Does eating too many eggs cause boils? Myth or fact?
Eggs are one of the most accessible and complete sources of animal protein. Even so, many people still believe that consuming too many eggs can cause boils. This belief was also expressed by a primary school pupil in Bekasi who wrote a note to officers of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit. In the letter, the pupil complained that eggs were served too often and asked for the free nutritious meal menu to be more varied so that he and his friends would not get boils. The moment was widely shared on TikTok, showing the child’s handwritten note in a typical childish style.
A boil is a skin infection that generally occurs when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter through a hair follicle or a small wound on the skin. The infection then causes a pus-filled lump to form. So is it true that eggs cause boils? There is no medical basis showing that eating a certain amount of eggs directly causes boils. Eggs are in fact a source of protein and various nutrients. The Ministry of Health states that eggs contain protein, vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients needed by the body.
The main cause of boils is related to bacterial infection of the skin, not the eggs consumed. The risk of boils can increase when a person has damage to the skin’s protective barrier, has certain skin conditions such as eczema or acne, or has diabetes, which can make it harder for the body to fight infection.
Why are eggs often linked to boils? The belief probably stems from the experience of some people who feel they develop skin problems after eating certain foods. However, the appearance of a boil after eating eggs does not automatically mean eggs are the cause. A different condition to consider is egg allergy. An allergic reaction to eggs can cause symptoms such as a rash or hives, redness and swelling, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Thus, a skin reaction caused by an egg allergy is not the same as a boil caused by a bacterial infection.
If someone repeatedly experiences skin complaints after eating eggs, they should not immediately conclude that eggs cause boils. The Ministry of Health explains that a person can experience an allergic reaction to certain foods due to the immune system’s response. If a food allergy is suspected, an examination and consultation with a doctor can be carried out to confirm the cause.
A distinction needs to be made between a boil and an allergic reaction. A boil is usually a painful lump that can develop into a collection of pus, whereas an egg allergy more often causes symptoms such as itching, hives, redness or swelling.
Can eggs be eaten every day? Eggs can essentially be part of a healthy diet as long as they are consumed in amounts that suit a person’s needs and are accompanied by other nutritious foods. The Ministry of Health describes eggs as a nutrient-dense food and a source of quality protein. For this reason, eggs do not need to be avoided simply because of the belief that they cause boils. What is more important is paying attention to the amount consumed, how they are prepared, food hygiene and overall dietary balance.
Because boils are generally related to bacterial infection of the skin, the following habits can help maintain skin health: keep the skin clean by bathing regularly and cleaning the skin, especially after sweating; do not squeeze lumps carelessly, as squeezing a boil can cause the infection to spread to surrounding tissue; keep small wounds clean, as wounds or damage to the skin can be an entry point for bacteria; do not share towels or personal clothing, as boils caused by certain bacteria can be linked to close contact or shared use of personal items; and pay attention to health conditions, as people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing boils because the body may find it harder to fight bacterial skin infections.
Thus, the belief that eating a lot of eggs causes boils is a myth. There is no evidence that egg consumption directly causes boils. The main cause of boils is bacterial infection, especially Staphylococcus aureus, in hair follicles or damaged skin. Eggs can still be consumed as a source of protein and nutrients. However, if symptoms such as itching, hives or swelling appear every time eggs are eaten, the condition is more likely to be a possible allergic reaction and should be consulted with a medical professional.