Furuncules (boils) can be red, painful, and quite large. This is a close-up of a furuncule (boil), which has the typical round shape. Furuncles tend to be raised from the skin surface and tender to the touch. Furuncules (boils) can occur anywhere, including on the fingers. This person has several scattered furuncules (boils). This person has many scattered furuncules (boils) from staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. When furuncles (boils) are clustered, they can sometimes be confused with other infections, such as herpes. The furuncule (boil) on the left side of the picture is new and just developing, the lesion on the right side of the picture appears a few days old and is resolving.
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Boils (Furunculosis)  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Boils (Furunculosis): Furuncules (boils) can be red, painful, and quite large. Divider line
Furuncules (boils) can be red, painful, and quite large.
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Who's At Risk
Boils are most common in teenagers and young adults.

People that are particularly prone to developing boils include:
  • Athletes participating in contact sports or using shared equipment
  • Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as persons with HIV, diabetics, and those taking certain medications, such as the types of medications used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ or to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
  • Individuals with another skin condition that may lead to scratching or otherwise injuring the skin (eczema, scabies)
  • Staph carriers
  • People who are obese
  • Individuals with poor nutrition
  • People living in close quarters with others (such as in military barracks, prisons, homeless shelters)
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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