Download FAQs: Boils

FAQs: Boils
What causes boils?
A boil is an infection of the skin, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Boils
present as one or more tender red spots, lumps or pustules. Careful inspection reveals that
the boil is centred on a hair follicle. A boil is a deep form of bacterial folliculitis; superficial
folliculitis is sometimes present at the same time. Staphylococcus aureus can be cultured
from the skin lesions.
http://www.dermnetnz.org/bacterial/boils.html
Staph. aureus is most commonly carried in the nostrils, armpits, between the legs and in the
cleft between the buttocks. It may be transferred to other sites from the nostrils via the
finger nails.
Tiny nicks or grazes or something rubbing against the skin can innoculate the Staph. germ
into the wall of a hair follicle which is a ‘weak point’ in the skin's defences. Once
innoculated, the bacteria cause a boil which goes on to run its usual course of about 10 days.
http://www.dermnetnz.org/bacterial/boils.html
What should I do if I think I have a boil or skin infection?
Keep the area around a boil or skin infection clean with soap and water.
Cover a boil or skin infection with a clean, dry dressing - this is particularly important if it is
oozing pus or liquid. Change dressing frequently and always change once wet (i.e. after
showering or rowing on the river), or if the dressing becomes unstuck.
How are they diagnosed and treated?
Most skin infections are diagnosed on the basis of their appearance. If the sores spread or
get worse, or the person becomes unwell with fever, see your doctor for further advice on
treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (by mouth or as an ointment). It is
important to follow the recommended treatment and finish the full course of antibiotics.
Your doctor may take swabs or samples from boils, wounds, or other sites of infection to
identify the bacteria responsible. If left untreated or inappropriately managed these may
lead to severe infection.
Keep boils or other skin infections clean and covered, bathe the boil or sore with soap and
water or a salt water mixture. In addition, antiseptic cream may also be used. Apply a hot
compress to encourage the boil to come to a head, and keep boils and other skin infections
covered and change regularly.
Do not squeeze boils
Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be performed by a doctor or trained nurse or
health worker.
How are they spread?
Boils and other skin infections are highly infectious and are spread between people by:
squeezing, and / or scratching or through contact with an infected area,
sharing unwashed clothes, towels, or bed sheets that have been used by a person
with a skin infection,
sharing sporting equipment,
sharing grooming items (e.g. nail scissors, tweezers, and razors) especially if been
used by a person with a skin infection,
not washing hands thoroughly.
How can you stop the spread?
Hand washing is important to prevent the spread of boils and skin infections. You should
thoroughly wash all parts of your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds
and dry thoroughly using either an individual paper towel, an individual hand towel or
dryer. Sharing of hand towels is not recommended. Hands should be washed before &
after touching/dressing, an infected area, before handling or eating food, after going to the
toilet, after blowing your nose, and after touching or handling unwashed clothing or linen. If
water and soap are not readily available then use alcohol based hand gels i.e. after rowing.
Keep cuts, scrapes, and boils (infection) clean and covered to avoid infection.
Don't share personal items such as clothes, towels, or bed sheets (if you share a bed with
someone, keep sores or wounds covered overnight) or grooming items such as nail scissors,
tweezers, razors and toothbrushes.
Wash bed linen and clothing regularly.
Wash sports equipment after individual use with a bleach solution or wipe with alcohol
wipes.
All of the above is particularly relevant if a member of your sports team has a skin
infection/boil.
Sources:
http://www.dermnetnz.org/bacterial/boils.html
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1287145721614
http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/boils_and_skininfect.html