Boils Causes, Symptions, Remedies and Preventions

At first a painful red nodule appears on the skin. This grows bigger and then breaks down in the middle where the pus collects .The painful 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 the boils.

Garlic and Onion: Garlic and onions have proved most effective among the several home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of boils. The juice of garlic or onion may be applied externally on boils to help ripen them, break them, and evacuate the pus. An equal quantity of the juices of these two vegetables can also be applied with beneficial results. Eating of two to three pods of garlic during meals will also bring good results.

Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd is another effective home remedy for blood-filled boils. A cupful of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice, should be taken, sip by sip, on an empty stomach daily for a few months to treat this condition.

Milk Cream: Milk cream is beneficial in the treatment of boils. One teaspoon of milk cream, mixed with half a teaspoon of vinegar, and a pinch of turmeric powder, makes an excellent poultice. It helps in ripening the blood boils and in their healing without allowing them to become septic.

Betel Leaves: Betel leaves are a valuable remedy for boils. A leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft. It is then coated with a layer of castor oil. The oiled leaf should be spread over the inflamed part. It should be replaced every few hours. After a few applications, the boil will rupture, draining out all the purulent matter.

Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds are beneficial in the treatment of boils. The seeds should be ground in water and made into a paste. This paste can be applied to boils with beneficial results.

Margosa Leaves: The use of margosa leaves has proved effective in boils. They can be used as a poultice, decoction, or liniment with beneficial results. To make the decoction, 15 gm of margosa leaves should be boiled in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by one-third.

Parsley: To treat boils, this vegetable should be steeped in boiled water till it is soft and juicy. When comfortably hot it should be wrapped with clean muslin or linen cloth and applied to the boils as a poultice.

Turmeric: Application of turmeric powder on boils speeds up the healing process. In the case of fresh boils, a few dry roots of turmeric are roasted, the ashes dissolved in a cupful of water, and then applied over the affected portion. This solution enables the boils to ripen and burs

.

Make sure the boil sufferer uses their own towel and facecloth, and wash these frequently in hot water along with their clothing worn close to the skin.
Avoid close body contact with other people if a boil is active.

Eat a good selection of fruit and vegetables and keep good sleep habits.

Avoid squeezing a boil as it can force infection into the deeper tissues.

Apply a warm wet compress (towel or other cloth) to the boil for 10 minutes, several times a day to try and speed up its life cycle.

The most simple and practical prevention of boils cropping seems to be once daily use of a special liquid soap containing chlorhexidine on a long term basis, combined with good hygiene and washing of clothes. However some people are sensitive to chlorhexidine and react to it. Boil sufferers visiting or going into hospital for any treatments must let medical staff know they have a boil, to reduce any chance of the Staphylococcus transferring to others in hospital.