From the Guidelines
A warm compress alone is not sufficient to treat a boil, and incision and drainage is the primary treatment for simple abscesses or boils, as recommended by the 2018 WSES/SIS-E consensus conference 1. When treating a boil, it is essential to consider the severity and size of the boil. Applying a clean, warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily can help increase blood circulation, bring the boil to a head, and promote natural drainage. However, if the boil is large (over 2 cm), extremely painful, accompanied by fever, spreading redness, or located on the face or spine, medical attention is necessary. In these cases, a healthcare provider may need to perform incision and drainage, as stated in the 2014 practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. Systemic antimicrobials are usually unnecessary, unless fever or other evidence of systemic infection is present, and antibiotics should not be used for simple abscesses or boils, according to the 2018 WSES/SIS-E consensus conference recommendations 1. Some key points to consider when treating a boil include:
- Applying warm compresses to increase blood flow and promote drainage
- Avoiding attempts to lance the boil at home, as this can spread infection
- Cleaning the area with antibacterial soap and applying antibiotic ointment after the boil has drained
- Covering the area with a sterile bandage to promote healing and prevent further infection. It is crucial to prioritize incision and drainage as the primary treatment for simple abscesses or boils, rather than relying solely on warm compresses or antibiotics, to ensure effective treatment and prevent potential complications.
From the Research
Treatment of Boils with Warm Compress
- A boil is a type of skin infection that can be caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- While warm compresses can help to bring the pus and bacteria to the surface of the skin, making it easier to drain, there is no evidence to suggest that a warm compress alone can treat a boil.
- In fact, studies have shown that antibiotics such as clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline are often necessary to effectively treat skin infections caused by MRSA 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Incision and drainage, often in combination with antibiotic therapy, is typically the recommended treatment for boils and other skin abscesses 4, 5, 6.
Limitations of Warm Compresses
- Warm compresses may not be enough to penetrate deep into the skin to reach the source of the infection.
- Without antibiotic therapy, the infection may not be fully cleared, and the boil may recur.
- Additionally, if the boil is caused by a more serious infection such as MRSA, a warm compress alone may not be sufficient to treat the infection, and antibiotic therapy may be necessary 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Recommended Treatment
- The recommended treatment for a boil typically involves incision and drainage, followed by antibiotic therapy if necessary 4, 5, 6.
- Antibiotics such as clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline are often effective against skin infections caused by MRSA 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of a boil, as they can determine the best course of treatment based on the individual's specific needs and the severity of the infection.