Boil causes

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Boils are generally caused by an infection of the hair follicles by Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis, a strain of bacterium that normally lives on the skin surface. It is thought that a tiny cut of the skin allows this bacterium to enter the follicles and cause an infection. This can happen during bathing or while using a razor.

Causes

People with immune system disorders, diabetes, poor hygiene or malnutrition (Vitamin A or E deficiency) are particularly susceptible to getting boils; however, they also occur in healthy, hygienic individuals, due to over scratching a particular area of the skin.

Hidradenitis suppurativa causes frequent boils and boils in the armpits can sometimes be caused by anti-perspirant deodorants.

The development of boils throughout the body is also a symptom of smallpox.

Boils can also be caused by not washing an area of the body, particularly the face, where two or more areas of skin cleft together, such as where the nose meets the cheek or where the ear meets the head. Boils formed in this manner often have a visible core of dirt that emerges when drained.