Table of Contents
What is the medical term for boils?
Overview. “Furuncle” is another word for a “boil.” Boils are bacterial infections of hair follicles that also involve the surrounding tissue.
What are the two types of boils?
What Are the Types of Boils?
- carbuncle.
- hidradenitis suppurativa (seen in the armpit or groin)
- pilonidal cyst (area on the back where the buttocks merge)
- cystic acne.
- sty (stye)
When should I go to the doctor for a boil?
A boil should burst and heal on its own, without the need to see a doctor. However, you should see a doctor if: your boil lasts for more than 2 weeks without bursting. you have a boil and flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, tiredness or feeling generally unwell.
What are skin 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.
What disease causes boils?
A bacterial species called Staphylococcus, also referred to as staph bacteria, is said to cause boils. The bacteria which is present on the skin manages to get under the epidermis through breaks or hair-follicle roots to cause a condition similar to dermatitis.
What is the best cream for boils?
Use over-the-counter topical creams, such as chlorhexidine cream and hydrocortisone cream, or antibiotic and antiseptic ointments that contain tea tree oil, to treat your boil. These are available in most chemist shops and can be applied to ease boil pain and help draw out the pus.
What is the medical name for boil?
Furunculosis is a skin condition that occurs with the development of multiple boils involving an entire hair follicle and nearby skin tissue. The medical name for a boil is “furuncle,” which is where the name of the condition comes from.