From the Guidelines
If you've popped a boil, it is essential to clean the area immediately with mild soap and warm water, then apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin and cover with a sterile bandage to prevent infection and promote healing. According to the guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, furuncles (or “boils”) are infections of the hair follicle, usually caused by S. aureus, and most large furuncles should be treated with incision and drainage. However, if the boil has already been popped, proper aftercare is crucial to prevent further complications.
The area should be cleaned and covered as described above, and warm compresses can be applied for 10-15 minutes several times daily to help drain any remaining pus and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken if needed for discomfort. It is also important to note that popping boils is not recommended because it can spread infection and cause scarring.
Boils are skin infections that occur when bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus) enter through a hair follicle or small skin injury, creating a painful, pus-filled abscess. The guidelines recommend seeking medical attention if you develop fever, increased pain or redness, red streaks extending from the area, or if the boil doesn't improve within a week, as these may indicate a spreading infection requiring prescription antibiotics 1.
In terms of antibiotic treatment, the guidelines suggest that systemic antimicrobials are usually unnecessary for furuncles, unless fever or other evidence of systemic infection is present 1. However, for patients with systemic toxicity and/or rapidly progressive or worsening infection despite receipt of appropriate oral antibiotics, inpatient management and surgical intervention is recommended 1.
Some key points to consider when treating a popped boil include:
- Cleaning and covering the area to prevent infection
- Applying warm compresses to promote drainage and reduce inflammation
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for discomfort
- Seeking medical attention if signs of a spreading infection are present
- Considering antibiotic treatment if systemic infection is suspected or present.
It is essential to prioritize proper wound care and seek medical attention if necessary to prevent further complications and promote healing.
From the Research
Popped Boil Treatment
- The treatment of a popped boil, also known as a skin abscess, typically involves incision and drainage (I&D) 2.
- Studies have shown that I&D alone may be sufficient as the sole management for the treatment of uncomplicated abscesses, with high rates of clinical cure following the procedure 3, 2, 4.
- The use of post-procedural antibiotics is not always necessary and may not decrease treatment failure rates or recurrence rates 3, 2, 4.
- However, antibiotics may be considered in the presence of high-risk features, such as immunocompromised patients or positive wound cultures for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 2.
Antibiotic Treatment
- Cephalexin is an effective antibiotic for the treatment of staphylococcal skin and skin structure infections, including abscesses 5, 6.
- However, the use of cephalexin or other antibiotics may not be necessary for uncomplicated skin abscesses, as shown in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 3.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found no clear evidence to support antibiotic use in treating uncomplicated skin and soft tissue abscesses 4.