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Boil Treatment: Causes and Cures for Skin Boils

Boils are infections that are usually the result of entry of Staphylococcus bacteria through broken skin. They are evidenced by a firm core of infection and mild to severe inflammation of the local skin area. Boils often appear in isolation and are called furuncles. Multiple furuncles are called carbuncles. While boils can happen to anyone, some people may be more susceptible. For example, people with compromised immunity of who are malnourished may be more vulnerable to boils.

Boils may go away on their own eventually, but some may require more extensive treatment. Boils are also highly contagious, so its important to avoid touching the area or letting anyone else become exposed to the infection. One should be careful about boils on knee as it is on the joint. See also: Causes of Dermatofibroma

Doctors treating boils may recommend using hot packs to increase circulation and to bring the boil to a head.

In addition, they may prescribe antibiotics. In the event of a severe boil or carbuncles, surgical intervention may be suggested. Boils may also be accompanied by fever or chills and a doctor may tell the patient to take a fever reducer.

Natural boil treatment may start with making some dietary changes. For instance, increasing fiber and intake of water may help detoxify the system. Avoiding other foods such as white bread and sugar may also be indicated.

Foods rich in vitamin A and that are zinc enriched are healing to the skin. Squash, sweet potatoes are good sources of A and oysters and sunflower seeds are zinc filled. Vegetable juices may help eliminate harmful toxins. Good juices for this purpose include carrot and celery.

Garlic, golden seal, burdock and Echinacea are herbs that may bring some relief from an outbreak of boils. Tea tree oil may be useful placed directly on the boil. Other topical salves and treatments may reduce the duration of a boil infection. Turmeric and ginger made into a paste can be used as a drawing salve that will help bring the boil to a head and eventually breaks and drains.

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February 20, 2008 | Filed Under Skin Care   | Click Here to Add Your Reply / Ask Question
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16 Responses to “Boil Treatment: Causes and Cures for Skin Boils”

  1. PAT PETERS on January 16th, 2009 11:24 am

    I just found out that my daughter-in law is 2 months pregnant. she has boils on her body. she is under medical care. I was wondering if the bacteria in the skin and the medications she’s taking could harm the baby.

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  2. Janet on January 20th, 2009 2:14 am

    I have a boil in my underarms, 5 pcs. What kind of antibiotic should I take?

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  3. S B on February 5th, 2009 11:17 pm

    What are Boils?

    It is a skin sore that is pus filled, inflamed and painful. Firstly under the skin a nodule is formed that gradually develops into a pus-filled reddish sore that eventually bursts and drains.
    Symptoms of Boils

    * Skin on the face, neck, armpit or buttocks develop a pea-size lump filled with pus, that is tender to touch and is red in appearance having a tip or head accompanied by fever occasionally.

    Causes of Boils

    * When the oil glands of the hair are infected with bacteria inflammation of the skin begins.
    * The bacteria can spread to other family members through skin breaks, scratches and cuts.
    * Poor hygiene, certain industrial chemicals, cortico-steroids, diabetes and suppressed immune system are also other causes.

    Home remedies for Boils

    1. Re-infection can be prevented, by washing the area thoroughly with water and soap. Apply anti-bacterial ointment and cover the boil with a sterile gauze bandage. Change the bandage daily.
    2. Ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin helps to relieve inflammation and pain.
    3. Make a hot-wet compress of cotton cloth dipped into hot water and wrung out. For 10minutes gently apply the compress on and off. Repeating this 3 times a day will help to relieve swelling and pain. Finally the boil ruptures and drains.
    4. Infected matter will penetrate deeper into the skin when squeezed, so avoid it.

    How can one prevent Boils

    1. If you are prone to boils use antibacterial agent in your bath regularly. Keep, site of the boil, very clean. Don’t share your clothing, bedding or towels with anyone to avoid bacterial spread.
    2. Raise your body’s resistance power to stop the boils from recurring.

