A skin boil (furuncle) is an acute inflammation often arising deep within one or more hair follicles. Staphylococcus aureus (a bacteria) is almost always the cause of skin boils. This common bacteria can live harmlessly on the surface of the skin but when it enters through a break in the skin (for example, from shaving), it can infect a blocked oil gland or hair follicle. When white blood cells fight the bacteria, an abscess (red, swollen, and painful lump) is formed and fills with pus.
Boils are frequently found on the face, back of the neck, armpits, buttocks, and inner thighs. It normally takes about two weeks for the skin boil to burst and drain.
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Treating Boils (before the skin boil breaks and drains)
Never squeeze or lance boils. This can spread the infection. The following can help a skin boil rupture naturally:
• Apply a warm wet compress to the boil for 15 minutes (keep the compress warm) 4-5 times a day.
• Use a warm moist tea bag (black tea) or a warm slice of tomato as a compress for the skin boil.
• Garlic and onions are an effective way in treating boils. Both can help draw out the pus. Apply the juice of one or mix the two together. Cover with a bandaid. Do this 2-3 times a day.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil and apply it to the skin boil. Cover with a bandaid. Change every 8 hours.
• Add a little water to 1 teaspoon of fenugreek powder to make a paste. Apply the mixture and cover with a bandaid. Do this twice a day.
Treating Boils (when the skin boil breaks and drains)
• Once the boil breaks, the pain disappears despite the hole left in the skin. Keep the skin around the boil clean when it is draining to prevent spreading. Take a shower instead of a bath when treating boils.
• Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 cup of just-boiled water. After it cools, use all of it to wash the affected area thoroughly. Pat dry and apply a bandaid. Remove the bandaid 2-3 times a day and apply a warm wet compress (just using water) for 15 minutes before applying another bandaid. Repeat this process everyday until the skin boil has completely healed.
Practicing good hygiene, washing hands often, preventing dry skin, and using a loufa sponge when bathing (this keeps hair follicles from plugging up) are some ways on how to prevent boils.
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