A red, swollen lump appears on your skin — then grows, throbs and turns painful. Is it a skin abscess? A boil? And when is it time to seek urgent care?

At State Urgent Care, we offer prompt, walk-in skin abscess treatment for painful lumps that won’t go away on their own. Boils and abscesses may seem similar, but both require medical attention, and neither should be ignored.

Here’s what you need to know.

What are skin abscesses and boils?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a boil — also called a furuncle — is a painful, pus-filled bump that usually forms when bacteria infect a hair follicle or oil gland. A skin abscess is a related issue, though usually deeper and more serious.

Both often start small, resembling a pimple or bug bite. Yet over time, they may become:

Red or purple
Warm to the touch
Tender and even painful

Boils and abscesses rarely resolve without help. Left untreated, they could rupture under the skin and spread bacteria to other parts of your body.

That’s why urgent care evaluation is so necessary.

When should you go to urgent care?

If it’s been more than a few days and the lump is getting worse, it’s time to get it looked at. Come see us at State Urgent Care if you notice:

A painful or growing lump
Pus or blood draining from the site
Redness or swelling that’s spreading beyond the bump
Fever or chills

These are signs that the issue may not resolve on its own. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that untreated abscesses can lead to deeper infections, such as sepsis. The sooner they’re treated, the better.

How urgent care can help

At State Urgent Care, we offer prompt walk-in care for most boils and skin abscesses. After examining the area and determining the cause, our team may:

Drain the lump through a simple, in-office procedure
Prescribe antibiotics if there’s evidence of spread
Provide wound care instructions to help you heal at home
Refer you to a specialist for deep, recurring or unusual cases

Relief often comes quickly after successful drainage.

What if it’s not a simple infection?

Not every lump is a boil or abscess. A chronic condition called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can mimic both, and the Cleveland Clinic advises that it requires a unique treatment plan to address.

HS causes recurring, painful bumps in areas with sweat glands or friction. Common locations include:

Armpits
Groin or inner thighs
Under the breasts
Lower back or buttocks

And unlike more typical infections, HS usually follows a long-term pattern.

If we suspect HS during your visit, we’ll refer you to a dermatologist for targeted care. We strongly believe that catching the pattern early can help you avoid years of recurring symptoms.

Urgent care or the emergency room?

Urgent care is the right place to start for most boils and abscesses. But there are exceptions, and you should go to the ER if you have:

Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Lumps close to particularly delicate areas of your body, such as your eyes, genitals or spine
Dizziness
A weakened immune system

If you’re not sure where to go, start with State Urgent Care. Our providers can evaluate the issue and escalate your care if needed.

Get relief today at State Urgent Care

Boils and abscesses are painful and stubborn about going away on their own. It’s better not to wait if you see unexplained lumps that are growing quickly and spreading fast.

State Urgent Care is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. We offer walk-in treatment for skin issues and more — no appointment needed, and you can reserve your spot in advance.

Walk in today for a safe and confident evaluation.