal treatment that can reduce staphylococcus bacteria in the nose may reduce boil recurrence.
CAUTION:
1. While some boils will resolve by themselves, sometimes they will become worse if not treated with antibiotics.
2. Situations that put people with boils at a higher risks for lesion not resolving are the following: concurrent cellulitis, immunosupression, and people having a risk of endocarditis.
3. All medication, including all oral antibiotics and all medications that come in lotions, ointment, and creams have a risk of side effects.
4. Possible Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.
5. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
6. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BOIL (also called a Furnuncle)?
The symptoms of a boil are usually a painful, pus-filled bump that form under your skin.
WHAT CAUSES A BOIL?
A boil is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria that usually causes the infection is Staphylococcus Aureus. This bacteria typically resides on the surface of the skin where it does not cause an infection. It only causes an infection if there is break in the skin from a cut or a scratch, which allows the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria to get under the skin surface.
HOW IS A BOIL DIAGNOSED?
A boil is usually diagnosed by taking a careful history and a visual inspection of the skin. If the diagnosis is uncertain, or if the exact bacteria of the boil is desired an aspirate from the boil can be sent to a laboratory for a microscopic exam and a culture.