Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Skin lump or bump that is red, swollen, and tender
• Lump becomes larger, more painful, and softer over time
• Pocket of pus may form on top of the boil (called "coming to a head")

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be performed. A bacterial culture of the boil may be taken.

Some boils do not need medical attention and may drain on their own. More serious symptoms associated with boils that may require medical attention include:

• The boil worsens, persists, or becomes large or severe
• You have a fever
• The skin around the boil turns red or red streaks appear
• The boil does not drain
• An additional boil or boils appear
• The boil limits your normal activities
• The boil is on your face, near your spine, or in the anal area
• You have diabetes
• You develop many boils over several months