How to Treat Boils?

Boils are common bacterial infections that occur deep inside the skin. They are also referred to as skin abscesses. Initially the area (where the boil develops) turns reddish and inflamed. Within a few days, it turns more tender, firm and hard. By this time, white blood cells (WBCs) act against the infection causing bacteria, which lead to the formation of a pus filled abscess. At this stage, the boil is soft to touch and raised from the surrounding skin area with a distinct head.

Boils can develop in any part of the skin and the course may last for 5-10 days. They can be caused by the presence of ingrown hair, lodged foreign particles and plugged sweat glands or oil ducts in the skin, after which the bacterium strain Staphylococcus infects the area. In spite of the fact that skin boils affect our looks, they may also lead to certain complications. Hence, the treatment of boils should be done as early as possible. There are various ways to treat boils at home. Let's take a brief look at how to treat boils.

Treating Boils at Home

In order to avoid the unusual side effects of prescription medications for boils, you can practice healthy ways to treat boils at home. Practicing home remedies for boils with proper skin care will help in quick rupturing and healing of the boils. It is also to be noted that boils are contagious, hence avoid scratching the boils to prevent further spreading. Following are some of the effective ways to treat boils at home.

Turmeric: One of the most effective home treatments for boils is internal use of turmeric. The natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help in treatment of skin boils. Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of water and drink it. Intake of this turmeric mixture for 2-3 times a day will result in curing the boils within a few days. Make sure you drink ample amounts of water as turmeric can cause constipation.

Garlic and Onion: Both garlic and onion are the best home remedies for treating skin boils. You can mix ½ a teaspoon of each of garlic and onion juice together. Apply the mixture externally on the boils for several times a day. This will speed up the ripening process of the boils, resulting in fast rupturing and evacuation of the pus from the skin boils.

Bitter Gourd: The therapeutic property of bitter gourd for the treatment of skin disorders has been known since a long time ago. In order to treat skin boils, drink one cup juice of fresh bitter gourd daily, preferably in an empty stomach. For fast disappearance of the skin boils, you can mix one teaspoon of lime juice in the bitter gourd juice.

Warm Water Soaking: Another effective treatment for skin boils is soaking the affected area in warm water for 10 - 15 minutes. This will help in reducing the pain associated with boils and at the same time, speed up the draining of the pus from the boils. If available, dissolve a pinch of Epsom salt in the warm water while soaking the boils. This will prevent further growth of bacteria, leading to quick healing of the boils.

Diet Plan: For effective treatment of boils at home, a healthy and healing diet plan is necessary. The diet should include fresh and unprocessed foods along with adequate amount of fiber to maintain regular bowel movements. Promoting the immune system is necessary to hasten boil treatment. Also, drink ample amounts of water to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.

These home remedies for boils pose no severe or long-term side effects, as observed in case of allopathic medications. Nevertheless, one should consult with a qualified dermatologist for very large and painful skin boils. For serious cases of skin boils, usage of antibiotics and therapeutic draining of the pus (if necessary) are recommended for the treatment. Always practice personal hygiene and use antibacterial soap to clean boil area and/or the pus, so as to prevent recurrent development of boils.