Home Remedies for Boils

A boil, also known as skin abscess, is an infection that affects the hair follicles or oil glands of the skin. It appears as a red, tender area, which eventually become hard and fills up with pus, a mass of white blood cells, proteins and bacteria. The white blood cells present in this area help in fighting and eliminating the infection. Later on, a yellow or white point develops at the center of the boil, through which the pus can be discharged. Boils can be of different types such as furuncle or carbuncle, cystic acne, Hidradenitis suppurativa, etc.

Causes and Treatment of Boils

They are usually caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus, that infect the hair follicles or the oil glands. Clogged oil ducts or inflamed sweat glands can also cause boils.

For relieving the pain, warm compress can be used by soaking a washcloth in warm water and then applying it gently on the affected area. Once developed, they remain for at least a week or so, and then they 'ripen' i.e. become ready for discharging the pus. Once the pus drains out of the boil, the area should be washed properly. You can also apply medicated ointments on the affected area. They should never be pricked by needle or nails. Sometimes, serious cases like large boils, accompanied by severe pain, necessitates the intake of antibiotics. However, such medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.

Natural Cure for Boils

A number of home remedies are available for treating boils, which over time have gained considerable popularity. They are effective in accelerating the healing process, reducing inflammation and redness and have no side effects. Here are few of them.

• A mixture of grated carrot and wheat germ oil can be an effective medicine for boils.
• Onion and garlic are known to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Besides, onions are also believed to have antiseptic properties.
• You can put some warm honey either alone or mixed with oil and wheat germ. Honey can also be mixed with cod liver oil, orange and lemon juice for application on the affected area.
• Leaves of certain plants like chickweed, yarrow, pansy, catnip can prove effective in healing the boils. They can be softened by steaming and then used.
• Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, and can be used in treating boils. A warm tea bag is also suitable for this purpose.
• Iodine has been found to inhibit the development of boils.
• You can also dip a piece of bread in warm milk and then apply on the affected area.
• Putting a piece of lemon on the boils can also be effective in alleviating them
• Another important herb, excellent for treating boils, is neem (Margosa). You can make a fine paste of neem leaves to apply on the affected area.
• A paste of turmeric applied on the boils can accelerate the healing process. Turmeric paste can be applied either alone or combined with ginger.
• A fresh banana leaf, if applied on the boils, reduces pain and quickens the healing process.

Boils can affect almost every part of the body. However, they commonly appear on the face, neck, shoulders, armpits, thighs etc. Along with drinking sufficient amounts of water, frequent cleaning of the affected area and maintaining hygiene are equally important for healing as well as preventing the occurrence of boils. Sometimes these boils can be quite large and can cause considerable pain. In such situations, one should seek the advice of a certified physician.