Boils: Treatments, Causes, and Symptoms
Boils: Treatments, Causes, and Symptoms A boil also known as a furuncle is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more hair follicles. Multiple boils that cluster together are referred to as a carbuncle. Boils can occur anywhere on the body but are most common in areas where sweat and friction are high, such as the face, neck, thighs, armpits, and buttocks. Causes of Boils: Boils are primarily caused by bacterial infections. The most common bacteria responsible for boils is **Staphylococcus aureus** (staph bacteria). These bacteria often live harmlessly on the surface of the skin or in the nose, but they can cause infections when they enter the skin through a cut, scratch, or hair follicle. Several factors increase the risk of developing a boil: 1️⃣. Bacterial Infections: - As mentioned, Staphylococcus aureus is the primary cause of boils. It can enter through a small wound, insect bite, or the ir...