Boils are red and tender pus-filled lumps that manifest under your skin. MayoClinic.com says that boils develop when bacterial invaders cause inflammation of your hair follicles. Once these lumps fill with pus, they become painful before eventually rupturing and draining their contents. Boils are also known as furuncles. Nutritional support is an important part of your boils treatment plan, although you should discuss the health ramifications of nutritional therapies with your doctor beforehand.
Boils Information
Boils are a common health complaint, according to Medline Plus, and they are often caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. However, boils may be caused by other types of bacteria or fungi that live on your skin, too. If your hair follicle is damaged, the offending bacteria may penetrate deeper into your tissues. Boils most commonly occur on your face, neck, buttocks, thighs and armpits. Some of the most common symptoms associated with boils include an easily observable skin lesion, fatigue, fever and skin discoloration around your boil.
Helpful Nutritional Support
Nutritional supplements may be the most helpful type of nutritional support in treating your boils. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that the following nutritional supplements may be particularly helpful for this health purpose: colloidal silver, garlic, oat straw, silica, kelp, raw thymus glandular, coenzymes A and Q10, zinc, vitamins A, C and E, goldenseal, flax, fenugreek, onion and echinacea. Not all of these nutritional supplements may be backed by extensive scientific research.
Nutritional Supplement in Focus
Fenugreek is a nutritional supplement that may be frequently prescribed to help treat your boils. Fenugreek has historically been used in treating numerous ailments, states naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," including irritated skin conditions, gastrointestinal inflammation, elevated cholesterol levels and diarrhea in infants. Fenugreek -- the seed of the fenugreek plant, specifically -- has demulcent and anti-inflammatory action. This nutritional supplement may also help control your blood sugar levels.
Considerations
There are numerous possible complications associated with boils, including abscesses in various parts of your body, scarring and spinal cord infection. If you develop a boil, report to your primary care provider at your earliest possible convenience to discuss all relevant treatment strategies to help eliminate your boil. Though nutritional supplements are intended to speed your healing, some nutritional supplements may trigger allergic reactions or other unwanted health effects. Always ask your doctor if nutritional supplements are right for you before using them.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Boils and Carbuncles
- Medline Plus: Boils
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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