A boil is a lesion on the skin that begins with the infection of a hair follicle. Bacteria causes the boil to fill with pus, and can destroy nearby tissues. Boils, also called furuncles, occur most frequently on the face, neck and in creased areas of the body such as the underarms, buttocks and thighs, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Many skin boils drain and heal on their own without the intervention of a medical professional, but some become very deep and must be lanced by a doctor. Home remedies for boils can include compression to promote drainage, dressing the wound to prevent further infection, and the use of herbs to speed healing and to support the immune system.
Warm Compresses
The frequent application of a warm compress might help boils heal without requiring a visit to the doctor. The Mayo Clinic advises using a warm, damp compress for at least 10 minutes at a time throughout the day to promote drainage of the wound. Salt water, such as a sterile saline solution available at pharmacies, can hasten the rupturing of the boil in some cases. Once the boil ruptures and empties itself of infectious waste, the sore can begin to heal.
Dressings
Keeping the boil covered, especially once it has opened up and drained, can help the infection remain localized and starts the road to recovery. Dressings should be changed on a regular basis, particularly if fluid seeps out of the boil and onto the bandage. Antibiotic ointments may be applied to the affected area before bandaging the wound to treat small boils, according to the Mayo Clinic. Larger boils may not be able to be treated in this way, reports the NIH. People who experience large areas of dead skin, persistent pain and a stubborn boil that does not drain may require medical attention in the form of oral antibiotics and professional lancing.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal medicine may be considered to remedy a skin boil from the comforts of home. Two herbs, Echinacea and Devil's Claw, can be used topically to treat skin infections and sores, including boils. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that though Echinacea is more commonly taken orally to strengthen the immune system--which may also assist in the healing process for skin ulcers--the herb may also prove to be beneficial to boils when applied to the skin in a poultice form. The University of Maryland Medical Center provides similar reports for the herb Devil's Claw, which is used to treat skin conditions in ointment form. People who choose to use herbal remedies to treat their boils should consult their physician prior to taking any new herb or dietary supplement.
Member Comments