If you’ve ever had a boil, you probably know how self-conscious they can make you feel. A boil is a pus-filled discolored bump that can develop on the skin. Another term for boils is “furuncles.” Anyone can get them, so it’s normal to worry about catching them or spreading them to others.

However, not all boils are contagious. It really just depends on what causes your boils. Read on to discover when boils can be spread to other people.

Are Boils Contagious to Others?

If boils are caused by bacteria, the infection may spread from one person to another. This is true for boils that are caused by a common type of bacteria that’s found on the skin, called Staphylococcus aureus, or “staph.” You’re more likely to catch bacterial boils and other skin infections from another person if you have a weakened immune system. For example, people who have cancer or take immunosuppressants are more susceptible.

Boils can also be the result of a chronic skin condition or an inflammatory condition. This type of boil generally isn’t contagious. For instance, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin disease that causes boils to develop. People with HS get boils regularly, but HS isn’t contagious. That’s because HS boils aren’t from a bacterial infection. Instead, they’re caused by inflammation of the hair follicle or sweat gland.

In HS, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive, causing an inappropriate immune reaction that attacks the hair follicles. Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes HS. Some people are more likely to get it because of their family’s genetics or their hormones. A common HS symptom is skin boils that come back regularly and can be tough to treat.

“I was 15 when I first experienced boils in my armpits,” shared a myHSteam member. “I had on-off symptoms in my 20s and 30s, some symptoms of boils in my groin/buttocks/thigh areas also. Now, in my early 40s, I’m experiencing more frequent flares, mostly in the lower region.”

Are Boils Contagious From Toilet Seats?

Technically, boils themselves aren’t contagious. But if they’re caused by a bacteria, that bacteria may spread to others. Staph bacteria can live on surfaces, including toilets. If you come into contact with a contaminated surface, the bacteria can spread to your skin. However, just because you’re exposed to bacteria doesn’t mean you’ll develop boils. In fact, most people have staph and other types of bacteria on their skin all the time, but their immune systems protect them against infection.

Good hygiene and cleaning habits can help prevent some types of boils. Using antiseptic cleaners in bathrooms and other shared spaces may help reduce the number of germs and the chance of sharing a bacterial infection with others.

Home treatment for boils includes applying a warm compress to help them open up and drain naturally. It’s also crucial to keep washcloths and other items clean. Any sheets, clothing, or towels that have close contact with boils should be washed separately in hot water. If you think you’ve been exposed to bacteria on toilet seats or other personal items, you can wash your body with antibacterial soap and watch for signs of infection.

Keep in mind that boils caused by HS can’t spread to others through toilet seats or other means. Cleanliness doesn’t cause or prevent HS, and HS is not contagious. Even skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HS doesn’t increase your chances of getting the condition or developing similar symptoms.

Should I Stay Home if I Have a Boil?

You should be especially careful when your skin is affected by boils. It’s not just about protecting others but also yourself. Your skin needs special care to heal safely and avoid complications.

Let your healthcare provider know if you develop a boil, especially larger boils that last more than a week. They can test it to find out if it’s caused by bacteria. If so, they’ll prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Some boils also require medical treatment through surgery.

Incision and drainage is a procedure that’s done in the doctor’s office. Your healthcare provider may choose to lance a boil to drain the fluid and cover it with sterile bandages. They’ll give you instructions on how to care for it at home and let you know when it’s safe to stop worrying about the spread of infection.

HS boils also require special care, even though they aren’t contagious. Self-care for an HS boil includes keeping the area clean, covering it with warm compresses to help it open up, and managing the drainage so the skin underneath can stay dry and heal. When left untreated, HS can spiral into worsening symptoms, including tunnels under the skin, disfiguring scars, and severe infections, like cellulitis and sepsis. Unfortunately, many people with HS don’t know they have it.

If you regularly deal with boils and other skin issues, insist on getting proper medical attention. There’s no single test for HS, but an experienced dermatologist can recognize the signs by examining your skin and discussing your medical history.

Members of myHSteam have talked about experiencing HS symptoms for years before getting diagnosed. “I’ve had painful nodules since my 20s,” shared one member. “I never had any drainage from what I can remember. I always thought I was getting repeated ingrown hairs turning into abscesses. I’m in my early 40s now. Over the decades, I’ve had these mostly in my armpits, on my breasts, and near my bikini line. I just recently learned about HS within the past couple of months, by accident, by looking up my symptoms,” she said.

Although HS isn’t curable, it can be managed once you have the right diagnosis. If recurrent boils or other symptoms make you want to stay home, don’t keep them to yourself. Speak up during your doctor visits until you find a healthcare professional who listens to your concerns and helps you find solutions.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you ever had boils form because of a staph infection and suspected another issue, such as a skin condition like HS, could be to blame? Let others know in the comments below.