Boils are a common type of skin infection that appear as pus-filled bumps. They form when an oil gland or hair follicle (where a hair grows from the skin) becomes inflamed due to bacteria. Boils tend to be larger and more painful than pimples. Another name for a boil is a furuncle.

The most common cause is a staph infection, which comes from a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Boils can show up in different areas of the body. Some people get just one, while others may have several at the same time.

Boils may happen only once. But if they keep coming back or don’t improve with treatment, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. So how can you tell if a boil is getting better? Here’s what to look for.

What Are the Stages of a Boil?

Keeping the affected area clean and protected is important. This helps promote healing and prevents the infection from spreading. Gently wash the area with antibacterial soap, and avoid touching the boil — especially with unwashed hands.

Never try to squeeze or cut open a boil. Instead, place a clean, warm compress on it several times a day. This can help the boil drain and heal more quickly. Continue using warm compresses even after the boil opens to support recovery.

Wash and change any cloths used as compresses regularly, using hot water and a separate laundry load. A healthcare provider can let you know when it’s safe to stop treatment and allow the skin to fully return to its healthy state.

How Long Do Boils Last?

Most boils heal within about a week with home treatment. If a boil doesn’t improve or gets worse, a medical professional may need to drain it safely. Letting a boil go untreated for too long can lead to more severe infection and complications.

For example, if the infection spreads to another part of the body, it can lead to:

• Sepsis (a serious infection in the bloodstream)
• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bones)
• Infection of the brain (such as an abscess or meningitis)
• Endocarditis (infection of the heart)
• Infection of the spinal cord

Large or deep boils can also leave permanent scars. Seeing a healthcare provider early can help prevent complications and support faster healing.

How Do You Know if a Boil Is Serious?

Most boils are manageable at home, but some can signal a more serious infection. If a boil is extremely painful, lasts longer than a week, or keeps coming back, it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider.

Watch for signs that the infection may be spreading or getting worse, such as:

• Fever
• A growing amount of pus or swelling
• Red streaks spreading outward from the boil

These symptoms may mean the infection is no longer just under the skin and needs medical attention.

When To Go to the Doctor for Boils

Boils that develop on your face or your spine can be especially serious. If you’re unsure whether to treat a boil at home or seek help, call a dermatologist or another healthcare provider. They can examine your skin and provide personalized care recommendations.

Your provider may swab the affected area to test for bacterial infection. This helps identify whether a specific antibiotic is needed to treat the infection. Blood tests might also be done to check whether the infection has spread.

In some cases, a provider may need to lance (carefully open) the boil in a clinical setting. If this happens, you’ll be sent home with instructions for dressing the wound with sterile gauze and keeping the area clean while it heals.

Could Boils Be Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Recurring boils may be a sign of an underlying skin condition that needs medical attention. One possibility is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) — a chronic (long-term) skin disease that causes recurrent boils, painful lumps, and other symptoms. Unfortunately, HS is often missed or misdiagnosed. Some healthcare professionals are not familiar with HS or may mistake it for a different condition.

HS can affect anyone, but risk factors include:

• Being female, especially during puberty or menopause, according to Cleveland Clinic
• Having a family history of HS
• Living with obesity
• Smoking

Members of myHSteam have described their journey to get diagnosed. “I started having symptoms, including skin abscesses and boils, shortly after I turned 13,” wrote one member. “My maternal grandfather got them, my mother got them, and eventually, my half-brother got them. I was told it was because I was diabetic. I am now 65, and it seems to be getting worse. I had always gone to my family doctor. A few months ago, I mentioned it to my dermatologist. He told me I had HS and gave me prescriptions that have worked better than anything else for me!”

The member advised others, “Don’t be afraid to go to a dermatologist and tell them everything. I wish I had mentioned it to mine sooner!”

HS is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. It’s a condition related to the immune system. In people with HS, the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, leading to inflammation. This causes symptoms such as painful bumps, abscesses, and tunnels that may drain fluid. HS most often affects areas with sweat glands, like the armpits, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, and under the breasts.

Treating HS

There’s currently no cure for HS, but there are many treatment options and self-care strategies that can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Available treatments may include topical antibiotics, oral medications, biologics, and surgery.

HS can be a very painful condition, so managing pain is also a key part of care. Your healthcare provider can help you find the right combination of treatments based on your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle.

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 found relief from a boil or mild HS flare-up using home remedies or over-the-counter treatments? Let others know in the comments below.