Ew, boils. Yes, they’re pretty gross to look at and to have to deal with, but they’re actually more common than you might realize.

If the unfortunate has happened and a boil has popped up on your skin, our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team is here to help you know what to do, so read on!

What Actually Are Boils, And What Causes Them?

A boil (medically known as a furuncle) is a common, painful infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding skin. A group of boils can also form under the skin, which is called a carbuncle.

Most boils and carbuncles are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph). These staph infections begin as a red bump, which then forms a pocket in the skin that is filled with pus, dead skin cells and infection-fighting white blood cells.

Common Boil Symptoms

• A painful, red bump that starts out small and can enlarge to more than two inches (five centimeters)
• Red, swollen skin around the bump
• An increase in the size of the bump over a few days as it fills with pus
• Development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows pus to drain out

What Should I Do If I Get a Boil?

The first thing that you should do is to avoid trying to squeeze or drain the boil yourself! This won’t help. In fact, trying to “pop” a boil can lead to a spread of the infection, or possibly cause a secondary infection of the boil.

We’ve listed some effective ways to treat a boil below.

Ways to Treat a Boil At Home

• Apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the surface.
• When the boil starts draining, wash it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and clean with rubbing alcohol. Apply a medicated ointment (topical antibiotic) and a bandage. Continue to wash the infected area two to three times a day and to use warm compresses until the wound heals.
• Make sure to avoid popping the boil with a needle. This could make the infection worse.

Are you dealing with a skin boil? Learn how to get rid of it ASAP by reaching out to or visiting our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team today!