Boils- Who is Most at Risk?

While anyone can certainly get boils, there are some people who are at higher risk. It is certainly important to know about the key risk factors that make it more likely that you will get boils, so that you can try to avoid these issues and change your lifestyle choices.

Compromised Immune System

If your body isn't equipped to fight off bacteria and infections, then you are more likely to develop problems on the skin, such as boils. The logic is easy to follow here. If your body can't fight off infection, and boils are caused by infection, then your body is more likely to have boils. Those who have low immunity could include people who are battling the flu, and those with chronic immune conditions such as AIDS.

Diabetics

People with diabetes are more likely to develop boils. This is true for people with both Type I and Type II diabetes. This is because people with diabetes often struggle to heal after an injury or illness. Their bodies, as a result of the diabetes, have a hard time healing from cuts, infections and issues like boils. If you have diabetes, it is important to take extra care with your hygiene and to address boils immediately if they occur.

Poor Hygiene & Nutrition Problems

One of the biggest culprits of boils is poor hygiene and bad nutrition. If you aren't cleaning your skin as well as you should, your hair follicles can become infected. Similarly, poor eating can lead to boils. Your body needs the right vitamins and minerals to keep your skin healthy. Both of these issues can be solved by making sure to take proper and frequent baths and by eating nutritiously. Obviously, this is more difficult for people who are struggling with their income and for the elderly or infirm who may be bedridden.

Contact With Those Who Have Staph Infections

Another risk factor for developing boils is if you live with someone who has them. You are more likely to develop an infection if you have constant contact with one. Therefore, if you live with a person with boils, you are more prone to come into contact with the boils and to develop them as well. To deal with this risk factor, it's important that the person who has the boils treat them immediately, and that anyone else living in the house use proper hygiene and keep a good diet.

Other Skin Problems

Finally, if you have other skin issues, you are more likely to develop boils as well. Skin problems damage the skin's protective barrier, making you more prone to boils and other skin issues. If you already have acne, dermatitis or other skin problems, you should be aware that you are more susceptible to boils.

While you may not be able to completely prevent boils, knowing the risk factors can certainly allow you to minimize their effect. It is important to practice proper hygiene and to eat well to prevent boils. Paying attention to the other risk factors, and minimizing your risk, can help as well.