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.