How to Cure Boils Naturally
The first sign of boils is a painful pink or red bump. I have often described it as being a very large zit because that is what it looks like. It starts off as a small red bump but begins to grow and fill with puss (a very smelly puss) becoming rather large and painful. At some point it will rupture and drain all the puss out or you can pop it like a zit. Doctors recommend that you let this happen naturally and not to lance or pop it. I never listen of course and usually pop them.
If you go to the doctor, he will, however, lance it and drain out the puss. He will also probably prescribe an antibiotic (not always). But because of this practice there is actually a strain of Staphylococcus aureus called methicillin-resistant Staphyl0coccus aureus (MRSA) that has become resistant to antibiotics. This is why I recommend trying to cure your boils naturally before going to a doctor. Below are some warning signs to let you know when you do need help.
If it is extremely painful and gets worse very rapidly.
If you see red lines coming from the boil indicating the infection has entered the bloodstream.
If you have any condition that suppresses the immune system like HIV or cancer.
If you have frequent recurring boils.
If it does not heal within two weeks.
If you you begin to have a fever.
Different Types of Boils?
They can appear anywhere on your skin but are more likely to appear on your neck, face, arm pits, buttocks and thighs. Also in hairy areas where you experience friction from your clothes or where you are more likely to sweat. Below are several different types:
Cystic acne -- An abscess that forms when the oil ducts become infected or clogged. This type is found mostly on the face and primarily effects teenagers. Unlike other types, cystic acne can be an ongoing problem. This type is not always considered a boil but more as a severe acne.
Furuncle or carbuncle -- An abscess of the skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus that may cause a fever or chills. Carbuncles are deeper and more severe and occur in a cluster on the neck, shoulders or thighs. These are likely to heal more slowly and may leave a scar. Older men are more likely to have carbuncles.
Pilonidal cyst -- This abscess is usually found in the crease of the buttocks . People who sit a lot or travel over long distances, like a truck driver, are more prone to getting this type.
Hidradenitis suppurativa -- This is when you have multiple boils that form in the arm pits and groin area and are associated with the sweat glands.
What Causes Boils?
Anyone can develop boils but the conditions below may increase your risk:
The most common cause is believed to be clogged sweat glands or hair follicles that become infected. It is also possible for a scratch or any other break in the skin to become infected. Believe it or not an ingrown hair can also be the cause.
People with compromised or suppressed immune systems are more susceptible as well. That includes people with diabetes.
Immune suppressing medications -- Medications can also suppress the immune system, especially cortisone, prednisone, prednisolone and medications used by cancer patients.
General poor health can make you more susceptible.
Tight fitting clothing that chafes the skin.
Acne and dermatitis can make you more susceptible.
Natural Cures
Below are some natural cures you can try:
Turmeric -- Turmeric taken internally can help dissolve and heal in as little as three days. It has anti-inflammatory and blood purifying effects on the body. Just take one teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm water three times a day or buy turmeric in capsule form and take about 450 mg each day. You can also make a paste out of the turmeric powder and place it directly on the skin and cover it with gauze. Be careful as turmeric can stain your skin and your clothes. The stain on your skin will go away in about two weeks.
Tea Tree Oil -- Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that is able to help in the healing all kinds of skin problems. All you have to do is apply one drop of tea tree oil directly on the boil everyday after bathing until it's gone.
Castor Oil -- Put some Castor oil on a cotton ball and place it on the skin. You will need to secure it with gauze or a Band-Aid. Castor oil will draw the poison right out of the boil and can heal it in as little as two days.
Iodine -- If you put iodine on the boil, it will soak into the skin and help kill the bacteria infecting it. You can buy povidine-iodine at your local pharmacy store and it does not stain. I've actually spilled some on my clothes and later could not see where the stain was.
Epson Salts -- Some people find it helpful to take an Epson salts bath. The instructions for how much to use is on the package. Epson salts is known to draw toxins out of the skin.
Baking Soda -- Make a past out of baking soda and place it on the boil covering it with gauze or a Band-Aid. Baking soda will help draw out the infection.
Of the remedies above I have used both iodine and castor oil with good results.
Additional Resources and Information:
Below is an article with some old fashioned remedies and information and treating boils:
Treating Boils Naturally
Below is a Web site where quite a few people tell what has worked for them. I like this Website because you get to find out from the people themselves what works and what doesn't.
Cure Boil
Another article with information on skin boils, carbuncles and abscesses and natural treatment and prevention options for skin boils:
Boils
|
