Joe McConnell
Boils can be painful and can also form pus. Here is your guide on how to get rid of a boil without making it worse!
A red lump on the skin that may be filled with pus is what a boil looks like. Formed on hair follicles, boils can be quite painful. Although boils can appear anywhere on the body, they mostly form in sweaty areas. Many different types of boils can vary in severity, as well as the area in which they are located. Some underlying medical conditions such as diabetes can also cause boils. While most boils resolve on their own, there are a few ways to get rid of them quickly. Let us tell you how to treat boils.
What is a boil?
A boil is essentially a bacterial skin infection that usually begins as a hair follicle infection. “Depending on the depth of skin involvement and the extent of surrounding tissue involvement, different types of boils can occur, such as folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles,” explains dermatologist Dr. Raina N Nahar.
The process for getting rid of a pimple depends largely on what caused it in the first place. “If you have a small folliculitis or superficial infection of the hair follicle after shaving or waxing, a simple antibiotic ointment can help reduce the infection and heal the skin without leaving marks or scars,” explains Dr. Nahar. The specific skin infection will determine the type of antibiotic ointment to use, and a dermatologist can make an appropriate recommendation.
How to get rid of a boil?
There are some practical ways you can take to help yourself heal a boil. Here are the steps to follow
Step 1: Clean the area
The UK’s National Health Service says the first step in treating a boil is to soak a cloth in warm water and apply warm compresses to the infected area several times a day. Use an antibacterial soap to clean the area, as well as any pus. Cover the infected area with gauze.
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Phase 2: Drugs
For small boils, applying a simple antibiotic ointment can help reduce the infection and heal the skin without leaving any marks or scars. However, if you have a larger infection, such as a carbuncle, ecthyma, or a deep abscess, you will need to drain the pus through an appropriate procedure with a dermatologist. “You may also need to start with oral antibiotics based on the sensitivity of the pus culture. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria that causes these infections,” explains Dr. Nahar.
Phase 3: Antibiotics
Antibiotics are given if complications arise. They can be prescribed in tablet or liquid form and can also be given intravenously, says this study, published by the National Institutes of Health in the United States. Depending on the infection and the patient’s history, especially in immunocompromised individuals, specific antibiotics are chosen to resolve the infection and prevent its recurrence. They are given if the boil is on the face, if you have multiple boils, if the disease is spreading, or if you have fever, irregular blood pressure, or rapid breathing.
Phase 4: Additional treatments
Additional treatments may be necessary, including antacids, probiotics to build immunity, and proper dressing to promote rapid healing without scarring.
Read also: How to pop a blister safely without making it worse!
What is recurrent furunculosis?
Recurrent furunculosis is a repeated episode of hair follicle infections. They are known as boils. “These are painful, red, swollen boils with pus. Recurrent furunculosis means that after one boil resolves and drains, another one appears in the same or surrounding area,” explains Dr. Nahar. Common causes of recurring boils include underlying conditions such as fistulas and sinuses, especially in the buttock area, which require proper diagnosis and treatment. Immunity plays a significant role, so controlling sugar and vitamin levels is essential. Close contact with someone infected can also cause recurring furunculosis, says a study published in Pediatric Otolaryngology. Immunosuppressed individuals and those undergoing chemotherapy should maintain skin hygiene, use appropriate cleansers and emollients, and avoid misuse of antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
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Complications that can arise from boils
While you’re trying to get rid of a boil, bacterial skin infections can lead to a variety of complications if left untreated. “Severe infections can lead to pus-filled abscesses, scarring, and sinusitis, which can cause recurrent infections. Although rare, infections can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, especially in immunocompromised individuals,” says Dr. Nahar. Untreated boils can typically lead to chronic problems, including abscesses, scarring, and sinusitis.
How to prevent boils?
Here are some ways to prevent boils:
- Maintain good skin hygiene and take steps to prevent infections.
- Keep skin clean, especially after abrasions or wounds
- It is essential to use antiseptic solutions and avoid caustic or aggressive solutions that can burn the skin.
- Using appropriate emollients to repair the skin barrier can help prevent infections from entering.
- Maintaining a strong immune system through good nutrition, supplements, and avoiding processed and preservative-rich foods also plays a key role in prevention.
- Ensuring skin hygiene after shaving or waxing can further reduce the risk of boils.
Postoperative treatment of a boil
Once you’ve gotten rid of a boil, aftercare is essential. Focus on factors that can trigger a recurrence, such as maintaining cleanliness and using appropriate antiseptic solutions. “During active infection, proper dressings and the use of prescribed antibiotics can minimize scarring. Using healing creams can also prevent unsightly scarring,” explains Dr. Nahar. Aftercare involves monitoring for any new signs of infection and maintaining good hygiene to prevent recurrence. Proper care during a boil episode ensures faster healing and reduces the risk of complications.
