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NHS Choices Condition

Content supplied by NHS Choices

Boils can develop anywhere on the body, but they tend to appear on the:

  • neck,
  • face,
  • thighs,
  • armpits, or
  • buttocks.

Boils can either be single or in clusters.

When a boil first forms, it will be a swollen, painful red lump about the size of a 20p coin. Within a few days the boil will grow. Some boils can grow to the size of a golf ball.

As pus forms in the boil, a yellow or white dot (called the head) appears in the centre.

The boil will eventually rupture (burst) and the pus will drain away. Then your skin will heal. Most boils do not usually leave a scar.  

When to seek medical advice

While most boils heal without the need for medical treatment, it is recommended that you visit your GP if:

  • the boil is particularly large and/or painful,
  • the boil does not heal after two weeks,
  • you have a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100°F) or above,
  • you experience frequent boils,
  • the boil is on your face (boils on the face carry a slightly higher risk of complications),
  • you develop a boil and you have a health condition that weakens the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV or AIDS, or
  • you develop a boil and you are receiving treatment that is known to weaken the immune system, such as chemotherapy.
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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