Boils are infections that cause the formation of bumps on the skin filled with pus. Boils are usually found in hair follicles and surrounding skin tissue. Boils are a very common condition, but can be dangerous if not treated quickly and appropriately. If you have a boil on your skin, you can use a variety of home remedies to relieve pain and kill bacteria. However, stop treatment at home and go to the doctor immediately if: you have diabetes or another skin disease, have a weakened immune system, and have signs of infection, such as long streaks coming out of boils, nausea, vomiting, fever, or the body weakens.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Methods
Step 1. Find out if you have a boil
Boils can be caused by many things, but they usually appear due to infection with the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin. By knowing that you do have a boil, you can determine the most effective treatment for it at home.
The appearance of a boil begins as a painful, inflamed area the size of a pea and continues to swell as it fills with pus. At the top of the boil there may be a small bump like a pimple
Step 2. Avoid squeezing or puncturing the boil
You may be tempted to squeeze or poke the boil, but don't get rid of it this way. Picking or touching the skin can spread bacteria and make the infection worse.
Picking or touching the boil can also exacerbate the irritation and swelling
Step 3. Apply a warm compress to the boil
Apply a warm, slightly hot compress to the boil and the surrounding skin. This can help break down and drain the boil more quickly, and relieve pain.
- Heat a glass of water until it reaches a temperature that is warm or slightly hot, and feels comfortable and doesn't scald the skin. Dip a soft cloth or washcloth in water, then apply it to the affected area. Do this several times a day.
- Scrubbing the boil in a gentle, circular motion can help solve it. Usually you will find a small amount of pus or blood while doing this.
Step 4. Soak the boil with warm water
Soak in a tub filled with lukewarm water. If the boil feels close to bursting, you can take a warm shower instead of a bath.
- Try adding something to the water, such as baking soda, raw oatmeal, or colloidal oatmeal, or use a clay poultice. All of these ingredients can help soothe the skin and treat boils.
- Soak in the tub for only 10 to 15 minutes and repeat as needed or desired.
Step 5. Keep the boil area clean
Bacteria can make the infection and inflammation of the boil worse. Keeping everything that came into contact with the boil clean will inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infection. In particular, don't let other people touch the area of the boil as they can carry different or stronger bacteria that can make the infection worse.
- Wash the boil area using a mild antibacterial soap. Once you've wiped the washcloth and the boil starts to drain, use a mild antibacterial soap to clean the area. Dry the area by patting the towel.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after you touch or handle boils.
- Wash anything that has touched the boil, such as sheets, clothes, towels, and washcloths used for compresses. Set the washing machine on the hottest setting when you wash these items.
Step 6. Use colloidal silver in topical or oral form to treat boils
Some people use colloidal silver to treat infections by drinking it or applying it. So, you can use it to treat boils. However, consult your doctor first before trying it. Pregnant women should not use colloidal silver because it can harm the fetus.
Colloidal silver can be obtained in the form of oral or topical medications in pharmacies and drug stores. Follow the instructions for use listed on the packaging
Warning:
Consuming colloidal silver for a long time can make the skin turn gray, damage the kidneys, and cause seizures.
Step 7. Apply tea tree oil on the boil
Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to the boil and the surrounding skin. However, antiseptics, antibiotics, and antifungals are ancient treatments whose efficacy is supported by little scientific evidence.
- Many events have been associated with a high sensitivity to tea tree oil. Always do the test first on an area that is not affected by boils.
- Mix tea tree oil and water in equal proportions. Apply this mixture on the boil area 2 times a day.
Step 8. Use turmeric powder (either oral or topical)
Turmeric is a spice that has antibiotic and antiseptic properties. You can take turmeric powder, or make it into a paste to help get rid of and heal boils. Mix 1 tsp. (5 ml) turmeric powder with one glass of warm water and drink 3 times a day. You can also make a paste of turmeric powder and apply it directly to the boil. Cover the paste with gauze to help heal the boil and keep clothes from staining.
You can also buy turmeric capsules. Follow the instructions listed on the product packaging regarding the dose that must be consumed every day
Step 9. Apply a castor oil compress on the boil
Wet a cotton swab with a little castor oil, then apply it to the boil. Secure the cotton by applying tape or wrapping gauze. Castor oil can help dry and heal boils.
