Prevention

It's not always possible to prevent boils, especially if you have a weakened immune system. But the following measures may help you avoid staph infections:

• Wash your hands regularly with mild soap. Or use an alcohol-based hand rub often. Careful hand-washing is your best defense against germs.
• Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal.
• Avoid sharing personal items. Don't share towels, sheets, razors, clothing, athletic equipment and other personal items. Staph infections can spread via objects, as well as from person to person. If you have a cut or sore, wash your towels and linens using detergent and hot water with added bleach, and dry them in a hot dryer.