The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

What do I do if I have a boil?

A boil is an infected hair follicle, while a carbuncle is a collection of infected hair follicles, creating one large “mega” boil. There is also a skin condition called hydradenitis suppurativa, which leads to repeated boils or abscesses.

Little boils are common and often go away with no treatment. A boil looks like a red bump on the skin that is tender and has pus in the middle. The skin around is often swollen and inflamed. It can happen in any hairy area, particularly where skin rubs or is sweaty. You can develop a boil at any age.

Underlying problems can make boils more likely, such as a skin condition that makes you scratch, like eczema. Obesity or anything that affects the immune system can also increase the risk. To treat at home soak a warm flannel and hold it against the boil for 10 minutes, up to four times a day. Keep the area clean and wash towels and bedding at a high temperature at least once a week. If the boil doesn’t settle within a couple of weeks, or if you feel hot and shivery, see a pharmacist or GP.

I am afraid long NHS waiting times

will mean an illness will go untreated and become life-threatening.

This is less of an issue with people who have serious conditions that are obvious. If someone is showing symptoms of cancer, they are being seen quite quickly. The difficulty comes with more subtle cases, where symptoms are ambiguous. What is most important is “safety netting”

– if your symptoms change, or if you develop something new, you should contact your doctor or the referral priority should be changed. It is an issue GPS are very concerned about.

What is toasted skin syndrome?

Toasted skin syndrome – erythema ab igne – is a rash that occurs when the skin is exposed to low-grade heat over a long time. The cause is unknown but we think the heat affects the elastic fibres and blood vessels under the skin. It is becoming more common as people leave hot laptops resting on laps, use seat heaters in cars, or if elderly people spend a lot of time sitting close to a radiator. It should go away on its own. On rare occasions, it can develop into cancer, so best avoid if you can.

The Doc Replies

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