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Boils

Overview

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The main symptom of a boil is a painful, pus-filled lump on your skin. A carbuncle is a dome-shaped cluster of boils.

Boils often get better on their own. Holding a warm face cloth on it can help it heal. If it does not heal, a GP may drain it or give you antibiotics.

Boils often get better on their own. Holding a warm face cloth on it can help it heal. If it does not heal, a GP may drain it or give you antibiotics.

Boils and carbuncles are caused by bacteria infecting a hair follicle. They can spread to another part of your body or to another person.

Boils and carbuncles are painful lumps on the skin that are usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Page last reviewed: 09/09/2020
Next review due: 09/09/2023