Should You Use Antibiotics For Boils?

Can you use antibiotics for boils? Most boils drain and heal within a few days of first appearing. But large or severe boils may need medical attention and antibiotic treatment. Since the majority of boils are brought on by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph, your doctor may recommend oral, topical, or even intravenous antibiotics to treat this infection. So consult your doctor or dermatologist regarding the best treatment plan. And remember, do not pick, squeeze, or use a sharp object to release the fluid and puss from a boil, because this may spread the infection. 

What Is A Boil?

A boil, often referred to as a furuncle, can develop under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame a hair follicle. And it will get larger and more painful until it ruptures and drains.

The majority of boils can be treated with a quick operation that involves opening and draining them. But the question is: can you use antibiotics for boils? Actually, yes. In fact, some cases actually requires the use of antibiotics to address the lesion.

Antibiotics For Boils: How Effective Are They?

The majority of boils are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph. To fight this infection, your doctor might prescribe oral, topical, or even intravenous antibiotics.

A wide range of oral and topical antibiotics may help treat boils, so a doctor has options and will determine which medication is most likely to be effective for someone based on several factors. And these factors are:

• Age of the individual
• Health issues
• Any drug a person is taking or has already tried
• Present allergies
• How serious the infection is
• The state of their immune system

The Potential Side Effects of the Drug

Many boils are caused by the staph bacteria, which has evolved, and is continuously evolving, to resist numerous different types of antibiotics, especially those that contain methicillin.

After the incision and draining of boils, several studies have found that taking non-methicillin-based systemic (oral or intravenous) antibiotics increases the likelihood of a full recovery. However, some other studies suggest that these systemic antibiotics have no benefit whatsoever. This needs further clarification and study.

In rare cases, a doctor may take a sample of pus from a boil and send it to a laboratory. There, technicians will analyze it to determine which specific type of bacteria is causing the boil.

There may also be issues when using antibiotics for boils, which includes:

OTC Medication for Boils

You must get a prescription for antibiotics for boils. There are no over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics suitable for treating boils, so the majority of over-the-counter (OTC) boil medications are focused on pain relief. Fortunately, using anti-inflammatory and pain medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help lessen the pain, swelling, and redness. 

How to Use Antibiotic for Boil?

With antibiotic use, the carbuncle should heal in 2 to 3 weeks after treatment. But it depends on the severity of the wound and how it is treated.

If an oral antibiotic is prescribed to you, always follow the directions provided by your doctor. And always finish the entire course of treatment. Because if you stop taking it too soon, the antibiotic might not completely eradicate the bacteria. And if that happens, not only could you get sick again, but the remaining bacteria might develop antibiotic resistance. Also, have your doctor review any symptoms that point to the severity of your infection.

Key Takeaways

Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph, is the most common cause of boils. Your doctor may prescribe oral, topical, or even injectable antibiotics. A boil or cluster of boils can be uncomfortable and painful. So if you have a boil or cluster of boils, visit your doctor or dermatologist to find out what to do to appropriately treat the area.

One general recommendation you’ll hear from all medical professionals is to avoid plucking, squeezing, or using a sharp object to remove the fluid and pus from a boil. Simply because, among other issues, this can spread the infection.

Learn more about Skin Infections here.