Why do you get a boil? What are the symptoms of boils?

A boil that appears suddenly on the skin surface is a painful skin disease caused by an infection caused by bacteria called staphylococci. Staphylococcus bacteria enter the body through hair follicles on the skin surface and begin to multiply by reproducing in the surrounding fat layer. Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, which are one of the body's defense mechanisms, begin to accumulate at this point. The boil, which starts to appear like a small pimple, gradually grows into a large mass. There is a white tip in the middle of the boil, which is called the furuncle in medicine. Factors such as oily skin type, excessive sweating, itchy diseases, alcohol consumption are among the factors that increase the formation of boils in the person. Although boils are commonly seen on the neck, neck, eyelid, scalp, ears, buttocks, arms and legs, it can also occur in all parts of the body. This infection, which can heal spontaneously, can cause more serious health problems by mixing with the blood in people with weak immune systems.

What is a boil?

A boil, which begins as a result of inflammation of the hair follicles as a result of infection caused by bacteria called staphylococci, is a type of skin disease. The fact that the hair follicles are oily in nature leads to the rapid proliferation of inflammation. Although human skin; Although it forms an important defense wall against bacteria, viruses and fungi, when the skin surface is damaged, bacteria enter the body from these weak points. Staphylococcus bacteria that cause boils enter the body, especially through hair follicles. In a short time, a red swelling with a diameter of a few centimeters occurs around the hair root. The painful and hard boils are darker on the outside. It contains a liquid made up of bacteria, blood, and dead cells. Boils, also known as furuncles or carbuncles, can turn from a simple infection to a life-threatening clinical case. Boils affecting the subcutaneous fat layer are called carbuncles, while the formation of boils in more than one hair follicle is defined as furunculosis. Although boils can also be seen in healthy young people, it is more common in older ages. In some cases, boils, which can affect the general health of the person, can cause fever and weakness. However, it often tends to heal spontaneously, leaving a scar.

What are the symptoms of boils?

The boil, which is more common in people with weak immune systems, diabetes and obesity, is a type of infection that can occur when hygiene conditions are not sufficient. The boils caused by staphylococcus bacteria show symptoms in the early stages of its formation as a mild rash or acne. Then it starts to grow with a slight swelling and burning. The boil, which causes a pea or chickpea-sized swelling on the skin, has a hard texture and causes pain when touched. Redness around the boil can be seen with an increase in temperature. There is usually a white or yellow tip in the middle of the boil. Inflammation caused by boils with increasing pain can spread to the body by mixing with the blood, especially in people with weak immune systems. In such cases, boils; It causes symptoms such as fever, weakness, chills and chills.

Who is more common with boils?

Infection caused by staphylococcus bacteria, which plays a role in the formation of boils, is especially seen in people with weak immune systems. However, it can also be seen in those who do not pay attention to hygienic conditions or live in places with poor hygienic conditions. Boils, which are frequently seen in people who have just started to cut their body hair and beard, are especially common in areas with short and thick hair. Apart from all these, boils can be seen frequently in the following people:

The elderly

• Those who live in regions with hot and humid climate

People who sweat excessively

• People with oily skin type

Kidney disease

Diabetes patients

People with liver disease

Obesity patients

People with chronic skin disease

What are the types of boils?

Although there are many types of boils, the types of boils that are frequently encountered are as follows:

• Orient Boils: Aleppo boils, Baghdad boils, and also known as beauty wounds, are transmitted to humans by the bite of sand flies carrying the parasite called cutaneous leishmaniasis. This infection, which starts in the form of pimples in the hand, foot and face area and causes wounds with a diameter of 1-2 cm, causes a permanent scar if not treated.

• Black Boil: Also known as anthrax, black boil is also known by different names such as shepherd's bovine among the people. The disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria can be transmitted to humans by contact with animals such as cows, sheep and goats or objects containing the bacteria. The middle part of the boil, which appears as a water-filled bubble that causes swelling and itching on the skin when it is infected, darkens over time and becomes a painless wound.

• Sirpençe Bovine: Also known as lion's claw, the medical name of boil is carbuncle. This type of boil caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is much more severe than other boils types. In addition to the formation of boils on the skin, it causes symptoms such as fever, chills and chills.

How to prevent boils?

The simplest, most effective and inexpensive way to prevent boils is to pay attention to personal hygiene. During showering, areas where boils are intense such as the neck, neck, hips and legs should be washed well. Using an electric shaver instead of shaving with a razor blade can prevent boils, as it will reduce skin damage. Instead of tight and restrictive clothes, choosing clothes where the body can breathe comfortably can prevent sweat formation and more frequent cleaning of sweaty areas can prevent the formation of boils.

How is boil treated?

The boil, which starts with a feeling of redness and itching, becomes a painful swelling after a while. Generally, after it matures well, it spontaneously explodes and heals. In such cases, boils can heal without the need for treatment. After the boil burst, the area that has become open to a new infection should not be touched with bare hands and the area should be cleaned thoroughly. If the formation of boils is noticed in the early period, placing hot cotton on the boil several times a day and cleaning the area without pressing too much can help the boil to heal without growing. However, if the number of boils is high, if the formation of boils is constantly recurring and there are other symptoms indicating that the immune system is weak, the person should definitely consult a physician. In such cases, the physician may request additional laboratory tests when necessary after performing a physical examination and listening to the patient's history.The doctor arranges the treatment according to the general condition of the person and the type of boil. Generally, an antibiotic cream or antiseptic solution is prescribed to the person. If the level of pain is high, the physician may also prescribe a local pain relief cream. In some cases, the method known as boil surgery is also provided to evacuate the pus in a sterile environment with appropriate tools. Squeezing the boil by the person or attempting to evacuate can lead to the spread of the infection. Inappropriate interventions for boils, especially in the under-eye, nose and ear area, may cause the infection to reach the brain and cause much more serious health problems.

If you frequently see boils in certain parts of your body, if there are many boils on your face and around the ear, if the boil is getting bigger or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, weakness and chills, if it has not healed for more than two weeks, if the formation of boils is constantly recurring, you can apply to health institutions to have your health checks done.