Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Using home remedies
• Method 2 of 3: Recognizing a boil
• Method 3 of 3: Know when to seek medical attention
• Tips

If you have a firm, red, pus-filled bump, it is likely a boil. Boils can cause discomfort and be unsightly, but they are very common. They are usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Often it is an infection with the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. You can treat most boils yourself at home with natural remedies. However, it is best to see your doctor if the boil has not cleared up after two weeks or if you have the signs of an infection. You will also need to seek medical attention if the boil is large, on your face, or is accompanied by pain and fever.

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Method 1 of 3: Using home remedies

1. Do not squeeze the boil as this will make the problem worse. The first thing to remember when treating a boil is to take it never should try to squeeze out. Use never a sharp object such as a pin or needle to pierce the boil. This makes it more likely that the infection will spread. Always wash your hands before and after touching and treating the boil.
   • You can cover the boil with a band-aid or gauze if it is in an area where it can be easily irritated, such as on the inside of your thigh. You can also leave the boil uncovered if it is in a place on the body where it cannot be irritated by movement.
   • If the boil ripens and pops, gently wipe the area with a tissue, cover the wound and let it heal.
2. Apply a warm compress to the boil for 10 minutes. Heat can help soothe the boil and the pain. Soak a clean washcloth or small towel in very warm water. Do not use hot water. Wring out the excess water from the compress and place it on the boil. Keep the compress on the boil for 10 minutes. Do this as often as possible and at least twice a day until the boil bursts or disappears.
   • When treating the boil, always use a clean washcloth or towel to prevent contamination.
   • Wash all towels and clothes that come into contact with the boil with very hot, soapy water to kill the bacteria.
3. Use tea tree oil to help fight infection. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial and anti-fungal that you can apply to the boil to help treat it. Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab in the oil. Gently rub the boil with the cotton ball or swab. Apply oil to the boil 2-3 times a day to kill bacteria and fungi. Tea tree oil is allowed only applied to the skin. Don't swallow it.
   • It can also help with infections that cause boils and for which antibiotics do not help. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Make a cumin paste to kill bacteria and soothe inflammation. Cumin is a spice with both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it as a powder or as an essential oil. Get cumin powder and make a paste with it. Mix ½ teaspoon (2-3 grams) of cumin with 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of castor oil to make a paste. Apply the paste to the boil and cover it with a gauze bandage. Change the bandage every 12 hours.
   • If you are using the essential oil, apply the oil to the boil with a cotton ball or cotton swab.
5. Use other oils to help treat the boil. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds and fruits of the Asian Neem tree and has been used as an antiseptic for over 4,000 years. It kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. To treat your boil, dip a cotton ball or cotton swab into the neem oil. Apply the oil to the boil. Do this every 12 hours.
   • Eucalyptus oil is another essential oil with antibacterial properties and is good against bacteria that cause boils and are resistant to antibiotics. Soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in eucalyptus oil and apply the oil to the boil. Do this every 12 hours.
6. Use turmeric to kill germs and soothe inflammation. Turmeric is the main ingredient in curry dishes. It has both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can be used in powder or essential oil form. If using powder, mix ½ teaspoon of powder with 1-2 tablespoons of castor oil to make a paste. Apply the paste to the boil and cover it with a gauze bandage. Change the dressing every 12 hours.
   • If you are using the essential oil, apply the oil to the boil with a cotton ball or cotton swab.
   • Turmeric can give the skin an orange color, so it is best for areas normally covered with clothing.

Method 2 of 3: Recognizing a boil

1. Look for a solid red bump that is getting bigger and contains pus. Boils are more likely to develop in areas that are subject to a lot of friction, such as the armpits, between your thighs and near the groin. They can grow larger over time and eventually ripen. The boils will pop on their own and the pus will run out.
   • The pus is a mixture of blood cells, bacteria and fluid.
   • Boils can develop anywhere on the body, but are usually on the face, neck, underarms, buttocks and between the thighs.
2. Determine if you have a common boil or if it is something more serious. The two main types of boils are furuncles and carbuncles. Furuncles are common and arise when hair follicles or sebaceous glands become clogged. They are easy to treat at home. Carbuncles, on the other hand, are cystic bumps that can harden under your skin. It is best to have them treated by a doctor.
   • Other types of boils are less common. Hidradenitis suppurativa, for example, occurs when a lot of boils develop under the armpits and in the groin. It is inflammation of the sweat glands that is resistant to antibiotics. Often an operation is required to have the affected sweat glands removed.
3. Know the risk factors for boils. Boils are usually caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but other bacteria and fungi can cause boils as well. MRSA can also cause boils. Boils can develop in anyone at any time. There are also some other factors that can increase the risk of boils, such as:
   • Caring for or being intimate with someone with a boil or staph infection.
   • Have diabetes or any other condition that weakens the immune system.
   • Have a skin condition that reduces the ability of the skin to act as a barrier, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Method 3 of 3: Know when to seek medical attention

1. See a doctor if the boil has not healed with home treatment within two weeks. Your doctor will examine the boil and may take a sample of the pus for testing in a lab. This way, the cause of the boil can be determined so that you receive the correct treatment. Your doctor will then present you with some treatments.
   • Your doctor may be able to treat your boil after examining it. However, he or she may choose to take a sample to have it examined in a lab to find out which bacteria or fungus caused the boil.

   Tip: if your boil goes away but comes back often, see your doctor for further treatment. If you have a boil that keeps coming back, that's a sign that there could be more to it. Your doctor can then help you.

   
   
2. Get medical help quickly if your boil is large, on your face, or is accompanied by a fever. A boil is considered large if it is more than 5 centimeters in diameter. Chances are you don't need to worry, but these types of boils can be more serious in nature. You will often have to undergo medical treatment to get the pus out. Go to your doctor or the GP post so that a doctor can examine and treat your boil.
   • For example, boils on your face can cause scars if not treated properly. However, your doctor can make it less likely to scar you.
   • A large boil can also be difficult for your immune system to fight, but treatment by a doctor can help.
3. Watch for signs of infection so that you can get immediate medical attention. In rare cases, your boil can cause a secondary infection if not treated properly. Chances are you will be cured, but an untreated secondary infection can quickly become serious and even cause septicemia. See your doctor at the first sign of infection so that you can recover quickly. Call your doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
   • Red streaks that run out from the center of the boil
   • Severe pain
   • Very red skin
   • Fever
   • Swelling around the boil or a very large amount of moisture
4. Ask your doctor if you need an antibiotic to treat your boil. Chances are you don't need that. However, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have a very large, painful boil or if you continue to have boils. The antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause your boil, causing it to heal. Follow all your doctor's instructions and complete the course of antibiotics.
   • You may be prescribed a topical or oral antibiotic if necessary.
5. Consider having the boil cut open by your doctor if it is very bothering you. This is usually not necessary, but your doctor can puncture or cut open a very painful or annoying boil to help it heal quickly. Your doctor will make a small cut at the top of the boil and then let the pus drain out. Afterwards, your doctor will bandage the wound to protect it while it heals.
   • If your boil is very large, your doctor may use bandages to help clear the deep pus. You will need to change these dressings as often as your doctor recommends.

Tips

• Always talk to your doctor before using these remedies on your child. Also make sure that your child does not consume the herbs and oils.
• It is generally safe to apply herbs and oils to your skin, but always test them on a small area on your skin first to make sure you are not allergic to them.