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    Daneilla Rondenelli Loonam Reply:
    March 6th, 2009 at 10:56 am

    I had 3 on my knee when I was in high school. A lot of years ago. They treat them differently now I am sure. I also had to have them lanced but before that they had me put hot compresses on so they would come to a head and the infection would not spread as much. It hurt when the core came out. Now they lance them like you had done then they just got it to a head and squeezed gently. Very contagious.

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  4. Tracey on March 5th, 2009 10:09 pm

    What is the best prevention for boils me and my children have had them recurring now for over a year.

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  5. Barbara on April 1st, 2009 3:17 am

    i have been suffering from boil since 6 months. It comes at very sensitive areas like at the base of penis, buttock. Frequency is once in a month.

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  6. A S J on July 2nd, 2009 9:30 pm

    Hi I am 24 years old I was suffering a boil last year till now. I have a boil with just small redness and is hard. I been to the Doctor for surgery. Then it back again when I stop taking tablets. I was taking a tablet called Amoclav. What the a permanent and natural home remedy for treating boils. I am really scared to go back again for surgery as I already have a scar on my legs. I am looking for some herbal or natural healing for my boils.

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  7. Bert on July 7th, 2009 3:47 pm

    I have had boils for over 1 year. I have taken antibiotics many times. They are beginning to occur every two weeks. Mostly on my legs and hands. What can i do to treat my boils.

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  8. midnight on October 14th, 2009 6:06 am

    I have had boils for years and I was wondering what can you do to stop them from coming. I have had boils just about everywhere and I am sick of them because they are painful boils. The doctor gave me some cream to put on my nose to try and prevent them from coming. Don’t know if it work or not just started

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  9. Lucky on March 27th, 2010 3:08 pm

    I have boils on my posterior fontanelle for about 8 months ; it is not getting cured since then. I have been taking anti-bacteria (tetracycline). What treatment should I take to stop the boils..

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    PUP Reply:
    March 31st, 2010 at 7:35 am

    Boils are localized tender, inflamed, pustular swellings, in the skin having red surrounding area.
    They are infection of the hair follicle.
    You are having chronic recurrent boils on the posterior fontennels. Boils are mostly caused by staphylococcus bacteria, they survive in moist areas, they enter in the sweat glands or the hair follicles and from here they reach the tissues.
    Boils generally appear when a person has low immunity, or is in a run down condition.
    You will have to boost your immunity level, for this healthy food habits, proper diet intake of various vitamins, must be taken.
    Stop alcohol, and tobacco in any form. Sanitize the area with a antibacterial soap while cleaning.
    Rule out diabetes; check your blood sugar level.

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  10. RS on April 7th, 2010 5:17 am

    I am regularly having small boils on my private area, some days before my periods , and it automatically vanishes some days after the cycle completes. Can you suggest me the remedy.

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    PUP Reply:
    April 22nd, 2010 at 6:48 am

    Boils are small pustule which occur in broken skin, or cut skin. They are mostly due to staphylococcal infection. Do you shave your pubic hairs before your menses? And do you get the boils after shaving? Let me know.

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    RS Reply:
    April 23rd, 2010 at 1:42 am

    I regularly shave my pubic hair every 2 months, but the boils come 4-5 days before the cycle starts and lasts up to 8-10 days till the cycle ends .

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    PUP Reply:
    April 23rd, 2010 at 4:05 am

    The recurrent problem of boils can be tackled in two to three ways.
    Increase your immunity level, for this you will have to take vitamins, mineral, and proper nutritious diet containing all essential elements. Take iron supplement.
    As the vascularity increases during the time of menses, maintain hygiene in your pubic area.
    After taking advice of your doctor, a course of antibiotics will be beneficial.
    Investigations suggested are Complete blood count, ESR, blood sugar estimation,

  11. Anonymous on May 3rd, 2010 1:45 pm

    I get them right before my cycle as well!! I don’t know what they are caused from but they hurt so bad that the crease between my thigh and everything is so sore, I normally do hot compresses and I use different boil creams also ithanmol. its a black salve or sab as we say it works as well also you need to ask your doctor for antiobiotic called bactrin and a cream and do both and it takes the infection out the body but when you find more on it would love to know!

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