Boils, also known as abscesses, are defined as painful lumps filled with pus, white blood cells, and bacteria. These lumps form under the skin when one or more hair follicles becomes infected and inflamed by bacteria.
Boils can develop on any part of your body. The pus inside the boil is a thick fluid made up of bacteria, dead tissues, and white blood cells. Boils usually begin as red lumps that grow larger with time and becomes more painful until the pus drains out of it.
Boils often occur on areas of the skin that have hair like armpits, face, neck, buttocks, and thighs, they can also develop inside the body between two organs. Sweat and friction within the skin is a contributing factor to boils.
The symptoms of a boil include red swollen skin around the lump, increase in size over time, and a yellow-white tip that bursts and allows pus to get out. A connected area of infection with a number of boils is called carbuncles.
The bacteria that causes boils is Staphylococcus, a bacteria often found under the skin and inside the nose. Boils can also be caused by insect bites or a small cut that allows bacteria to enter the body.
Boils can be easily treated at home. Here are some home remedies that can be used to treat boils:
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural blood purifier and has anti-inflammatory properties that can be very helpful in the treatment of boils.
You should boil one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk or water. Drink it three times a day for four to five days. Also, you can make a paste out of equal amounts of fresh ginger and turmeric and apply it onto the boil and cover it with a clean cloth.
Onion
Onions have antiseptic chemicals that act as an effective antimicrobial when used for boil treatment. Just take a thick slice of onion and place it over the boil. Wrap it with a cloth to draw blood and heat to the boil and leave it on for a few hours. Repeat the process three to four times a day until the boil comes to the head and drains.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Regular use of tea tree oil will speed up the healing process and give you relief from the discomfort caused by skin abscesses and boils.
Dip a clean piece of cloth, preferably cotton, in the oil and gently massage it on the boil. Repeat this 5-6 times a day to see your boils go away.
Garlic
Garlic can be used in a variety of ways to treat boils and abscesses, thanks to its antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Make a paste from 2-3 fresh garlic cloves and apply it onto the boil for about 10 minutes several times a day. Also, eating 2-3 raw garlic cloves a day can produce good results.
Manuka honey
Manuka honey contains natural antibacterial and healing properties that can help treat boils and abscesses. When applied to the site of the infection, the honey works to pull the infection out of the body. Additionally, it can sterilize the wound as well as speed up the healing process.
Just dab some manuka honey on the infected site. Allow it to sit for a few hours before washing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat a few times a day until the infection clears.
