Tea Tree Oil, Antibiotics & More

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How to Get Rid of Boils: Home Remedies and Treatment Options

Boils: What You Need to Know

Boils are red, pus-filled bumps that form under the skin and can be painful until a doctor drains them. While they usually need medical treatment, you can try home remedies like heat and tea tree oil.

Causes of Boils

Boils can grow to the size of a baseball. Larger boils are also known as skin abscesses. Never pick at or squeeze a boil, as it could cause an infection to spread.

Home Remedies for Boils

Here are some home remedies that may help ease pain and help prevent the spread of infection, allowing the boil to heal.

Heat

Heat helps increase circulation in an area, bringing more white blood cells and antibodies to the area to fight the infection. Applying heat to a boil may be one of the best home remedies you can try since it’s simple and cost-effective. You can try using a warm compress on the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do this three or four times a day, every day, until the boil is gone.

Tea Tree Oil

Research from 2022 suggests that tea tree oil has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These properties may help treat the bacterial infection causing the boil. Mix five drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil, which are carrier oils. Put the diluted tea tree oil on a cotton swab and apply it to a boil two or three times per day.

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric powder contains curcumin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help a boil heal faster. Apply a small amount of turmeric powder directly to the boil at least three times a day until it’s gone.

Castor Oil

Castor oil contains a compound called ricinoleic acid, a natural yet potent anti-inflammatory. This, combined with its potential antibacterial properties, may make castor oil a useful natural treatment to try for boils. Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to the boil at least three times a day until it’s gone.

Neem Oil

Neem oil, also known as Indian lilac, may have antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. Applying neem oil directly to a boil three to four times a day may help keep the infection from getting worse.

Ginger

Fresh garlic may have some antimicrobial properties that help heal boils and prevent infection. Apply garlic on the boil similarly to other ingredients in this list.

Devil’s Horsewhip

Devil’s horsewhip is a root native to Africa that has traditionally been used in the Middle East to treat skin conditions. People in the Middle East believe it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Other Natural Remedies

Other natural remedies like onion, tridax daisy, and garlic may also help alleviate the symptoms of boils. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Home Care Tips

Whether or not you try some of the herbal remedies suggested here, it’s very important that you keep the area of the boil clean. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria or other potentially harmful substances. It also prevents them from getting into the boil and causing an infection. Once cleaned, you should make sure to pat it dry and cover it with fresh gauze.

When to Seek Medical Attention

In some cases, home remedies won’t cut it for stubborn boils. You’ll need to see a doctor to treat it with prescription medication or have your doctor drain it. You should make an appointment with a doctor if:

• The boil keeps getting larger despite home treatment.
• After a week of home treatment, the boil hasn’t cleared up or diminished.
• The boil is as large as a ping-pong ball.
• The skin surrounding the boil is bright red or has red streaks extending from it.
• The boil is extremely painful.
• There are other lumps near the boil.
• You have recurring boils over several months.
• You also have diabetes.
• You notice any other reactions when applying topical remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a boil overnight?

There’s no way to completely get rid of a boil overnight. However, warm compresses, application of antibiotic cream, or use of creams made of natural remedies may help to lessen its severity and provide temporary relief to pain as it heals.

Can I pop a boil?

In a 2022 article, experts note that you should never attempt to pop a boil at home. The action of squeezing or popping the boil can cause bacteria to get deeper into the skin and cause an infection that may be life-threatening.

Can a boil go away without draining?

A boil often requires some draining to help it go away. It may pop on its own, or a doctor can assist. You should not attempt to pop a boil on your own due to the risk of potential infection or other issues.

Can I use over-the-counter antibiotics?

An over-the-counter antibiotic ointment is typically fast-acting and soothing. However, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), it can only prevent the infection from spreading without the boil. This is because the ointment doesn’t penetrate the boil.

Conclusion

Boils can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with the right treatment and home remedies, they can heal faster and with fewer complications. Remember to always keep the area clean, apply heat, and consider using natural remedies like tea tree oil, turmeric powder, and castor oil to help alleviate symptoms. If your boil doesn’t respond to home treatment or gets larger, more painful, or infected, make an appointment with a doctor to get professional care.

FAQs

Q: What are the best home remedies for boils?
A: Heat, tea tree oil, turmeric powder, castor oil, neem oil, and ginger are all natural remedies that may help alleviate symptoms of boils.

Q: Can I pop a boil at home?
A: No, you should never attempt to pop a boil at home. The action of squeezing or popping the boil can cause bacteria to get deeper into the skin and cause an infection that may be life-threatening.

Q: Can a boil go away without draining?
A: A boil often requires some draining to help it go away. It may pop on its own, or a doctor can assist. You should not attempt to pop a boil on your own due to the risk of potential infection or other issues.

Q: Can I use over-the-counter antibiotics for boils?
A: An over-the-counter antibiotic ointment is typically fast-acting and soothing. However, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), it can only prevent the infection from spreading without the boil. This is because the ointment doesn’t penetrate the boil.