As a GP with a special interest in skin, one of the biggest challenges I face in clinic is undoing the damage caused by well-meaning – but misguided – home treatments for boils.
I cannot help but wonder if the explosion of viral pimple-popping videos has something to do with it – as more and more people come in having had a go at squeezing, bursting or even lancing a boil themselves.
I understand the temptation. When something painful appears on your skin, the urge to deal with it immediately can be hard to resist.
But often, these DIY attempts only make things worse.
A boil, or furuncle, is an infection of a hair follicle, and squeezing a boil can push the infection deeper into the skin and spread bacteria into the surrounding area.
So instead of solving the problem, it can create several more. What starts as one boil can turn into multiple, or even a carbuncle – a cluster of boils joined together under the skin (which is harder to treat and often requires medical intervention).
I have also seen patients who have tried to ‘lance’ a boil using needles at home.
Aside from being extremely painful, this is a very effective way of introducing bacteria and making the infection more serious. There are even case reports of significant complications such as sepsis following this kind of home treatment.
Boils are not something people tend to chat about over dinner, but the reality is that these small lumps are far more common than most people realise.
And they can be painful, stubborn and for many patients, surprisingly distressing. As a GP, I see all sorts walk through my door – but few things cause as much quiet misery as boils.
GP Dr Raj Arora says trying to tackle boils at home can lead to infections and make the situation worse
DIY remedies for facial boils can be especially dangerous as there are veins that connect directly to the brain
Patients are often embarrassed, uncomfortable and hoping for a quick fix.
While it might look like a large spot, it is not the same thing.
Spots are usually related to blocked pores and oil glands, whereas boils are deeper infections caused by bacteria – most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. They also tend to be more painful, more swollen and filled with pus.
Boils usually appear in areas where there is friction, sweat and hair – such as the underarms, thighs, buttocks and groin.
Tight clothing, including underwear, can make things worse by rubbing the skin and trapping moisture, which creates ideal conditions for bacteria to flourish.
Boils tend to follow a predictable pattern.
They begin as a tender, red lump that could easily be mistaken for a spot or an insect bite.
Then over a few days, they grow larger, more painful, and develop a pus-filled centre. Some can grow to several centimetres across and occasionally reach the size of a golf ball, which is about as unpleasant as it sounds.
This is not just a cosmetic nuisance. Patients often tell me the pain throbs, keeps them awake at night, or makes everyday activities distinctly uncomfortable.
There are certain patients I keep a closer eye on – such as those with diabetes, weakened immune systems or chronic skin conditions such as eczema – who are more prone to recurring boils because their skin barrier is less effective or their immune system is less able to keep bacteria in check.
Using needles or pins is risky and can make the infection worse. Various so-called ‘drawing pastes’ tend to irritate the skin rather than fix the problem, says Dr Arora
In these cases it is not just about treating the boil we can see, but understanding why it keeps coming back.
Recurrent boils can also sometimes be an early warning sign of underlying issues such as poorly controlled diabetes or persistent bacteria living on the skin. So we might need to investigate further to rule these out.
And yet for all these patients trying to squeeze or puncture the boil usually makes things worse, as it can push the infection deeper into the skin or make it spread to nearby areas, leading to more boils, or a carbuncle.
So what actually helps?
For smaller boils, simple measures are often the most effective.
Applying a warm compress several times a day can encourage the boil to come to a head and drain naturally.
Keeping the area clean is important, as is avoiding sharing towels or clothing, which can spread the infection.
If the boil is leaking, a light dressing can help protect the area, but otherwise it is usually best to keep the skin clean and dry rather than tightly covered.
Some home remedies are best avoided.
Using needles or pins is risky and can make the infection worse. Various so-called ‘drawing pastes’ tend to irritate the skin rather than fix the problem.
In short, if it sounds like something you found in a late-night internet rabbit hole, it is probably not a good idea.
There are times, however, when medical treatment is needed.
If a boil becomes particularly large and very painful, or appears on the face, near the nose, or along the spine, then I am more likely to step in.
Boils in these areas are taken more seriously because of the risk of infection spreading to deeper, more critical structures. On the face, especially around the nose, veins connect more directly to the brain, so infections can (rarely) lead to serious complications such as cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Boils near the spine are concerning because infection could spread closer to the spinal cord, potentially causing more severe problems.
Larger, very painful boils may also indicate a deeper or more aggressive infection that needs medical treatment.
Treatment may involve draining the boil in a sterile setting, which is far safer and more effective than attempting it at home.
A prescription of antibiotics might also be required if there are signs the infection is spreading – such as increasing redness, swelling or fever.
What concerns me most is when people wait too long before seeking help.
I have seen patients struggle on for days or even weeks, hoping the boil will settle by itself, only to end up with a much more severe infection.
As a rule of thumb, if you feel unwell, develop a fever or notice the redness spreading, then it is time to see your GP.
Prevention is something I always emphasise, too – and certain simple habits can make a big difference.
Regular handwashing, showering after sweating, and wearing loose-fitting clothing all help reduce the build-up of bacteria and friction on the skin.
For people who suffer with recurrent boils, we sometimes recommend antiseptic washes – or further tests to rule out underlying conditions, such as diabetes or persistent bacterial colonisation.
From a GP’s perspective, boils are a good reminder that small infections should not be ignored. They may look minor, but they can escalate quickly if mishandled. Early care, good basic hygiene and knowing when to seek advice really do make all the difference.
If there is one message I would leave you with, it is this: if a boil is painful, getting bigger and not settling, do not try to battle on alone. It is far better to get it checked early than to wish you had later.
