A boil is an acute purulent infection of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, often extending to the subcutaneous tissue. The causative bacteria are mostly Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Human skin's hair follicles and sebaceous glands normally harbor bacteria, and improper friction or irritation can lead to the development of boils. Boils commonly occur in areas rich in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, such as the neck, head, face, back, armpits, groin, perineum, and calves. The simultaneous or recurrent occurrence of multiple boils in various parts of the body is called furunculosis. This condition is commonly seen in malnourished children or diabetic patients.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Initially, small nodules with localized redness, swelling, and pain appear, which gradually enlarge and form a conical protrusion. After a few days, the center of the nodule softens due to tissue necrosis, and a small yellowish-white pustule forms; the area of redness, swelling, and pain expands. A few days later, the pustule falls off, pus is discharged, and the inflammation gradually subsides and heals.

Boils generally do not cause significant systemic symptoms. However, if they occur in areas with abundant blood supply and the body's resistance is weakened, they may lead to toxic symptoms such as discomfort, fear of cold, fever, headache, and anorexia. Boils on the face, particularly in the so-called "danger triangle" around the upper lip and nose, if squeezed or pricked, can allow the infection to spread along the inner canthus vein and ophthalmic vein into the intracranial cavernous sinus, causing suppurative cavernous sinusitis. This results in progressive redness, swelling, and induration extending to the eye and surrounding tissues, accompanied by pain and tenderness, as well as headache, shivering, high fever, and even unconsciousness. The condition is extremely severe and carries a high mortality rate.

For inflammatory nodules, hot compresses or physical therapy (diathermy, infrared, or ultrashort wave) can be used, or ichthammol ointment, red plaster, or golden paste can be applied externally. When there is a pustule, phenol can be applied topically to its apex. When fluctuation is present, early incision and drainage should be performed. For immature boils, they should not be squeezed arbitrarily to avoid spreading the infection.

For facial boils, boils with systemic symptoms, and furunculosis, sulfonamides or antibiotics should be administered. Additionally, rest should be ensured, vitamins supplemented, and nutrition appropriately increased.

bubble_chart Prevention

Pay attention to skin hygiene, especially in midsummer. Bathe and wash hair frequently, keep hair trimmed, change clothes often, and cut nails regularly—children should be particularly mindful of this. Drink decoctions made from Lonicera or wild chrysanthemum flowers as a substitute for tea. The skin around boils should be kept clean and wiped with 70% alcohol to prevent the infection from spreading to nearby hair follicles.