A boil, also known as furuncle, refers to deep folliculitis or infection of the hair follicle. Usually painful, the condition brings discomfort to a person, which affects his optimal level of functioning. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for boil.
Causes
The main cause of boil is Staphylococcus, a kind of bacteria. According to EMedicine Health, some staphylococcus infections progress int abscesses and may have increased intensity. The bacteria is normally thrives on the skin and invades the body through small skin breaks or by going deep to the follicle. As per the publication, such skin breaks may be due to cuts, shaving, scrapes, insect bites, ingrown hair, and skin diseases.
Signs and Symptoms
Boil presents several signs symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, these include a painful bump that begins as pea-size; red, swollen skin around the bump; an increase in the size of the bump due to pus formation; and the emergence of a yellow-white tip that ruptures, letting the pus to drain out. As per the publication, medical consult is vital if the boil is more than one, if it occurs on the face, if it causes a fever, if it is over two inches or five centimeters across, if it has not healed in two weeks, and if it recurs.
Home Remedies
While medications, particularly antibacterial, are prescribed for boil, home remedies can also be applied to manage the condition.
Heat Application
One remedy for boils is heat application. According to Medicine Net, these include warm compresses and hot soaks. As per the publication, heat application boosts blood flow in the affected area, allowing the cells to combat infection through the white blood cells and antibodies. Heat is applied 20 minutes at a time for three to four times a day.
Turmeric
Turmeric stands as another remedy for boils. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, turmeric has a natural way of cleansing the blood, along with its anti-inflammatory effects that reduce swelling in the area. As per the publication, the person boils one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk or water. Then, the mixture is consumed thrice a day for four to five days. As an alternative, turmeric may be combined with ginger to form a paste, which is applied to the boil and covered with a clean cloth.
Tea Tree Oil
Another remedy for boil is tea tree oil. According to Beyond Disease, the oil has anti-microbial properties, which combat infection. But then, it is noted that the oil should not be applied undiluted to the skin, since it may be harsh on it. As per the publication, it should be mixed with equal parts with a carrier oil like almond oil, before it is applied on the affected area using a cotton swab.
Bacon and Eggs
Aside from being part of the breakfast, bacon and egg are also regarded as remedies for boils. According to How Stuff Works, the fat and salt of pork are the key factors for the relief of the skin infection. To apply, bacon in salt is placed between two cloth pieces, which are applied to the boil. For the egg whites, which were also used as boil treatment in the 19th century, are wet and applied directly to the boil, before covering with cloth.
A boil is a painful skin infection, which may interfere with a person’s activities of daily living. Thus, it is vital to manage it either with the aforementioned home remedies or medical consult for proper assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
Source: selfcarer.com
