Boils, also known as furuncles, are painful skin infections in an oil gland or hair follicle. The most common cause of boils is the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The shape of a boil is typically round and raised from the skin’s surface.
Boils are sensitive to touch, and when they first appear, the skin in that area turns pinkish-red, and a tender bump emerges from the skin’s surface. It’s essential not to try to pop the boil at this point, as this can spread the infection and worsen the situation.
Boils can develop in hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they’re most commonly found on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs. They can also appear in sensitive areas such as the ear canal or nose, causing severe discomfort. This article explores 16 effective ways to get rid of boils fast.
Common symptoms of a boil
- Redness and swelling: The affected area of the skin becomes red and swollen.
- Pain or tenderness: Boils are often painful or tender to touch.
- Heat: The skin around the boil feels warm or hot.
- Formation of a pus-filled center: A pocket of pus, known as an abscess, develops at the center of the boil.
- Whitish or yellowish tip: The boil may have a white or yellowish tip called a “head,” indicating the presence of pus.
- Gradual softening: As the boil progresses, it becomes softer and more fluctuant.
- Spontaneous drainage: Eventually, the boil may burst open, releasing the accumulated pus.
- Surrounding inflammation: The skin surrounding the boil may appear red, swollen, and inflamed.
Reasons for Acquiring Boils on Skin
Boils are skin infections that usually start in hair follicles or oil glands. Here are some common causes of boils:
- Bacterial infections: Most boils are caused by staphylococcal bacteria, which can enter the skin through small cuts, insect bites, or even by entering hair follicles.
- Poor hygiene: Poor personal hygiene, such as not washing hands frequently or not bathing regularly, can spread bacteria that can cause boils.
- Weak immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes, are more susceptible to bacterial infections that can cause boils.
- Friction: Boils can also develop in areas of the skin that experience repeated friction or pressure, such as the thighs or buttocks.
- Ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs can cause inflammation and infection, leading to the development of boils.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals: Exposure to harsh chemicals or toxins can cause skin irritation and lead to the development of boils.
16 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Boils on Skin
1. Warm compresses
A warm compress is a simple yet effective remedy that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain caused by boils. It can also soften the boil and promote the eruption of pus, which helps speed up the healing process and reduce pain. This remedy is beneficial for boils on the face.
You will need a few items to make a warm compress: a basin of warm water, one tablespoon of salt, mild soap, and a washcloth.
- Clean the affected area using mild soap and warm water.
- Add one tablespoon of salt to the basin of warm water and stir the mixture.
- Soak the washcloth in the saltwater mixture and wring it out.
- Place the warm compress on the affected area.
- Gently press against the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat the process three to four times a day.
- Continue this routine for seven to ten days for the best results.
2. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a widely used traditional remedy in Australia, and its use has spread to various parts of the world. Experts recognize this oil for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.
The main compound of tea tree oil, terpinene-4-ol, possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects that can effectively suppress the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. As a result, it tones down inflammation and helps to alleviate the discomfort caused by boils while facilitating the healing process.
What you’ll need:
- Tea tree oil
- Carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil)
Step-by-step guide:
- Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture directly to the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for a few hours before rinsing off.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has healed.
- It is essential to perform a patch test before application to rule out any possible skin irritation.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is widely known for its blood-purifying properties, making it a staple in traditional and herbal medicine. But that’s not all – turmeric can help alleviate skin conditions such as boils. Its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzymes that trigger inflammation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- 1 glass of milk
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
Directions:
- Boil water or milk in a saucepan.
- Add turmeric powder and mix well.
- Remove from heat and let it cool a little.
Alternatively, mix fresh ginger and turmeric powder into a paste and apply it to the affected area. Cover with a clean cloth and repeat daily for four to five days.
4. Garlic
According to the Nutrition and Food Science Journal, garlic has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties thanks to its organosulfur compounds. These compounds work by inhibiting the formation of pro-inflammatory enzymes and the growth and spread of bacteria.
