The 8 Effective Home Remedies for Boils

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. Over time, the lump becomes hard and firm to touch, and it may fill with pus. A small boil may heal on its own within a few days. But a large boil may take up to two weeks or longer to heal.

What Causes Boils?

Most boils are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and in the nose. These bacteria can enter the body through an open cut or break in the skin.

Other Causes Include:

• Low Immunity
• Poor hygiene
• Diabetes
• Excess use of chemical skincare products

Home Remedies for Boils

There are a few home remedies that work against boils, they include:

1. Turmeric Powder

Turmeric has strong antimicrobial properties that can help fight the bacteria that cause boils. It also helps to reduce inflammation and pain.

To use this,

• make a paste of turmeric and ginger
• apply to the boil twice a day for 10-15 minutes
• clean it with warm water after the application

Or

• You can mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder in some milk and drink it.

2. Castor Oil

• Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These properties can help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with boils.
  Apply some Castor oil directly on the boil until it is healed.
  You can repeat this process 3 times a day.

3. Neem Oil

Like castor oil, neem oil also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Applying neem oil to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and pain. To use this,

• Add a few drops of neem oil in a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil.
• Take a cotton swab and dip it in the mixture
• Apply it on the boil gently with the swab
• You can repeat this process twice a day.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another effective home remedy for boils due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can help to kill the bacteria that cause boils and speed up the healing process.

To use it,

• Dilute a few drops of this oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil.
• Dip a cotton swab into the oil mixture
• Apply it on the boil gently with the cotton swab
• You can do this process 2-3 times a day.

5. Warm Compress

Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help to increase blood circulation, which will in turn speed up the healing process. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Simply dip a clean cloth into a bowl of boiling water
• Wring out the cloth of any excess water
• Place the hot cloth on the boil
• You can do this 2-3 times per day [1]

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt can be used as a home remedy for boils because it helps to draw out the infection and reduce inflammation.

To use this,

• Take a bowl of warm water and add epsom salt and dissolve it.
• Now take a clean cloth and dip in the solution
• Wring the cloth and compress on the boil for 20 minutes
• You can repeat this method 3 times daily until the boil disappears.
• There is still evidence needed to prove this works for boils.

7. Raw Honey

Raw honey has antibacterial properties that can help to fight the bacteria that cause boils. It also helps to speed up the healing process.

• Simply apply the honey directly on the boil for 20 minutes before rinsing it.
• Though it is antibacterial, there is a need for more studies to prove it.

8. Onion Slices

Onion slices can be placed on top of boils to help draw out the infection and speed up healing. They can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

To use this,

• Take slices of an onion
• Take a gauze bandage
• Place the onion slice on the boil and wrap it with the gauze bandage.
• Leave it in for an hour and remove the bandage.
• Repeat this process twice a day.

This method lacks evidence that it heals boils. Studies are to be conducted.

When to See a Doctor?

If the boil is large, painful, or continues to worsen despite home treatment, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you develop a fever or notice that the skin around the boil is red and swollen. This could be a sign of a more serious infection.

So, These are the home remedies for treating boils. Use them with care to get rid of the boils safely. If you are allergic to something, it’s always best to first do a patch test before trying any of the remedies.

Note: Be careful with essential oils as they are highly concentrated oils and can be dangerous if mishandled. Do not apply on open wounds and cuts. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children must not use this unless advised by a doctor.

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