Boils
Boils are localized tender, inflamed, pus-filled swellings in the skin surrounded by large red areas. They are primarily an infection of the hair follicles of the skin. They are quite painful, particularly in areas where the skin is closely attached to the underlying tissues, such as the nose, ears or fingers. They usually occur in teenagers and young adults. The common sites for boils are the face, neck and thighs.
Symptoms of Boils
At first, a painful red nodule appears on the skin. This grows bigger and then breaks down in the middle where the pus collects. Besides being painful, one experiences a great deal of irritation and itching.
There may be a single boil, or several boils in the same area or in different areas at the same time. The swelling may not be limited to one hair follicle but extend to several follicles.
When the boils ripen, they give out a discharge. Fever may sometimes accompany boils.
Causes of Boils
Boils may be caused by a bacteria named staphylococcus aureus, which enter the sweat glands or hair follicles. The essential cause of this disorder is thus bacterial.
However, several factors influence the growth of bacteria in hair follicles. Of these, the chief factor is a toxic condition in the blood stream, which is due to a faulty diet and frantic pace of living.
Boils generally appear when a person is in a run-down and devitalized condition. Poor hygiene and poor nutrition that can affect the immune system are also possible causes of boils.
One must also account for exposure to chemicals and other skin irritants that could be responsible.
The high blood sugar levels in diabetes could also cause the skin to break out into boils. Boils could be also be an indicator of vitamin deficiencies.
Home Remedies for Boils
- Epsom salts can be used to make a soothing hot compress for boils. Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate helps bring the head of boil to the surface so it can be easy to drain it out. The salts draw out toxins, alleviating inflammation and pain in the infected region. Simply fill a small basin with warm water and add a cup or two of Epsom salts to it. Let the salts dissolve and soak in the infected area in this water for 10-15 minutes. Then let the water air dry.
- Eucalyptus oil (Nilgiri oil) is very healing for boils due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix equal parts of eucalyptus oil and apple cider vinegar. If this is too strong, dilute in a carrier oil like sesame or coconut and dab on the affected areas.
- Potato is a humble vegetable that’s full of high concentration of calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium vitamin C and B complex vitamins. Potato is very beneficial in naturally treating boils. Wash, peel and grate a raw potato. Squeeze the juice from the pulp. Dip a cotton ball in the juice and dab on the boil and the skin around it. Repeat this 4 to 5 times a day to get fast relief.
- Nutmeg (jaiphal) is an excellent natural cure for boils. Add half teaspoon nutmeg powder to a cup of warm milk and drink regularly to cure boils from the inside out.
- Cornmeal is amazing at absorbing impurities and curing boils. Add some cornmeal to some warm water and make a paste. Apply this paste to the boil and cover with some gauze.
- Sandalwood paste or sandalwood oil is one of the best natural remedies for heat boils. In Ayurveda, sandalwood has cooling properties and helps soften the skin.
- Tea bags make a warm compress that can be used to heat a boil enough to draw out the infected blood and pus. Another way to use tea to soothe heat boils is to brew a strong cup and use the tea to make a paste with
- Fuller’s Earth or multani mitti. This paste can be used for calm aggravated skin. Green tea and black tea work equally well for this purpose.
Herbal Remedies for Boils
Herbs |
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Ayurvedic Supplements (to be taken under physician’s guidance – Consult Now) |
Sarivadiasava Mahamanjisthadi Ghanvati Mahatitkta Ghrit Guggulu Rakdoshatak Tablets |
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Lifestyle |
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Yoga |
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