Castor oil can be found in pharmacies, health food stores, and grocery stores
Step 10. Wear loose, soft clothing
Tight clothing can irritate the skin and make boils worse. Wear loose, soft, and light clothing to allow the skin to breathe and to prevent irritation of the boil.
Soft-textured clothing such as cotton and wool from merino sheep can keep the skin from irritating and prevent excessive sweating (which can irritate boils)
Step 11. Try using a saline solution
Purchase a saline solution at the pharmacy. It's best not to make your own saline solution, as it can result in a solution that's too saturated or dries quickly. If you still want to make your own solution, mix in 1 tsp. (5 ml) of salt for every 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water. Dip a washcloth in the solution and apply it to the boil. Repeat this action as needed.
A saline solution (a mixture of water and salt) can help drain the pus and drain the boil. Apply a washcloth dipped in saline to the boil as needed (after the boil has burst)
Warning:
Only use a saline solution after the fluid in the boil has been drained.
Method 2 of 3: Using Over-the-counter Medical Products
Step 1. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever
Some medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help relieve pain caused by boils. Ibuprofen can also reduce swelling. Always follow the instructions for use listed on the medicine package.
Step 2. Wash the boil area with an antiseptic cleanser
Wash the boil and the area around it using a medicated, germ-killing cleanser. In addition to helping the boil to burst and dry, this can prevent the infection from spreading.
Antiseptic cleansers can be found at pharmacies or drug stores
Step 3. Apply an antibiotic or antiseptic cream to the boil
Apply antibacterial ointment up to 2 times a day and cover the surface with a bandage. This will kill the bacteria present in the boil and the area around it.
- Several types of antibiotic ointments that can be used include bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, or a combination of these ingredients. Some ointment brands include all three ingredients in one product and call it "3 antibiotic ointment."
- Use the ointment according to the directions on the package.
- Antibiotic ointments and creams are available at pharmacies and drug stores.
Warning:
Some people are allergic to antibiotic ointments, especially bacitracin. Test the ointment on an area of skin that doesn't have boils before using it.
Step 4. Apply benzoyl peroxide on the boil
Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide cream (usually used to treat acne) can help dry the boil. Apply a small amount of this antiseptic twice a day to help relieve boils.
Benzoyl peroxide cream can be found at pharmacies, drug stores, and even grocery stores
Step 5. Cover the boil with a bandage
Wrap the boil loosely with a sterile bandage or gauze when it begins to dry. This helps keep the boil area dry and clean, and keeps the infection from spreading.
- Change the wet bandage or gauze.
- You can get sterile bandages and gauze at pharmacies, drug stores, and grocery stores.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection
Boils can burst and allow bacteria to enter the wound, causing an infection. If left untreated, the infection can lead to serious health problems. Call your doctor right away if the boil looks infected.
- Talk to your doctor before you go to the hospital because you could be at risk of developing MRSA (a type of bacterial infection) while you are there.
- Some signs of infection include the presence of pus around or in the boil and the appearance of red lines on the skin around the boil.
Step 2. Go to the doctor if the boil doesn't go away for more than 2 weeks
Usually boils will burst on their own and heal within a week or so. However, if the boil hasn't gone away and hasn't changed after two weeks, consult a doctor. He or she will examine the boil and suggest appropriate treatment options.
- Doctors can prescribe creams to help get rid of boils.
- Maybe the doctor will puncture your boil.
Step 3. Seek medical attention if the boil is on the spine or face
Boils that grow in certain places can be annoying and very painful. The skin on the spine is very thin and boils that appear there can be very painful and make it difficult to sleep. Boils on the face can be embarrassing and painful. Go to the doctor to have your boil treated.
Boils that are in the spine can accidentally burst when you sleep. Go to the doctor for treatment
Warning:
Do not try to pop or pop a boil on your face, as this can lead to infection and scarring.
Step 4. Get medical help if you have a fever
If you have boils and you have a fever, this could be a sign that the infection has spread or that you have a serious medical problem. Go to a hospital or health clinic for a checkup.
Even if the fever is only mild, it can be a sign of infection
Tips
- If left untreated, the boil must be removed surgically. In this process, the doctor will split the boil and remove the fluid that is in it. After that, you will be given prescription medication to prevent the boil from reappearing.
- If you want to treat it yourself at home, keep an eye on the boil and make sure it gets better gradually. If there is no improvement after a few days, try another method or seek medical help.
