Boils and carbuncles are skin infections caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus aureus (commonly referred to as staph).

They present as painful pus-filled pockets, which form under the skin and around the hair follicle — root of the hair. They can also cause fever and a general feeling of being unwell.

Anyone can develop boils and carbuncles but people with diabetes are more likely to get the infections.

A boil starts as a red, painful bump and is usually found in the buttocks, face, neck, armpits and groin. These infections consist of a white tip, or ‘head’ form and grow in hairy areas where one is more likely to sweat, or have friction. They grow larger — up to the size of a golf ball — and more painful until the white tip bursts and then the pus drains. Some boils disappear very early in their development, while others take about two weeks to heal.

moist heat

Boils can be treated at home, but you should not squeeze or lance because this will spread the infection. Small boils benefit from moist heat (a warm wet cloth) placed on the area for 20 to 30 minutes three to four times a day. This will help the boil to come to a "head" and drain. This should be covered with a sterile bandage to protect and absorb the pus.

The affected area has to be cleaned carefully. Hands and clothes that have come into contact with the pus, should be washed thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

A patient might need antibiotics, or surgical drainage if the boil is on the face, or the spine or other sensitive areas. If you have a high fever or the boil is painful but no pus is yet draining then having surgical drainage is the safest approach. Redness from a boil may be a sign that the infection has spread into your blood. This can be very serious and even life threatening. If there are several boils on the body over a period of time, the doctor may want to do some blood tests to check for diabetes.

A carbuncle is a deeper infection, which involves a group, or cluster of infected hair follicles in one place.

They are often found on the back of the neck, shoulders, hips and thighs and mostly in older men.

Carbuncles are usually serious infections, which develop and heal more slowly and sometimes leave a scar.

A carbuncle needs surgery for proper treatment.

If you think you have a carbuncle then it is important to visit a doctor.

— The writer is the Chair, Department of Surgery Aga Khan University Hospital