Symptom: Boils

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin. If the infection spreads to the deeper tissues of the skin, then it becomes an abscess.
  • The most common places for boils to appear are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. When one forms on the eyelid, it is called a sty.
  • If several boils appear in a group, this is a more serious type of infection called a carbuncle.

    • Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

    Boils are usually caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus (staph). Most staph infections develop into abscesses and can become serious very quickly. This germ can be present on normal skin and enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin or by traveling down a hair to the follicle. Certain health problems make people more susceptible to skin infections such as boils. Examples are
    • diabetes,
    • problems with the immune system,
    • poor nutrition,
    • poor hygiene, and
    • exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin.

    Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

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    Antibiotics Antibiotics are prescribed to individuals to cure disease by killing bacteria. There are over 100 antibiotics. The main classes of antibiotics include penicilli...learn more >> Staphylococcus Staphylococcus is a type of bacteria that causes infection (often called a "Staph infection"). Staphylococcus can cause infections in almost any organ system in...learn more >> See the Entire Boils Topic Guide » Patient Comments & Reviews The eMedicineHealth doctors ask about Boils: Boils - Experience Did you have any complications from your boils? Please describe your experience with boils. View 11 Comments Share Your Story Boils - Causes What caused your boils? Share Your Story Boils - Effective Treatments What kinds of treatments have been effective for your boils? 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    Signs and Symptoms

    Welcome to WebHealthNetwork an online symptom search and symptom directory. Here you can find what is the symptom Boils and what does it mean, you can also check what illnesses and diseases this symptom relates to.