Your body may be experiencing recurrent boils due to various factors. Boils, also known as furuncles, are painful, pus-filled infections that occur in hair follicles or oil glands. The following reasons could contribute to the continuous production of boils.
- Genetic and environmental factors
- Close Contact
- Bacteria
- Irritation of the skin due to exposure to harsh chemicals
- Diabetes
- Problems with the Immune system
1. Genetic and environmental factors
Environmental factors because when the hair follicles are blocked in the armpits and groin areas of the body with high concentrations of apocrine glands, it leads to this abnormal condition.
A condition where you keep getting boils recurrently. Other times, genes are a huge factor. Some people may be genetically predisposed to getting boils as well.
Studies have shown that the variants NCSTN, PSEN1, or PSENEN gene are reasons, why boil, may be recurrent.
2. Close Contact
Boils are not usually highly contagious, they can be spread through close contact with someone who has a boil, either by direct contact with the pus or by contact with objects that have been contaminated with the bacteria, such as towels, razors, or clothing.
Boils are more likely to be contagious when they are draining pus, which can easily spread the bacteria to other surfaces or people.
To avoid these recurrent boils, stop sharing personal items.
Sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothing can transfer bacteria between individuals, leading to the development of new boils. Maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items can help minimize this risk.
3. Bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. In most cases, it causes boils and other skin-related diseases.
When the skin is damaged or the immune system is weakened, this bacterium can cause an infection that can happen anywhere on the body and results in a boil or an abscess.
The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or even hair follicles.
When the bacteria enter the skin and infect a hair follicle or oil gland, they cause inflammation and eventually develop into a tender red swelling or a pus-filled boil.
Recurrent infections can also occur when the bacteria are not completely eradicated from the body and become dormant before becoming active again.
Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and cleaning cuts and scrapes properly, is important to prevent the spread of these types of infections.
4. Irritation of the skin due to exposure to harsh chemicals
Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning agents, can irritate the skin and damage the hair follicles or oil glands.
When hair follicles become damaged, they can become infected easily, leading to the formation of a boil.
Additionally, damage to oil glands can cause them to become blocked, leading to the accumulation of oil and bacteria and increasing the likelihood of a bacterial infection.
Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear when working with such chemicals, and avoid prolonged exposure to them.
5. Diabetes
People with diabetes are more prone to developing boils due to high blood sugar levels that weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections.
When the blood sugar levels remain high, it can cause a disruption to insulin, which makes it more difficult for the body to manage blood glucose levels.
This eventually can lead to uncontrolled hyperglycemia which can impair the innate and adaptive immune responses of the body that predispose to bacterial infections.
Diabetes often causes skin problems such as folliculitis when this happens.
6. Problems of the Immune System
The immune system defends us against infection. At times when we see boils on our body, it’s a sign that the immune system is fighting a disease.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing boils because their immune system is less able to fight off bacteria.
Examples of individuals with weakened immune systems include those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, both of which can suppress the immune system.
The decreased ability of the body to fight off infections makes it easier for Staphylococcus aureus to cause an infection that leads to the development of boils.
What is it called when you keep getting boils?
The condition where someone keeps getting boils recurrently is called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), also known as Acne Inversa or Apocrinitis.
It is a chronic skin condition that causes inflamed and painful boils or abscesses in areas such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks.
HS typically starts after puberty and tends to worsen over time, with recurrent flare-ups and the formation of tunnels under the skin.
It can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, causing pain, embarrassment, and difficulty with daily activities. It happens as a result of both genetic and environmental factors.