Boils look like really big pimples and are pus-filled abscesses. They can be the size of a kernel of corn or grow bigger than a golf ball. Often, they are warmer than the skin around them. Boils form in skin infected by:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- MRSA
- Group A streptococcus
Some people believe any skin boil is related to a spider bite due to the fact that many spider bites on the internet resemble a boil from MRSA or group A Strep. In reality, boils are much more likely to be from a skin infection than a spider bite.
If someone else in your home has a boil, the best way for you to avoid them is to stay clean. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.
If you can’t wash your hands for some reason, use an antibacterial hand cleaner. Do not share clothes, bedding, or towels and washcloths with people who have boils.
