What causes a boil?

        Boils usually refer to furuncles. Generally, the main causes of furuncles include weakened skin barrier function, excessive sebaceous gland secretion, malnutrition, Staphylococcus aureus infection, diabetes, and others. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:

        1. Weakened Skin Barrier Function

        When the skin sustains injuries such as friction or scratches, its barrier function becomes compromised, making it easier for bacteria to invade hair follicles and surrounding tissues, causing furuncles. It is important to protect the skin daily, avoid frequent friction or squeezing, disinfect minor wounds promptly with iodophor, and keep the skin clean and dry.

        2. Excessive Sebaceous Gland Secretion

        Excessive sebum production can lead to clogged hair follicles and poor sebum drainage, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and infection, resulting in furuncles. This is especially common in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the face and back. Reduce intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, bathe regularly, choose mild cleansers, and avoid excessive sebum accumulation.

        3. Malnutrition

        Long-term deficiencies in protein and vitamins can lead to reduced immune function and weakened skin resistance, making it difficult to resist bacterial invasion and increasing the risk of furuncles. Adjust your diet to ensure adequate intake of proteins and vitamins. If necessary, take supplements such as multivitamin B tablets and vitamin C tablets under a doctor's guidance.

        4. Staphylococcus Aureus Infection

        Staphylococcus aureus is the primary pathogen causing furuncles. After invading hair follicles, the bacteria multiply rapidly, causing acute suppurative inflammation in the follicles and surrounding tissues, manifesting as localized red, swollen, painful nodules. Under medical guidance, topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, and compound polymyxin B ointment can be used to inhibit bacterial growth. Oral antibiotics like cefuroxime axetil tablets may be required for severe symptoms.

        5. Diabetes

        When diabetic patients have poor glycemic control, their immune system weakens, and the sugar content in skin tissues increases, creating a favorable environment for bacterial growth, leading to recurrent and difficult-to-heal furuncles. Strictly follow medical advice to control blood sugar levels, using medications such as insulin injection, metformin tablets, and glimepiride tablets. At the same time, enhance skin care to prevent infections.

        In daily life, maintain personal hygiene, change clothes frequently, and keep the living environment clean; avoid squeezing furuncles yourself to prevent infection spread; engage in regular physical exercise to strengthen the body; if furuncles recur or persist without healing, seek medical attention promptly to check for underlying diseases.