Impetigo, boils and abscesses

Bacterial skin infections are common and usually respond well to treatment.

Impetigo is a contagious infection that causes red sores that break open and form honey-colored crusts. It is most common in children, often around the nose and mouth.

Boils are painful, pus-filled bumps that form around a hair follicle. Abscesses are larger, deeper pockets of pus. Both are often caused by staph bacteria, including MRSA.

Signs and symptoms

• Red sores with yellow or honey-colored crusts
• A painful, swollen, warm lump that may come to a head
• Redness spreading from a bump

Get urgent care for fever, red streaks spreading from the area, or a rapidly growing, very painful lump.

How we treat it

• Prescription antibiotic ointments for mild impetigo
• Oral antibiotics for more widespread infection
• Warm compresses for small boils
• Cultures to choose the right antibiotic when needed
• Advice on preventing spread at home

Abscess drainage

Larger boils and abscesses often need to be drained. After numbing the skin, your provider makes a small opening to let the pus out and may pack the wound. Most people feel relief quickly. We explain how to care for the wound at home and when to come back.

Where it is offered

Q&A

Related care

• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Folliculitis and ingrown hairs
• Cyst and growth removal