Self care
In most cases, boils can be treated successfully at home. One of the best ways to speed up the healing process is to apply a warm facecloth to the boil for 10 minutes, three or four times a day. The heat increases the amount of blood circulating around the boil, which means more infection-fighting white blood cells are sent there.
After the boil has burst, cover it with a sterile gauze or dressing to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands thoroughly using hot water and soap because this will help to prevent you from spreading any bacteria to other parts of your body or to other people.
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can relieve any pain caused by the boil.
Larger boils
See your GP if you have a larger boil that feels soft and spongy to the touch (the medical name for this is a fluctuant boil).
Once a boil becomes soft and spongy, it is unlikely to burst open by itself and probably won't respond well to treatment with antibiotics. Your GP may be able to remove the pus using a technique called incision and drainage. In some cases, your GP may refer you to your local hospital for this treatment.
Incision and drainage involves piercing the tip of the boil with a sterile needle or scalpel. This encourages the pus to drain out of the boil, which should help to relieve pain and stimulate the recovery process. Before having the procedure you're likely to be given a local anaesthetic to numb the affected area.
Never attempt to squeeze or pierce the head of a boil yourself because this can spread the infection.
When antibiotics are required
Antibiotics are usually recommended:
- for all cases of carbuncles
- if you have a high temperature
- if you develop a secondary infection, such as cellulitis (an infection of the deeper layer of the skin)
- if you have a boil on your face; facial boils have a higher risk of causing complications
- if you're in severe pain and discomfort
A seven-day course of an antibiotic called flucloxacillin is usually recommended, which is a penicillin based antibiotic.
If you are allergic to penicillin then alternative antibiotics, such as erythromycin can be used.
It is important to finish the course of antibitoics even if the boil goes away, as not doing so, could lead to a return of infection.
