Boils refer to a pus-filled lump under the skin caused by a bacterial infection. They start out as red, tender lumps but eventually fill with pus and grow to look like large pimples. Boils can become very painful and rupture on their own. They’re most commonly found on the face, neck, buttocks, breast, groin, and armpits as these are areas that see the most hair follicle irritation. A cluster of boils is called a carbuncle. Boils can be cared for with at-home remedies, but it’s best to avoid squeezing or trying to drain the boil on your own as this can send the infection deeper into the skin or cause it to spread.1, 2
What Causes Boil?
Boils are caused by infected hair follicles. They most commonly occur due to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria or fungi can get into the hair follicle and infect it. Boils may occur at the site of a small injury as this allows the bacteria to enter under the skin.2,3,4
Boil Symptoms
Boils begin as small, tender, and red areas of skin and can grow to feel like a cyst. As the boil grows, it will become increasingly painful. Draining the boil typically helps reduce the pain. Boils may be anywhere between the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball. They may look white or yellow in the center, spread to other areas of the skin, or be accompanied by oozing, crusting, itching, or weeping. In more severe cases, boil symptoms can include fatigue and fever.3
Consult your doctor if:
Boils can typically be treated at home by washing the area daily and placing a warm wet washcloth on the site for several minutes a few times per day.2 This will help naturally open and drain the boil. Herbal remedies may be used to help fight the infection, or your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
References
Garlic is the most effective natural product for Boils CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Put a slice of garlic on the boil and cover it with a Band-Aid.
Mix garlic paste with vinegar.
Baking soda and vinegar can help to treat a boil infection and relieve pain. Mix a small amount of baking soda and vinegar together. Apply mixture to boil using a cotton swab. Repeat twice daily.
Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory health benefits that can help reduce painful swelling from boils. Take 450 mg of turmeric capsules twice daily until boil heals.
The combination of apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil can help to fight a boil infection and relieve painful swelling. Apply apple cider vinegar to the boil using a cotton ball. Follow with tea tree oil. Repeat twice daily until healed.
Castor oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial health benefits that can help treat boils. Apply a few drops of castor oil to a cotton ball. Apply castor oil to boil using the cotton ball. Cover with a Band-Aid and leave for up to 5 hours. Repeat daily
Cut a slice of potato and put it on the boil.