How to treat boils (“Furuncle”)
A boil are red, pus-filled bumps that form under the skin, it could be on a person’s forehead, armpit, buttocks, shoulders or even groin area.
Boils which are known as Furuncles are mostly very painful and grow larger until they’re drained of their pus. Sometimes, they grow as large as tennis balls. Larger boils are also known as skin abscesses.
The skin areas around the boil can be red, sore and painful too.
Causes of boils
- Some bacterias can infect and then cause inflammation of hair follicles to cause boils. Most of the time, boils are the result of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
Clogged or ingrown hairs can cause boil infection
- Ingrown hairs and clogged sweat glands (hair glands filled with unreleased sweat and dead matter) are other realistic causes of boils.
- Other factors that may increase your chances of developing boils include:
- Poor hygiene
- shaving
- Small cuts on the skin that may not be noticeable can be infected
- acne or eczema are conditions that may cause boils
- A poor immune system makes one vulnerable to bacterial infections.
- Sharing razors or towels with an infected person or having close contacts with them can cause boils to appear since they are contagious.
Home Remedies for treating Boils
- Heat application: When heat is applied. It increases circulation in the area where the boil is located, which in turn brings more white blood cells and antibodies to the area to fight the infection.
Make sure to apply a warm compress to the boil area for at least 20 minutes at a time. Doing this four to five times daily until the boil is no more.
2. Never pop the boil with a needle or pin. The needle may not be sterilised and could make the infection worse.
3. Never squeeze or try to drain the pus in the boil by yourself. This can cause the spread of the bacterial infection or lead to a secondary infection of the boil.
4. Immediately the boil starts draining, make sure to wash it with antibacterial soap till the pus is gone and then clean the area by rubbing alcohol on it to prevent the spread of the infection to other areas of the skin.
Read Also: How to care for your Teeth and Gums
5. Apply medicated ointment (like Damatol) and a bandage. Keep on applying compressed heat to the infected area two to three times daily.
Application of ointment is a homemade remedy
6. Cut a thick slice of raw onion, wrap in gauze, then place it over the boil for an hour or two daily.
7. Press and extract the juice from fresh garlic. Apply the juice to the boil for 10 to 30 minutes once or twice a day.
8. Make sure to wash your hands with antiseptic soap or liquid after handling the boil area to prevent the spread of the infection to other areas of your body or other people.
9. Wash bedding, clothes and linen that may have come in contact with the infection during that time.
10. For complications, more painful or recurring boils that haven’t healed in 3 weeks make sure to see your doctor who may prescribe surgery as a remedy.
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