Boils, or furuncles, are bumps that form deep under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your sweat glands or hair follicles. Boils are commonly caused by friction from tight-fitting clothing and undergarments or a scratch on your skin. An ingrown hair can also result in a boil. Boils are pus-filled and painful and can appear anywhere on your body. Most boils are relatively harmless and go away by themselves. However, you can help speed up the healing process by applying a few remedies.
Step 1
Apply alternate cold and hot compress to the boils. This will increase the blood flow to the boils to speed up the healing process, according to pathologist Agatha Thrash, M.D., co-director of Uchee Pines Institute in Seal, Alabama. Hold a clean cloth under running comfortably hot water, squeeze out the water and apply the cloth directly to the boil for five minutes. After five minutes, apply a cold compress for one minute. Repeat this method three to five times each day until the boil disappears.
Step 2
Rub one drop of tea tree oil onto the boil after showering. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, which can speed up the healing time of many skin problems, according to Jeane Rose, herbalist and author of "Aromatherapy Book: Inhalations and Applications."
Step 3
Apply turmeric paste to help dry up your boils. Applying turmeric to a boil can help it dry up so that it breaks and heals faster, according to Dr. Vasant Lad, director of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mix 1/2 tbsp. of water and 1 tbsp. of turmeric powder, and apply the paste directly to the boils. Repeat two to three times daily or until the boil breaks and starts to heal. Make sure to wear old clothing since turmeric can leave a stain.
Step 4
Eat two to three servings each day of foods rich in zinc and vitamin C to help treat boils. These types of foods can hasten skin repair and healing while relieving boils, according to Dr. Allan Magaziner, osteopathic physician and head of the Magaziner Medical Center in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Dietary sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, yams and squash. Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, beans, cheese and sunflower seeds.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not attempt to squeeze or lance a boil. This can cause infection. Contact your physician if your boils last longer than two weeks and/or occur with a fever or are very painful.
- This article is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from your physician or health care professional.
Things You'll Need
- Cloth
- Turmeric powder
References
- "Aromatherapy Book: Inhalations and Applications"; Jeanne Rose; 1993
- "Clinical Management of Uncomplicated Skin And Skin Structure Infections"; Dirk Elston, Stephen K. Tyring, M.D., Whitney A. High, M.D., and Tammie Ferringer, M.D.; 2007
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