Is an untreated staph infection dangerous? i read they usually go away on their own, but not always. how long is safe to wait before going to the doctor? its just a boil, but ive had it for a week now.

Yes, : Yes, an untreated staph infection can be dangerous. Staph aureus is a bacteria that live on our skin, but if it is driven under the surface of the skin (by a cut or injury, sometimes when we don't even remember an injury), and then the bacteria multiply and cause an infection. A "boil" typically has purulence (pus) in it, and if untreated this can lead to worsening infection that can spread. Sign of spreading is increasing pain, increasing redness, red streaks from the area, fever, and feeling "flu-like" with aches, nausea, or vomiting. I would urge you to have this boil evaluated.

Staph Infections: Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, a type of germ commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or result in relatively minor skin infections. But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.