Question 1

why do boils smell?

Accepted Answer

Smelly: Boils are smelly generally because they are a mixture of bacteria, their by-proucts as well as degraded tissue from infection.

Question 2

can boils give off a smell?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A foul smell from infection. You should see your doctor to have the boil drained and get on an antibiotic asap.

Question 3

i have a boil that popped yesterday morning and it had a bad smell to it. what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Infection: If it doesn't resolve in 1-2 days seek medical consult for further treatment

Question 4

how do i treat a large boil after it has bust and is continuing to leak with a "potatoe" smell?

Accepted Answer

Epidermoid Cyst: An epidermoid cyst usually does not need to be treated unless it is inflamed (red and tender) or is causing a cosmetic problem. Inflamed cysts usually are treated by draining the fluid and removing the shell that makes up the cyst wall. You also may be treated with antibiotics if the skin around the cyst is also inflamed. Surgical excision is the best treatment.

Question 5

my son had boils for a long time.the other day it erupted and give bad smell.what is it .and what should be done..is it somethin is it something to be afraid of.it grows on top of his shoulder and look like pimples..it erupted the other day and give bad s

Accepted Answer

It : It sounds as though your son may have a skin infection with abscesses or "boils". These usually start out as tender, red areas which become hard and then eventually develop a "head" of white pus. Once this drains, the area usually heals on its own. Most of these are caused by staphylococcus aureas, a common bacteria found on the skin. Occasionally, however, the can be caused by mrsa, the antibiotic resistent kind of staph bacteria.

Next time your son develops one of these infections, start out by applying warm compresses to the area to help draw the infection out. Then, you should take him to his doctor so that they can drain it, test for what bacteria is causing it and be able to treat him appropriately - sometimes with antibiotics, sometimes just with drainage. If he ever develops fever, chills, or feels ill with this infection, call his doctor immediately.

You can try and prevent these infections by practicing good hygiene and using anti-bacterial soaps. His doctor may have other suggestions for prevention.

Question 6

i'm 26 male who has/ have occasional assistic boils in my arm pits! just recently noticed that i have a smell of feces coming from a healed boil?

Accepted Answer

Well...: The smell indicated an infection and you should see a physician, get a culture, have it fully drained and take antibiotics

Question 7

how do you get rid of the smell from a boil under your arm?

Accepted Answer

See a dermatologist: Hidradenitis suppuritiva? Chronically inflamed epidermal cyst? Ingrown hair? You need attention, possibly surgery.

Question 8

my urine smells old and has a similar smell of what you'd get if you boil vegetables and leave the water a few days. there os also a chalky sediment?

Accepted Answer

Possible UTI: Given unusual smell and characteristics, one would suspect a urinary tract infection. Other more nefarious causes are rare.  Initial evaluation for a urinary tract infection involves going in for a medical evaluation and urinalysis.

Question 9

i have a boil like bump on the inners of my virginal area what could this be? its not painful theres no smell could this be an std or just a boil?

Accepted Answer

Lumps and bumps: Vaginal boils are pus filled inflamed bumps, painful bacterial infection in the impacted hair follicle under the skin. It can be cyst filled with fluid , inclusion or sebaceous . Bartholin gland cysts are also at the entry, painless and mostly self resolving. Syphilis and genital herpes can present as one or more small, painless bumps. Please go to the gynecologist for diagnosis and     treatment.

Question 10

is rubbing alcohol enough to kill staph after dressing a boil? (i usually wash briefly also to remove the smell, but want to make sure this is enough)

Accepted Answer

Peroxide is better: Alcohol is very toxic to skin, especially damaged skin. Hydrogen peroxide works well to kill any residual germs while causing less tissue damage.  An antibiotic ointment may help as well (triple antibiotic ointments are available as generics equivalent to neosporin). Many experts believe thorough washing with good old soap and water (not briefly!) is as good or better than abx ointments.

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Doctor answers about:

Do boils smell

A member asked:

Why do boils smell?

A member asked:

Can boils give off a smell?

A member asked:

I have a boil that popped yesterday morning and it had a bad smell to it. what does that mean?

A member asked:

How do i treat a large boil after it has bust and is continuing to leak with a "potatoe" smell?

A member asked:

My son had boils for a long time.the other day it erupted and give bad smell.what is it .and what should be done..is it somethin is it something to be afraid of.it grows on top of his shoulder and look like pimples..it erupted the other day and give bad s

A member asked:

I'm 26 male who has/ have occasional assistic boils in my arm pits! just recently noticed that i have a smell of feces coming from a healed boil?

A member asked:

How do you get rid of the smell from a boil under your arm?

A member asked:

My urine smells old and has a similar smell of what you'd get if you boil vegetables and leave the water a few days. there os also a chalky sediment?

A member asked:

I have a boil like bump on the inners of my virginal area what could this be? its not painful theres no smell could this be an std or just a boil?

A member asked:

Is rubbing alcohol enough to kill staph after dressing a boil? (i usually wash briefly also to remove the smell, but want to make sure this is enough)

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