Can anything be done to prevent boils and abscesses?
Unfortunately there is nothing that can prevent all boils but there are some measures that you can take to prevent boils from forming or getting to big. By using antibacterial soaps this can help to prevent bacteria from accumulating up on the skin. Additionally this can reduce the chance for any hair follicles from becoming infected and stopping the formation of boils. In some situations, a doctor may recommend a special cleanser such as pHisoderm. This will decrease the amount of bacteria on the skin. If the hair follicles on the arms or around the thighs are inflamed, it may be wise to use of an abrasive brush (loufa brush) in the shower. This can break up oil plugs and the oil build up around hair follicles.
If the buttock area has an inflamed hair follicle, Pilonidal cysts can be prevented by avoiding continued direct pressure or irritation. Additionally soap and hot water cleaning and drying can be helpful to relieve the irritated area.
For acne boils and hidradenitis suppurativa, antibiotics may be the treatment of choice to prevent recurrent abscess formation. Other medications, such as isotretinoin also know as Accutane can be used for cystic acne. Additionally this helped some patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. However let it be known that recurrences are often common in people who have hidradenitis suppurativa.
As a final option and in the most extreme cases surgery may occasionally be needed. This would be true for those that have pilonidal cysts that recur, and those with hidradenitis suppurativa. For those with pilonidal cysts surgery is done to remove the outer shell of the cyst and clear the boil. This is an involved procedure and should be performed in the operating room. For those with hidradenitis suppurativa, due to its severity plastic surgery may be required.
By adhering to basic cleanliness guidelines one greatly reduces their risk of getting boils. When a cut occurs clean it immediately don't wait. If something gets under your skin get it out immediately don't wait. Use antibiotic creams and keep the area clean.