Boil or Abscess on Baby's Skin
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAD, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing boil or abscess on baby's skin, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
A boil (furuncle) is a painful, red, pus-filled lump caused by a bacterial infection of a hair follicle, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Boils in babies should always be evaluated by a pediatrician. Never squeeze or lance a boil at home, as this can worsen the infection or spread bacteria.
Key takeaways
- A boil (furuncle) is a painful, red, pus-filled lump caused by a bacterial infection of a hair follicle, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Boils in babies should always be evaluated by a pediatrician. Never squeeze or lance a boil at home, as this can worsen the infection or spread bacteria.
- Usually normal when: A very small, superficial red bump that resolves within a day or two is likely a minor folliculitis, not a true boil
- Call your doctor if: Any boil or abscess in a baby under 3 months old
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAD, CDC guidelines, a boil (furuncle) is a painful, red, pus-filled lump caused by a bacterial infection of a hair follicle, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Boils in babies should always be evaluated by a pediatrician. Never squeeze or lance a boil at home, as this can worsen the infection or spread bacteria. At 0-3 months, any abscess or boil in a newborn needs prompt medical evaluation. Young infants have immature immune systems and skin infections can progress quickly. A warm, red, fluctuant lump on a newborn should be seen the same day. It is generally considered normal when a very small, superficial red bump that resolves within a day or two is likely a minor folliculitis, not a true boil. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if any boil or abscess in a baby under 3 months old.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Any abscess or boil in a newborn needs prompt medical evaluation. Young infants have immature immune systems and skin infections can progress quickly. A warm, red, fluctuant lump on a newborn should be seen the same day.
3-6 months
Boils can develop in areas of friction or moisture like the diaper area, armpits, or neck folds. Warm compresses may help bring the boil to a head, but your pediatrician should evaluate it to determine if it needs drainage or antibiotics.
6-12 months
As babies become more active, minor skin breaks from scratches and scrapes can allow bacteria to enter. Boils may form at these sites. Keep the area clean and covered, apply warm compresses, and see your pediatrician if the boil is larger than a pea, worsening, or your baby has a fever.
12-24 months
Toddlers may develop recurrent boils, especially if they carry Staphylococcus aureus on their skin. If your child gets frequent boils, your pediatrician may recommend decolonization measures such as bleach baths or nasal mupirocin ointment. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph) should be considered with recurrent boils.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed boil or abscess on baby's skin and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a red, painful, growing lump develops on your baby's skin.
- Mention if a boil that is not draining on its own after several days of warm compresses.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A very small, superficial red bump that resolves within a day or two is likely a minor folliculitis, not a true boil
- A red, painful, growing lump develops on your baby's skin
- A boil that is not draining on its own after several days of warm compresses
- Your child has had more than one boil in the past few months
- Any boil or abscess in a baby under 3 months old
- A boil is accompanied by fever, red streaking, or rapidly spreading redness
- A boil near the eye, nose, or groin is growing quickly
- Multiple boils appear simultaneously
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice boil or abscess on baby's skin — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a very small, superficial red bump that resolves within a day or two is likely a minor folliculitis, not a true boil — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if any boil or abscess in a baby under 3 months old.
Related Conditions
Staph Skin Infection in Baby or Toddler
Staphylococcus (staph) is a common bacteria that lives on the skin and can cause infections when it enters through a break in the skin (cut, scratch, bug bite, or eczema patch). In babies, staph infections often appear as red, swollen, warm areas that may develop pus, boils, or honey-colored crusting (impetigo). Most minor staph infections respond well to treatment. However, staph infections can spread quickly in young children and some strains (MRSA) are resistant to common antibiotics, so prompt medical evaluation is important.
Cellulitis (Spreading Skin Infection) in Baby
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes a spreading area of redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. It occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin. Cellulitis in babies always requires antibiotic treatment and should be evaluated by a pediatrician promptly. If it spreads rapidly or is accompanied by fever, seek urgent care.
MRSA Skin Infection Concerns in Baby
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph bacteria resistant to common antibiotics. It can cause skin infections like boils and abscesses. While the name sounds frightening, community-acquired MRSA skin infections are treatable with appropriate antibiotics. Good hygiene and wound care are key to prevention.
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is boil or abscess on baby's skin normal?
When should I call the doctor about boil or abscess on baby's skin?
When is boil or abscess on baby's skin normal?
What causes boil or abscess on baby's skin?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about boil or abscess on baby's skin?
Is boil or abscess on baby's skin normal at 0-3 months?
Is boil or abscess on baby's skin normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for boil or abscess on baby's skin?
Does boil or abscess on baby's skin go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Boil or Abscess on Baby's Skin.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed boil or abscess on baby's skin and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a red, painful, growing lump develops on your baby's skin.
- Mention if a boil that is not draining on its own after several days of warm compresses.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- A red, painful, growing lump develops on your baby's skin
- A boil that is not draining on its own after several days of warm compresses
- Your child has had more than one boil in the past few months
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Any boil or abscess in a baby under 3 months old
- A boil is accompanied by fever, red streaking, or rapidly spreading redness
- A boil near the eye, nose, or groin is growing quickly
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of boil or abscess on baby's skin are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if any boil or abscess in a baby under 3 months old.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Skin Concerns
Staph Skin Infection in Baby or Toddler
Staphylococcus (staph) is a common bacteria that lives on the skin and can cause infections when it enters through a break in the skin (cut, scratch, bug bite, or eczema patch). In babies, staph infections often appear as red, swollen, warm areas that may develop pus, boils, or honey-colored crusting (impetigo). Most minor staph infections respond well to treatment. However, staph infections can spread quickly in young children and some strains (MRSA) are resistant to common antibiotics, so prompt medical evaluation is important.
Cellulitis (Spreading Skin Infection) in Baby
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes a spreading area of redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. It occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin. Cellulitis in babies always requires antibiotic treatment and should be evaluated by a pediatrician promptly. If it spreads rapidly or is accompanied by fever, seek urgent care.
MRSA Skin Infection Concerns in Baby
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph bacteria resistant to common antibiotics. It can cause skin infections like boils and abscesses. While the name sounds frightening, community-acquired MRSA skin infections are treatable with appropriate antibiotics. Good hygiene and wound care are key to prevention.
My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)
Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)
Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.
New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children
Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.