Boil secondary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

Secondary prevention strategies following boils include warm moist compresses on the boil, hand washing, and proper wound care.

Secondary prevention strategies following boils include:^[1]

Put warm moist compresses on the boil several times a day to speed draining and healing
Never squeeze a boil or try to cut it open at home. This can spread the infection
Continue to put warm wet compresses on the area after the boil opens
Clean boils and change their dressing often
Wash hands very well after touching a boil
Do not re-use or share washcloths or towels. Wash clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that have touched infected areas in very hot water
Throw out used dressings in a sealed bag so that fluid from the boil does not touch anything else