What are the symptoms of a boil?

What are the symptoms of a boil?

A boil develops over a few hours or days. It usually starts out as a tender, swollen red bump. It may feel warm to the touch. As the boil develops, it:

• Becomes painful: The area is sensitive, and it may itch before the boil forms.
• Fills with pus: It may feel squishy or firm.
• Grows in size: It usually starts smaller than a pencil eraser. It can grow as large as a golf ball.
• Has a yellow or white center (similar to a pimple): The skin around the center (“head”) is red and shiny.
• May “weep” or crust over: The boil may ooze pus as your body fights the infection.
• Might spread to other areas: The bacteria that caused the boil can spread to other parts of your body. You can also pass the infection to other people through close contact or by sharing towels or other personal items.