What it is
Warm compresses help a boil come to a head and drain. Squeezing it can spread the infection.
Large boils, carbuncles, or boils with fever may need draining by a doctor or antibiotics. Boils that keep coming back may need tests for diabetes or for carrying the bacteria.
Common signs
- A red, painful lump that grows over a few days
- A white or yellow head of pus
- Clusters of lumps (carbuncle)
- Fever and feeling unwell with larger infections
How it is usually diagnosed
- Recognised by how it looks
- A swab of the pus if it keeps coming back
- Blood sugar tests if boils are frequent
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Swab results
- Blood sugar results
- Dates of each episode and treatment, to spot a pattern
Questions to ask your doctor
- Does this need draining or antibiotics?
- Why do they keep coming back?
- Should others at home be treated too?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fever with spreading redness, or a boil on the face near the eye or nose with swelling
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.