Private boils & abscesses clinic in London, same-day dermatology.
A boil is an infected hair follicle and an abscess is a collection of pus — small ones settle, but a painful, enlarging abscess usually needs draining. Our private dermatology clinic in East London offers same-day boils & abscesses assessment with a private dermatologist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.
The condition
What is boils & abscesses?
A boil is an infected hair follicle and an abscess is a collection of pus — small ones settle, but a painful, enlarging abscess usually needs draining.
- Boils
- Skin abscesses
- Recurrent boils
- Incision & drainage
- Antibiotics where needed
- Underlying-cause check
Understanding boils & abscesses
Boils & Abscesses: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment
Seek urgent assessment if there is
- spreading redness, or red streaks tracking away from the area
- fever, shivering or feeling generally unwell
- a boil on the face, particularly around the nose, eyes or upper lip
- an abscess near the spine, groin, or anus, or affecting a joint
- you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or the area is on the hand
- severe pain out of proportion, or rapidly spreading swelling
Facial boils in the central triangle drain towards veins connected to the skull and need prompt treatment. Perianal and spinal abscesses often need surgical drainage under anaesthetic. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
Do not squeeze it
Squeezing a boil forces bacteria deeper into the tissue and into the bloodstream, converts a simple boil into cellulitis, and causes far worse scarring. It also rarely achieves anything, because the pus is walled off. The urge is powerful; resist it.
What to do at home
- Apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day. This is the most effective self-treatment — it encourages the boil to come to a head and drain on its own.
- Keep the area clean and covered with a dry dressing.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching it; use a separate towel and wash it hot.
- If it drains by itself, let it, then keep it clean and covered until it heals.
- Most small boils settle within a week to ten days.
When it needs draining
An abscess that is fluctuant — soft and full — needs incision and drainage. This is a small procedure under local anaesthetic, gives immediate relief from the pressure pain, and is usually the definitive treatment. Antibiotics are added when there is surrounding cellulitis, fever, or particular risk factors, but they are an adjunct rather than a substitute.
The cavity is sometimes packed and needs redressing over the following days. Healing is from the base upwards and takes one to three weeks depending on size.
Recurrent boils
- Staphylococcus carriage — many people carry the bacteria in the nose and it reseeds the skin. A course of nasal ointment and antiseptic body wash for the whole household can break the cycle.
- Check for diabetes — recurrent boils are a recognised presentation.
- Check iron levels and, less commonly, immune function.
- Avoid sharing towels, razors and flannels; wash bedding and towels at 60°C.
- Reduce friction and shaving irritation in affected areas.
When it is not simply recurrent boils
Repeated painful lumps and abscesses in the armpits, groin, under the breasts or between the buttocks — particularly with tunnels, scarring or discharging sinuses — may be hidradenitis suppurativa. It is a distinct inflammatory condition, not an infection, and it is commonly misdiagnosed as recurrent boils for years. It has specific treatments including long-term medication and biologics, and smoking cessation and weight management substantially improve it. If this sounds like you, say so — the average delay to diagnosis is around seven years.
Book an appointment if a boil is large, very painful, on the face, not settling after a week, or keeps coming back. We can assess an abscess and, where appropriate, drain it under local anaesthetic or arrange prompt treatment, take swabs, screen for diabetes, and arrange dermatology input for recurrent disease.
Dermatology services we offer
Expert skin care under one roof
From same-day GP treatment to consultant dermatology, mole checks and minor surgery — with a clear plan the same visit.
Private Dermatology
Consultant dermatologist assessment.
Mole & Skin Cancer Check
Expert mole checks and skin cancer screening.
Minor Surgery
Removal of moles, cysts and lumps under local.
Allergy & Patch Testing
Find triggers for eczema and reactions.
Private GP
Same-day GP for skin infections & rashes.
Skin Treatments
Evidence-based treatments for skin concerns.
Simple & reassuring
Seen today, in three easy steps
Book in a minute
Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most skin appointments.
Seen quickly
One of our GMC-registered doctors examines your skin in clinic and explains what it is — for dermatology appointments, our dermatologist joins by secure video.
Diagnosis & plan
You leave with a diagnosis, a prescription or procedure where needed, and a clear plan.
Private assessment
See a private dermatologist for boils & abscesses in London
At our private dermatology clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private dermatologist or boils & abscesses doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant dermatologist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about boils & abscesses.
Our hybrid dermatology service. At Tower Bridge Hospital, dermatology appointments usually combine an in-person skin examination by one of our doctors with a secure video consultation with our dermatologist. HD skin analysis and clinical photography may be used where appropriate. This approach provides convenient specialist advice without always requiring a separate face-to-face dermatologist appointment.
Consultation: £150 — includes both the onsite doctor examination and dermatologist video consultation, with no additional GP fee. If a biopsy or minor surgical procedure is required, this can be arranged separately at our clinic.
Local, private, fast
A private dermatology clinic for East London & Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private boils & abscesses appointment with a dermatologist, without the wait or the referral.
Why choose us
Why choose our East London private dermatology clinic
- Same-day, no referral — private GP and dermatology under one roof
- Consultant dermatologists, GMC-registered
- Dermoscopy & minor surgery on site for moles and lumps
- Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
- Medical & cosmetic skin care in one place
- Transparent pricing and a clear plan
Ready when you are
See a private dermatologist for boils & abscesses — the same day.
Book a private boils & abscesses assessment in East London: same-day appointments, dermatologist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.
Common questions
Boils & Abscesses in London: your questions answered
Where can I find a private boils & abscesses specialist near me in East London?
Our private dermatology clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private dermatologist or boils & abscesses doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.
Can I see a private dermatologist for boils & abscesses the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a dermatologist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.
How much does a private boils & abscesses appointment cost in London?
We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the boils & abscesses assessment and any tests before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a private dermatologist for boils & abscesses?
No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a dermatologist, we will guide you.
How is an abscess treated?
A collection of pus usually needs draining, which is more effective than antibiotics alone; we assess and arrange this or refer promptly.
Do recurrent boils need investigating?
Yes — recurrent boils can point to an underlying cause, which we can assess with blood tests where needed.
Which areas do you serve for private boils & abscesses care?
We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.