Some people have multiple or recurrent boils. These boils are usually staph infections (furuncles or carbuncles). The bacteria are usually picked up somewhere and then lives on the skin, crowding out the normal, harmless bacteria we all carry on out skin. The source may be a family member, a pet or just appear "out of the blue."

In these cases antibiotics are taken by mouth for 10 or 14 days. In stubborn cases two oral antibiotics plus topical antibiotic ointments are usually required to eliminate the bacteria.

Gentle heat, provided by a moist, warm wash cloth held over the area for 20 minutes three times a day, speeds up the healing process. Putting antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin, Iodine or Polysporin) on the boil will not cure it because the medicine does not penetrate into the infected skin. Covering the boil with a Band-Aid will keep the germs from spreading.

If your boil does not improve within 3 days after after treatment, please return to the office. Sometimes the bacteria are resistant to the chosen antibiotic.