NHS Choices Condition
Content supplied by NHS Choices
Your GP will be able to diagnose a boil by looking at it. Further tests are only required if:
- you are taking antibiotics because you have a risk of developing complications, but the boil does not respond to antibiotics, or
- you have a history of frequently recurring boils.
In these circumstances, your GP will probably use a cotton swab to take a sample of tissue from the boil so that it can be checked under a microscope.
You may also be referred for a blood test to see if you have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, that could be making you more likely to get boils.
Back to the Embarrassing Bodies Condition Guide or view information about Boils on www.nhs.co.uk »Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
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