These are caused by the staphylococcus bacteria which invade the sebaceous glands at the base of the follicles through which hairs grow. A simple boil can be treated by the application of local heat, by immersing the affected area in hot water or, if this is not convenient or practical, by applying a hot compress or a poultice to it. Magnesium sulphate paste can also be used to help bring it ‘to a head’, after which it can be lanced with a sterilized needle.

If the boil is on the face it is exceedingly important that it should not be squeezed to get out the pus as this can have serious repercussions as a result of the infected material being forced back intothe circulation. Medical advice should be sought if the boil does not respond to treatment and becomes much larger (forming a carbuncle) or recurs repeatedly. In these cases, treatment with antibiotics and investigations for possible other causes may be necessary.