Boils

Boils

Boils are skin abscesses that are a collection of pus on the skin. It starts in the oil glands. The skin will turn red, and a lump that is tender will develop.  It will turn white as pus begins to form.  They will become more painful until they rupture and drain.   The most common places for boils to form are the face, armpits, shoulders, neck, and buttocks.  They usually form where  sweat is likely to form or there is friction.  Boils are not contagious, however the bacteria that forms the boil is.

Causes

Poor health, diabetes are some causes of boils. Those with problems with the immune system are more susceptible to boils. Poor nutrition could also lead to boils.  Exposure to harsh chemicals can also make a boil form.

Boils usually start out about half an inch in size as a lump on the skin.  With time, the lump becomes larger, softer and much more painful.  A pocket of pus will form. If a severe infection takes place one will notice that the skin around the boil has become infected. It will be painful to the touch, warm, red and swollen.  More boils may appear around the original boil .  You will need to seek medical assistance if you start running a fever, have the swollen lymph nodes, the pain becomes very severe, the boil will not drain, another boil or boils appear, or if you have  a heart murmur, diabetes, have immune system troubles, or are using immune suppressing drugs.

Treatment

Home treatment for a boil includes applying a warm compress or soaking the boil in warm water. This will draw the pus to the surface of the boil and also bring relief to it.  When the boil has come to a head, it will burst, it will have repeated draining.  Once it has drained, wash well . One can also continue on with the warm compresses a few times daily. The area should be washed two to three times a day.  Never pop a boil yourself because that can lead to an infection.  If a boil does need to be popped, have a doctor lance it.

Tea tree oil can be applied to a boil.  Tea tree oil is an antiseptic that can heal boils.  Do note that tea tree oil can cause an allergic reaction to some, so take caution using it.

If a boil is severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

After treating a boil, make sure to wash hands well with soap and water. Make sure to wash all bedding and towels that have touched the boils.

There are a few things that you can do to try and prevent them.  Avoid  sharing  personal items, such as towels, and  razors.  Wash hands frequently, and keep all wounds covered  until they have healed.