Boils are red painful lumps located on the skin. They are common on the face, armpits, buttocks, and thighs

What you may notice;

1. A small swelling or lump on the skin
2. The lump is painful
3. It has a red/yellow surface, surface is whitish when ripe
4. Surrounding skin may be warm

What you can do;

1. Clean the skin around it regularly
2. Apply towel soaked in warm water regularly
3. Do not press it because the bacteria may spread under the skin
4. Most boils resolve or burst within 10 to 14 days
5. Take analgesics and antibiotics as prescribed

Visit your doctor if

1. The boil is located around your anus, penis, vagina, on the face or inside the nose or ear
2. The boil is located on your eyelid
3. The boil is very big
4. You have high fever
5. The boil does not heal within 2 weeks