A boil is a type of skin infection that starts in oil gland or follicle of hair. The skin turns red where the infection has developed and eventually a soft lump comes up. If not treated, a pus starts forming and the lump becomes white within four to seven days. Boils are very common on the face, armpits, neck, shoulders and buttocks. They can appear on the eyelid as well (sty). When boils are like a bunch, this means there is a serious infection known as carbuncle. Thankfully, you can try some natural home remedies to treat boils.
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Apply heat
Applying a hot pack or a hot cloth increases the blood circulation in the area and brings more white blood cells and antibodies in the forefront to fight the infection. This is the easiest home remedy you can use. At a time, apply hot/warm (the temperature you can just tolerate) in the affected area for 20 minutes. Try this for three to four times in a day, until the boil is gone.
Castor oil
Castor oil gives a cooling effect and contains a natural compound ‘ricinoleic acid’ that has anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil is also antibacterial, so the combination of both makes for a powerful natural medicine against boils. Apply little castor oil over the affected area gently for three times a day until the boil totally disappears.
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Neem oil
Neem oil has been used since the ancient days to treat skin allergies and infections due to its antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Also called Indian Lilac, neem oil is very effective in treating boils. Simply wash your hands and gently apply neem oil on the affected areas three to four times a day to see magical results on your skin.
Tea tree oil
Boils are caused due to bacterial infection and tea tree essential oil contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that treat the same. Tea tree oil is very strong and can cause a burning sensation when applied directly to the skin. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil. Take a cotton swab, dip it in the oil mixture and apply on the affected areas about two to three times a day.
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Turmeric powder
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in eastern medicines as a blood purifier because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric gives immediate relief from the itching and burning sensations of boils. You can either drink milk or opt for water containing turmeric powder, three times a day, or you can simply mix turmeric powder with water or ginger to make a paste and apply on affected areas twice a day.
Epsom salt
Epsom salt has many benefits, including effective treatment of boils. The salt can dry out the pus and treat the boil. Take lukewarm water and dissolve Epsom salt in it. Soak a compress in the water. Apply the salt-coated compress in the affected areas for atleast 20 minutes in one go. Do these three times in a day until you get rid of the boils.
Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
Applying antibiotic ointments helps the boils vanish fast and soothe the affected area. Neosporin is a common ointment used for treating boils, mainly because it prevents the infection from spreading. Apply the ointment to the affected part of the skin 2 times a day. Continue until you find relief.
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The fact of the matter is that dealing with boils can be a painful experience, but using natural remedies in a timely manner can produce good results. Just be sure to seek medical attention if natural remedies fail to treat your boils.
