How to Get Rid of a Boil?

The painful feeling you get when you wear jeans or when you wash your face with a towel. This is nothing but a tender lump which looks white when it is filled with pus. A boil is a skin infection that originates from an oil gland or hair follicle. It grows in size and can become very painful. This is a common problem and it can happen anywhere on your body. But the most common places are the face, armpits, thighs, buttocks, shoulders, chest and back. In this article, you will read about some home remedies to get rid of a boil.

Types of Boil:

Pilonidal Cyst: This type of boil is generally caused on the buttocks if you have been sitting in a particular spot for a long period of time. The hair follicles of the particular area become infected and cause inflammation.

Furuncle: It is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which infects the hair follicles. If it is not treated it can cause fever and chills.

Cyst Acne: This is a common problem in teenagers. In this boil appears on the face when the oil duct is clogged and infected. It is different from the normal acne as the infection  caused in this is much deeper and can be very painful.

Hidradenitis Suppurative: This is caused when the sweat glands under the armpits get infected. In most such cases, surgery is required.

Causes of Boil:

• Unhealthy Hygiene.
• Damaged hair follicles.
• Excessive sweating.
• Exposure to harsh chemicals resulting in allergies.
• Poor nutrition.
• Waxing
• Sharing toiletries.
• Infected lymph node.
• Recurrent rubbing of thighs.
• Stress

Symptoms of Boil:

• Fever
• Swelling
• Unbearable pain.
• Diabetes
• Change in appetite.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of a Boil

1. Onion to Get Rid of a Boil:

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of onion help to fight skin infections and anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve the pain and irritation. When it comes in contact with the boil it draws out the heat and promotes bursting.

Instructions:

• Cut a fresh onion into thick slices.
• Place the slice on the affected area.
• Wrap it with a cloth.
• Change the slices every 2 hours.
• Repeat this until the boil erupts and drains.

2. Turmeric to Treat a Boil:

The antibacterial properties of turmeric make it a good choice to get rid of a boil. It contains a compound curcumin that helps to relieve pain. It also reduces the oils produced by oil glands. The antioxidant properties of turmeric control the microbial growth on the skin and prevent further infection.

Instructions:

• Take ¼ cup of water.
• Add 2 teaspoons of turmeric.
• Mix it to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Leave it for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Rinse off with cold water.

3. Tea Tree Oil to Cure a Boil:

This is one of the natural remedies to get rid of a boil. It has certain antiseptic and antibacterial properties that kill the bacteria and prevent skin infections.

Instructions:

• Take a clean cloth.
• Soak it in tea tree oil.
• Dab it on the affected area.
• Repeat the process several times a day.

4. Garlic to Get Rid of a Boil:

Garlic contains large amounts of allicin which has antifungal properties which help to get rid of a boil. It increases the antioxidant levels of the skin,  thus preventing it from infections.

Instructions:

• Take a fresh garlic.
• Grind it to make a thick paste.
• Add a little turmeric and mix well.
• Apply it on the boil.
• Cover it using a cotton ball.
• Leave it for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat the process several times a day.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat a Boil:

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar help to kill bacteria and prevent  further skin infections. It also moisturizes the skin.

Instructions:

• Take equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and honey.
• Mix them to form a paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process twice a day.

6. Salt to Get Rid of a Boil:

The mild antiseptic properties of salt help in destroying the fungus. It is a good absorbent and pulls out the dirt and toxins from the skin.

Instructions:

• Take a cup of water.
• Add  salt to it.
• Soak a clean cloth in the solution.
• Dab the cloth on the affected area.
• Place the cloth on the boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Repeat the process several times a day.

7. Milk Cream to Cure a Boil:

Milk cream not only hydrates the skin but also soothes the irritated skin. It prevents infection and softens the surface of the boil so that it could burst and dry.

Instructions:

• Take one teaspoon of milk cream.
• Add white vinegar and turmeric to it.
• Apply the paste on the boil.
• Leave it for 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process several times a day.

8. Warm Compress to Get Rid of a Boil:

A warm compress on the boil will help to reduce pain and will help the boil to burst so that it drains away.

Instructions:

• Take a clean cloth.
• Soak it in warm water.
• Put it on the boil.
• Do this several times.
• This will open the head of the boil and will drain out the pus.

9. Egg Whites to Treat a Boil:

Egg whites contain a lot of vitamin A and E which boost the immunity. Eating an egg white daily can prevent boils from inside.

Instructions:

• Boil an egg.
• Separate the yolk from the white part.
• Hold the egg  white on the boil using a medical tape.
• Change the dressing after every 5 to 6 hours.

10. Lilac to Get Rid of a Boil:

The astringent and antibacterial properties of lilac help to get rid of a boil. It is also used as an antiseptic.

Instructions:

• Grind some fresh lilac leaves to make a paste.
• Add turmeric powder to it.
• Apply the paste on  the affected area.
• Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.

11. Cornmeal to Rescue Boil:

The absorptive properties of cornmeal make it a good choice to get rid of a boil on face and buttocks.

Instructions:

• Take a hot cup of water.
• Add a full spoon of cornmeal.
• Mix it to make a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Cover it with a clean cloth and leave it for about 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat the process several times a day.

12. Castor Oil to Cure a Boil:

It is gentle on the skin and can be used without diluting.

Instructions:

• Take a clean cotton.
• Soak it in castor oil.
• Dab on the affected area.
• Do this several times a day.

Prevention Tips:

• Drink hot water for removing harmful bacteria from the body.
• Avoid sharing clothes and other toiletries.
• Keep your clothes clean and dry.
• Use antibacterial soap to avoid infections.
• Avoid lancing the boil as it will swell up and become painful. It can also spread to other areas.
• Wash the boil daily and the nearby skin to avoid infections.

When to Visit a Doctor:

• The pain is severe and unbearable.
• You are a patient of diabetes or any other disease.
• There is too much swelling in the lymph nodes.
• The area around the boil is red.
• A second boil appears.
• You have a high fever and chills.