Signs and symptoms of a boil usually include:
- A painful, red bump that starts out about the size of a pea
- Red, swollen skin around the bump
- An increase in size of the bump over a few days as it fills with pus (can reach the size of a golf ball)
- Development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows the pus to drain out.
Once the boil drains, the pain usually subsides. Small boils usually heal without scarring, but a large boil may leave a scar.
When to see a doctor?
You usually can care for a single, small boil yourself. But see your doctor if you have:
- A boil on your face or spine
- A boil that worsens rapidly or is extremely painful
- Boils that are very large, haven't healed in two weeks or are accompanied by a fever
- Frequent boils
- A condition that suppresses your immune system, such as an organ transplant, corticosteroid use or an HIV infection
- Recently been hospitalized
Children and older adults who develop one or more boils also should receive medical care.
Source: Mayo Clinic