What you’ll need:
- Garlic clove
- Olive oil
Step-by-step guide:
- Crush a garlic clove and mix with olive oil to create a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has drained.
5. Epsom salt
Epsom salt is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help to reduce swelling and promote healing. It also helps to draw out toxins and impurities from the skin, which can help to reduce the risk of further infection.
What you’ll need:
- Epsom salt
- Warm water
Step-by-step guide:
- Dissolve 1-2 cups of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water.
- Soak in the tub for 20-30 minutes.
- Repeat daily until the boil has drained.
6. Castor oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it effective in treating boils. It also helps to soothe the skin and promote healing.
What you’ll need:
- Castor oil
- Cotton ball or gauze
Step-by-step guide:
- Apply a small amount of castor oil to a cotton ball or gauze.
- Place the cotton ball or gauze directly on the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight.
- Repeat daily until the boil has drained.
7. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a tried and true remedy that never fails to provide relief. Its numerous beneficial properties make it a panacea for home remedies.
ACV contains a rich blend of vitamins, enzymes, acetic, malic, citric acids, and various amino acids, making it a potent antibacterial tonic that can heal boils overnight.
It also effectively disinfects and cleanses the affected skin after the pus drains. Furthermore, ACV is known to restore the affected skin and aid in removing boiled scars.
What you’ll need:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Cotton ball or gauze
Step-by-step guide:
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
- Soak a cotton ball or gauze in the mixture.
- Place the cotton ball or gauze directly on the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has drained.
8. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an incredibly versatile plant that has the potential to treat a wide variety of health conditions all at once. Many people have discovered its effectiveness in accelerating the healing process of burns, wounds, and various skin issues. In addition, aloe vera can aid wound healing and reduce inflammation.
One of the key components of aloe vera is a major sugar known as mannose-6-phosphate, which has been shown to improve wound healing in mice. Furthermore, aloe vera has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent boiler remedy. In addition, It is especially safe to use on boils that appear on the vaginal lips and private parts.
What you’ll need:
- Fresh aloe vera gel
- Cotton ball or gauze
Step-by-step guide:
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the boil.
- Cover with a cotton ball or gauze.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has healed.
9. Neem
If you are dealing with boils and seeking a fast remedy, neem may help. Neem can be used in the form of water extract or essential oil.
Research conducted by Nigerian scholars found that neem extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activities, which can help reduce skin swelling beneath hair follicles. Boils, often caused by bacterial infections, may also cause fever. Neem’s antipyretic properties make it an excellent remedy for high fever.
In addition, Neem also has solid antimicrobial powers, which are effective even against drug-resistant Staphylococcus bacteria.
What you’ll need:
- Neem leaves
- Water
Step-by-step guide:
- Boil neem leaves in water to create tea.
- Soak a cotton ball or gauze in the tea.
- Place the cotton ball or gauze directly on the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has drained.
10. Onion
Onions are an excellent source of more than 25 active properties, including vitamin C, sulfur, phytochemicals, potassium, flavonoids, and numerous other essential nutrients. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that may help treat boils.
A recent study conducted by Iranian scientists investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of fresh onion juice. The study showed fresh onion juice could effectively alleviate acute or chronic pain and inflammation. Red onions, in particular, can potentially eliminate toxins and relieve skin inflammation.
What you’ll need:
- Onion
- Clean cloth
Step-by-step guide:
- Slice an onion and place it on a clean cloth.
- Place the cloth directly on the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has drained.
Alternatively, you can cut the onion into pieces and boil them until the water level reduces to half. Then, gently apply this liquid to the boil area.
11. Tea bags
Tea bags contain tannins, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
What you’ll need:
- Tea bag
- Warm water
Step-by-step guide:
- Soak a tea bag in warm water.
- Place the tea bag directly on the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has drained.
12. Potato
Potatoes are not only a delicious snack, but they also have several medicinal properties that make them a versatile ingredient in herbal remedies. This root crop is rich in calcium, phosphorus, manganese, vitamins, iron, magnesium, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins.
