Boils are pus filled swollen infected area on or under the skin. The most common cause of boils is bacterial infection. If you notice any tender lump with skin redness, it may be the first stage of a boil. After few days the lump grows in size and starts looking white because pus cells accumulate under the skin. It becomes painful and you may also get fever in some cases. Boils are very contagious and painful and may develop on any part of body. If they develop on some visible part of your body it even causes you embarrassment especially if it is on face because it makes you unattractive.
Before we know the treatment of boils we must first know the cause of boils. Primary cause of boils is bacterial infection. Boils develop as a result of poor immune system, blocked sweat glands, unhygienic living conditions, unfit and tight clothes, unhealthy food etc. Certain physical conditions like diabetes, cancer treatment like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, skin disease, and contact with chemicals also makes you prone to boils.
Boils are not only painful but also look very ugly and sickening and everybody wants to get rid of boils as early as possible. Most of the times boils get self cured as in final stage the skin of the lump breaks spontaneously and pus drains out. In that case you must clean the area properly with warm water and antiseptic solution and then apply some antiseptic lotion to the infected area. Dressing may be required for large boils for one or two days to protect the skin opening from further infections. If the boil does not drain itself, you may try draining the boil by slightly pressing it with a cotton ball when it becomes very tender and gets a pale yellow color.
You can try to heal them by pressing them with a clean cloth dipped in a warm water and salt mixture. Repeat it after every two to three hours for quick relief and comfort as it will reduce the pain and swelling.
Tea tree oil and castor are known as best natural antiseptics and are really effective in treating boils. Just take one or two drops of any of these oils on cotton pad and apply it directly on the boil. It will let the puss move out easily. Onion and garlic also contain antimicrobial elements and are pretty effective in treatment of boils. Just peel and crush them and apply the paste directly on the boil. You can repeat it several times a day for instant relief.
Natural spices like cumin seeds, black seeds, nutmeg, are known to have great healing properties. You can apply a paste made with dry powders of these spices and milk or water and it will really help you. You can boil some parsley leaves and wrap warm leave with bandage to let the boil burst fast and prevent any infection too.
Few drops of Eucalyptus oil mixed with powdered elm and hot water makes a very effective balm to cure the boil. Apply it many times till the pus flows out.
In case of multiple boils you should take a bath with warm water mixed with Epsom salt. It will really comfort you by lessening the boils.
In case you do not feel comfort soon you should contact a doctor and take some antibiotic treatment to cure them. You can also consider homeopathic treatment but go for it only with the advice of a qualified practitioner.
Apart from these cures and treatment you should take some precautions to prevent boils. You should maintain personal hygiene and use an anti bacterial soap for bathing and washing hands. Always use clean and washed handkerchief, towels and napkins.
Take a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat flour, dry fruits, pulses etc. and avoid sweets and fatty food. You should take a vitamin rich diet to improve your immunity and prevent boils. In case you or anybody in family suffers boils then don’t panic but get it treated at earliest.
