They typically appear red and swollen, covering the infected hair follicles and surrounding skin.
Antibiotics may be given in combination.
If left untreated, boils can cause seriousskin infections.
Getty Images | Boy_Anupong
Getty Images | Boy_Anupong
How Antibiotics Help With Boils
Antibioticsare medications used to fight bacterial infections.
Topical products such as creams or ointments can be applied directly to the body.
They can also be taken by mouth or injected.
Antibiotics play a key role in treating boils, which can be stubborn and often painful.
To help prevent antibiotic resistance, it is important to only use antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change over time and become resistant to antibiotic treatment.
This may make the antibiotic less effective against the bacteria.
Topical Antibiotics
Topical antibiotics kill bacteria directly without causing further damage to the skin.
They are applied directly to the skin of the affected area.
Topical antibiotics are not typically recommended to treat boils but may be used with other therapies.
They are routinely used first-line to treat other types of skin infections.
In general, topical antibiotics may cause skin irritation, dryness, or itchiness in the affected area.
These effects are usually minor, and there are no major drug interactions between topical antibiotics.
Research suggests that no one oral antibiotic is better for treating boils than another.
Oral antibiotics may be used with other agents to treat boils.
IV Antibiotics
IV antibiotics are injected directly into the body.
This allows appropriate amounts of the medication to enter the bloodstream and begin working quickly.
IV antibiotics are typically only used in severe cases.
They may be used alone or with other medical or non-medical interventions, such as boil drainage.
Antibiotic treatment may not be effective or recommended for everyone.
Vancomycin is the preferred IV treatment option for MRSA strains in adults who are allergic to penicillin.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects may vary depending on which specific antibiotic you are prescribed.
Antibiotic dosing in children for treating boils is based on weight.
Your healthcare provider can help determine appropriate doses.
Doxycycline and minocycline are not recommended for use in children 8 years of age or younger.
Be sure your provider knows if you are allergic to any medications, especially any antibiotics.
This will help ensure the best, most effective, and safest medication is selected.
Summary
Boils are common skin infections that occur when bacteria infect hair follicles or oil glands.
They are painful, pus-filled bumps on the skin’s surface.
Antibiotics target the bacteria causing the infection by stopping or slowing their growth.
Untreated boils can lead to severe skin infections, so they must be treated in a timely manner.
Understanding what boils are and how antibiotics can help treat them effectively is important in avoiding long-term complications.
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