Boils and Impetigo

Last updated: 01 May 2003

What is a Boil?

• A boil is an infection of the skin, usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Healthy skin is home to many different types of bacteria, including Staphylococci. However some times Staphylococcus invade the skin and cause a range of mild to severe infections.
• Boils are tender, swollen sores, which are full of pus. They are often caused by Staphylococcus infections. Boils may resolve by themselves, but may require medical treatment.

What is Impetigo?

• Impetigo is an infection of the skin caused by either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. The symptoms of impetigo can be either small blisters, or flat honey-coloured crusty sores.
• Impetigo is sometimes called 'school sores'.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a boil are:

• A small area of skin becomes inflamed and tender
• A painful lump appears
• After a few days, a white or yellow head forms
• The boil bursts
• The pus drains out
• The site heals, sometimes leaving a scar

• Itchy red skin
• A collection of blisters form (commonly around the nose and mouth)
• The blisters pop and weep a yellow, sticky fluid
• The area develops a raised and wet-looking crust
• The crust dries and falls off

How is it spread?

Boils and impetigo are spread between people by:

• touching or bursting a boil or impetigo
• using soiled towels, clothes, or bed sheets that have been used by a person with a boil or impetigo
• using grooming items (for example, nail scissors, tweezers and razors) that have been used by a person with a boil or impetigo.

Who is at risk?

Boils and impetigo are more likely in:

• young children
• people living in conditions of poor hygine

How is it prevented?

Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of boils and impetigo. Wash all parts of your hands (including between the fingers and under fingernails) vigorously with soap and running water for 10 seconds. Rinse well and dry your hands (with a paper towel if you can). Wash your hands:

• before and after touching or dressing an infected area or wound
• after going to the toilet
• after blowing your nose
• before handling or eating food
• before handling newborn babies
• after touching or handling unwashed clothing or linen
• after handling animals or animal waste

• Cover boils and impetigo with a watertight dressing
• A child with impetigo should not go to school or childcare until after they have been on treatment for one full day.

• soiled towels, clothes or bed sheets. (If you share a bed with someone, keep sores and wounds covered with a dressing)
• grooming items such as nail scissors, tweezers, razors, and toothbrushes.

How is it diagnosed?

Most cases can be diagnosed based on the symptoms and by the appearance of the sores. Sometimes the diagnosis is confirmed by testing samples taken from the sores.

How is it treated?

If you have the symptoms of boils or impetigo:

• see your doctor for advice on treatment
• if sores are small or few, local antiseptic cream and hot compresses may help
• your doctor may prescribe antibiotic tablets or ointment. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics. If you don't, the sores may come back

What is the public health response?

Boils and impetigo are not notifiable in NSW. Public health units can advise on the control of outbreaks.