Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Boil secondary prevention
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Secondary prevention strategies following boils include warm moist compresses on the boil, hand washing, and proper wound care.
Secondary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
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
References
References
- ↑ Mascitti KB, Gerber JS, Zaoutis TE, Barton TD, Lautenbach E (2010). “Preferred treatment and prevention strategies for recurrent community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft-tissue infections: a survey of adult and pediatric providers”. Am J Infect Control. 38 (4): 324–8. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2009.11.007. PMC 2861049. PMID 20420965.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]