What are Boils & Home Remedies To Get Rid of It

Boils are bumps that are red and pus-filled that form underneath the skin. They keep growing bigger and bigger unless they are drained and are usually very painful. Boils are generally caused by bacteria that infect the place and then cause the hair follicles to become inflamed. Boils can even grow up to the size of a baseball, and you will notice that the surrounding skin of the affected area also becomes painful and red.

You should avoid picking at or squeezing a boil. If the boil does not drain properly, then it can start infecting the nearby areas as well or even spread the infection further into the skin, causing more boils.

Boils are most commonly observed in the following areas:

• Face
• Shoulders
• Neck
• Buttocks
• Armpits

If your boil needs to be drained, then your doctor will make a minor incision on the boil and then using a sterile gauze to absorb and remove the pus inside. This has to be done in a sterile environment and very carefully, so do not try to drain the boil at home.

1. Application of Heat

   Many studies have shown that heat helps boost the circulation to the area of the boil.⁽¹⁾ This brings more white blood cells to the area along with antibodies that will fight the infection. This is why applying heat to the boil is said to be the best home remedy you can try.

   You can try applying a warm compress to the affected area for at least 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this at least three to four times a day, every day until the boil disappears.
   

2. Turmeric Powder

   Turmeric powder is famous for having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.⁽²⁾ Both these properties make it an ideal home remedy for healing a boil and for getting rid of it quickly. Turmeric powder has been used in India and China as a home remedy for treating boils, injuries and other conditions.

   If you want to try turmeric as a remedy for treating your boil, then you can either choose to ingest turmeric power or use it topically to apply over your boils. If you want to ingest it, then you can boil a teaspoon of turmeric power in milk or water and drink it up to three times a day every day.

   If you want to apply turmeric topically to the affected area, then you can simply mix turmeric with ginger to make a paste or just with water to apply to the boil. Apply it at least two times a day.
   

3. Tea Tree Oil

   Similar to turmeric, tea tree oil is also known to have powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties.⁽³⁾ These properties of tea tree oil help in treating the underlying bacterial infection that is causing the boil. However, you should not apply tea tree oil directly to your skin as it can make you feel like your skin is burning.

   In order to use tea tree oil for treating a boil, you should mix five to six drops of the oil into a teaspoon or olive or coconut oil. You can put diluted tea tree oil onto a cotton swab and apply it gently to the affected area at least two to three times a day. Try applying the tea tree oil daily until the boil completely disappears.
   

4. Epsom Salt

   Epsom salt is used as a remedy for numerous things as it is known to have several health benefits.⁽⁴⁾ One of these health benefits is to treat boils. Epsom salt helps dry out the pus present inside the boil, causing the pus to drain out.

   To use Epsom salt for treating boils, you just need to dissolve some salt in warm water and soak a compress in it. After this, apply the warm compress to the boil are and hold for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You should do this for at least three to four times a day every day until the boil is gone.
   

5. Castor Oil

   Castor oil is a highly beneficial oil and is known to have many health benefits. It contains a compound known as ricinoleic acid, which is a potent, but natural, anti-inflammatory substance. Along with its powerful antibacterial properties, castor oil makes for an excellent natural treatment for boils.

   All you need to do is apply a tiny amount of castor oil directly on the boil. Do it for at least three times a day every day until the boil is gone.
   

6. Neem Oil

   Also known as Indian lilac, neem oil is known for its many health benefits. It has antimicrobial, antibacterial, as well as antiseptic properties that help in treating many types of skin infections quickly, including boils.⁽⁵⁾

   Apply the neem oil directly to the boil at least three to four times a day. You need to ensure that you wash your hands before and after applying the oil.
   

Home remedies are known to be quite effective at treating small to medium boils. However, only use them as needed if you want to see successful results. If you find that there is no improvement in your condition after trying out the home remedies for a week or if you see that the boil has increased in size, become more painful, and has started showing signs of infection, then you should consider going to your doctor at the earliest. Your doctor may drain the boil by lancing it or prescribe antibiotics for drying out the boil.

References:

Also Read:

• Boils and Carbuncles: Causes, Risk Factors, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedies
• Boils on Inner Thigh: Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedies, Prognosis
• Treatment and Home Remedies for Boils in Pubic Area