A furuncle, commonly known as a boil, is a skin infection caused by staphylococcus aureus bacteria. As a result of the buildup of pus and dead cells, the infected area becomes swollen and painful. If several boils appear in a cluster, it is known as a carbuncle and is a more serious type of an infection.
Boils are skin infections that originate in hair follicles or in oil glands. At first, the area will become red and tender; thereafter, it may become either hard and firm or even tenderer. After four to seven days, it turns white because of the pus that collects under the skin. The white blood cells collect at the center of the boil to eradicate the infection. This collection of white blood cells, bacteria, and proteins is what pus is. A boil is also referred to as a skin abscess. An abscess is a condition wherein the infection spreads deeper into the tissues of the skin.
Boils can occur all over the body. However, the most common places for boils to appear are on the legs, armpits, face, neck, buttocks, and shoulders. Boils that occur on the eyelid are called stys.
Symptoms of Boils
Boils present themselves as one or more tender red spots, lumps, or pustules. The size of boils can vary greatly from some being small like a pea, to as large as a golf ball. A boil starts as a painful lump that is hard and red. Over the next few days, it becomes softer, larger, and more painful. A pocket of pus forms on the head of the boil and is indicative of an acute infection. The common symptoms for boils include:
A diagnosis can be made, based on the appearance of the boils. Further diagnosis involves examining the fluid from the lesion to find the cause of the infection.
Types of Boils
Besides furuncles, there are other types of boils.
Causes of Boils
The prime cause for boils is a type of bacteria known as staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). It is harmless while it remains on the surface of the skin. However, when the bacteria enter deep into the hair follicles and tissues through damaged hair follicles, it can cause skin infections such as boils. Other factors related to boils are as follows:
Remedies for Boils
Boils may often heal in less than two weeks on their own. Before healing, they will often open and drain themselves. However, if they are large, they need to be drained by a health care provider. Treatment for simple boils can be done at home itself. However, it is important to begin the treatment as soon as a boil is noticed. Or else, it may lead to complications.
Heat application is the first line of treatment as it increases blood circulation to the infected areas. Increase in blood circulation facilitates the immune response to fight off the bacteria better by bringing in antibodies and white cells to the infected area.
Opening the area to drain pus can be done only after the boil forms a head. The person who has a boil will experience relief immediately after the boil is drained. It is best not to drain boils yourself at home, as this could lead to infection. Visit a doctor for proper draining of boils using sterilized equipment. Small boils such as those around the hair often drain their own.
Home Treatment
As mentioned earlier, the best treatment for most boil is heat application. Heat can reduce inflammation and discomfort and speed up the healing process. A warm, moist compress can be made by soaking a washcloth in warm water and applying it on the boil several times a day.
When the boil begins to drain, you will need to clean it with antibacterial soap. To ensure removal of all pus from the boil, clean the area using a warm compress. Never squeeze or cut open the boil or pop it with a needle as this will only worsen the infection.
Home remedies for boils include:
Prevention
Complications
The most common complications of boils are
Medical Treatment
Antibiotic treatment is necessary to cure large or recurring boils. Topical antiseptics such as povidone iodine cream can be applied to the boils. Boils should be covered with gauze to avoid further infections. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to cure the boil as well.
If the boils fail to clear up, a microbiological culture of the swab is necessary. Follow up is very necessary, whether the boil is drained at home or is lanced by a doctor. Until the wound heals, it is necessary to clean the infected area two to three times daily. After cleaning, apply antibiotic ointment, covering the wound with a bandage. If it gets infected again, you should consult the doctor immediately.
If the boils fail to clear up, a microbiological culture of the swab is necessary. Follow up is very necessary, whether the boil is drained at home or is lanced by a doctor. Until the wound heals, it is necessary to clean the infected area two to three times daily. After cleaning, apply antibiotic ointment, covering the wound with a bandage. If it gets infected again, you should consult the doctor immediately.
Diet for Boils
The efficacy of dietary measures to treat or control boils is not really supported by research, but some natural health enthusiasts claim that detox diets can help. This can be achieved by eating a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water (eight to ten glasses a day) and exercising regularly helps to get rid of toxins faster. Bitter gourd juice has the ability to clean the system. Drinking bitter gourd juice in the morning is recommended. Additionally, consuming iron tablets helps to reduce infection, and 1000 mg of vitamin C a day helps to improve deficient eutrophil function.
Suggestion for Boils
Maintaining good hygiene, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly helps maintain optimum health and boosts immunity. This could help to avoid boils completely. If, however, you do get a boil, check with a doctor for suitable treatment options.
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