How do boils spread? is it contagious before its popped? do they have to pop or would it go away if i just leave it alone?

Staph aureus: These are usually due to staph aureus, a bacteria which may be resident on the surface of the skin and gets in through often microscopic breaks. This should be seen by a doctor, treated and then attempts can be made to reduce the degree of skin colonization using clorhexidine containing soap and Mupirocin nasal applications to reduce nasal colonization.

MAy have pus: A boil occurs when there is an infection of one of the many skin glands. If there is simply infection, then antibiotics will do the trick. However, most boils are collections of pus (abscess) which means that even if the infection gets better, the pus has to be absorbed which takes time. Opening abscess releases pus which promotes faster healing. Simple dressings to the wound change 3 x/week.