Boils and Staph Skin Infections
A boil is a painful, pus-filled lump around a hair follicle, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus ("staph") bacteria. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils joined under the skin. Most small boils drain and heal on their own.
Treatment options
Ratings show how strong the research is.
- Strong evidenceDrainage by a doctorFor a large boil, a small cut to let the pus out is the main treatment. Often no antibiotics are needed afterwards.
- Moderate evidenceAntibiotic tabletsIf redness is spreading, you have a fever or a carbuncle, the boil is on your face, or your immune system is weak. Usually flucloxacillin or cefalexin for about 5 days.
- Moderate evidenceDecolonisation for repeat boilsClears staph you carry on your skin: antibiotic ointment inside the nose for 5 days plus a daily antiseptic body wash such as chlorhexidine. Best done by the whole household at once.
- Limited evidenceDilute bleach baths12 mL of plain household bleach (4.2%) per 10 litres of bathwater. Soak 10 minutes, wetting head and face, and don’t rinse off. Daily for 5 days, then once or twice a week.
- Not recommendedSqueezing or poppingPushes infection deeper and spreads it.
What you can do
- Warm, damp compress for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
- Keep it covered and wash your hands after touching it.
- Don’t share towels, razors or bedding. Wash linen and dry in the sun or a dryer.
- For repeat boils: treat eczema or tinea, use clippers instead of razors, and cover cuts.
See your GP if
- A boil hasn’t drained after a few days or healed in 2 weeks
- You keep getting boils, or others at home do
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
See a doctor the same day for a boil on the face, spreading redness, fever, severe pain or feeling unwell. Call 000 if very unwell.
Evidence and more information
maladywise.com/boils/