A boil, formally known as a furuncle, is a pus-filled bump that develops when a hair follicle becomes infected. When fully developed, boils can be extremely painful. They generally begin as a red, tender bump but quickly fill with pus. In a matter of a couple of days, the boil ruptures and drains. Treatment should be supervised by a physician because attempting to squeeze or lance a boil at home can lead to further infection. Treatment is relatively simple when sought soon after the boil develops.
Lancing
Lancing is a minor procedure performed by a medical professional. Lancing involves making a small incision in the tip of a boil with a scalpel and draining the pus to relieve the infection. Deeply infected boils are covered with gauze to allow the boil to drain completely. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises patients to take meticulous care of the wound site, changing gauze every few hours while the boil is draining.
Using a Warm Compress
The Mayo Clinic indicates that a warm compress can help to alleviate soreness from a boil and help the rupturing and drainage process. This can be done by saturating a clean towel with warm saltwater. It should be applied to the boil for 10 minutes at a time over the course of several hours. It can be repeated as often as necessary until the boil ruptures.
Cleansing the Boil
It is essential to keep the boil and the surrounding skin clean. This helps to prevent the spread of any bacteria into the boil when it ruptures. The boil should be washed two to three times per day with soap and warm water. The Mayo Clinic also advises applying an over-the-counter antibiotic cream and covering it with a bandage. Patients should keep their hands clean, especially when treating the boil, and regularly launder all clothes and towels that have come into contact with the boil.
Applying Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an oil derived from an Australian tree known as melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil has many antiseptic properties that can be helpful in treating infections. The Mayo Clinic advises applying tea tree oil to the boil after cleansing it. Tea tree oil can be applied up to three times per day.
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