In addition, potatoes’ anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can relieve pain and inflammation. Potatoes can even speed up the regeneration of tissues, making it easier for the skin to heal.
What you’ll need:
- Potato
- Clean cloth
Step-by-step guide:
- Peel a potato and grate it.
- Place the grated potato on a clean cloth.
- Place the cloth directly on the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has drained.
13. Witch hazel
Witch hazel has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. It also helps to soothe the skin and prevent further infections.
What you’ll need:
- Witch hazel extract
- Cotton ball or gauze
Step-by-step guide:
- Soak a cotton ball or gauze in witch hazel extract.
- Place the cotton ball or gauze directly on the boil.
- Cover with a bandage and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has drained.
14. Egg white
Egg whites contain albumin, which helps to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin. They also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
What you’ll need:
- Egg white
- Clean cloth
Step-by-step guide:
- Separate an egg white from the yolk.
- Beat the egg white until it becomes frothy.
- Apply the frothy egg white to the boil.
- Cover with a clean cloth and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat twice a day until the boil has healed.
15. Nutmeg
Nutmeg, a popular spice, is a potent ingredient that can help fight against bacterial infections. This spice contains antibacterial compounds that can successfully inhibit the growth and spread of disease-causing microbes.
Moreover, nutmeg is known to stimulate blood circulation and possesses anti-inflammatory properties that make it easier to recover from skin diseases like boils. These properties aid in relieving the pain and swelling associated with boils.
The best part about this remedy is that it requires minimal preparation time, and the ingredients are readily available.
- To prepare this remedy, you will need one teaspoon of ground nutmeg and one cup of water or milk.
- Heat water or milk in a pan and add the ground nutmeg.
- Mix well and transfer the mixture to a cup.
- Consume this mixture daily for up to one month.
16. Black cumin seeds
Black cumin seeds have been a potent natural remedy for centuries for various health conditions. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia 2001 found that black cumin seeds possess remarkable anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These activities make black cumin seeds an effective treatment for skin infections such as boils.
Additionally, black cumin seeds have antipyretic properties. This makes them an ideal remedy for reducing fever caused by bacterial infections.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup of black cumin seeds
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of black cumin seed oil
- 1 cup of milk
Step-by-step guide:
- Grind the black cumin seeds into a fine paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- Alternatively, gently rub black cumin seed oil onto the boil area.
- Add half a teaspoon of black cumin seed oil to one cup of hot or cold milk for internal use.
- Drink this mixture twice daily for several days to get the best results.
How to prevent Recurring Boils?
To prevent recurring boils, you can follow these preventive measures:
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before touching any broken skin.
- Maintain clean skin: Keep your skin clean and free from excess dirt, sweat, and oil. Gently cleanse the skin with mild soap and warm water regularly.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Refrain from sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothing.
- Use an antibacterial soap: Washing the affected areas with an antibacterial soap can help kill bacteria on the skin and reduce the risk of infection. Look for soaps that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine.
- Use clean bedding and clothing: Regularly wash and change your bedding, towels, and clothing to minimize the accumulation of bacteria.
- Avoid squeezing or picking at boils: Attempting to pop or squeeze a boil can spread the infection or lead to more boils. It’s best to let them drain naturally or seek medical assistance for proper treatment.
- Practice wound care: If you have any cuts, scrapes, or wounds, clean them thoroughly and apply an antiseptic ointment and bandage to prevent bacteria from entering and causing infection.
- Boost your immune system: A strong immune system can help prevent recurrent boils. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active.
- Avoid tight clothing: Wearing tight clothing can create friction and irritation. Opt for loose-fitting clothes made of breathable materials.
- Treat underlying conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes or compromised immune systems can increase the risk of developing boils. Managing these conditions effectively can help prevent their occurrence.
When to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you develop a boil that:
- It continues to grow in size and becomes increasingly painful.
- It does not heal or go away after a few weeks.
- Appears on your face, spine, or near the anus.
- Develops along with a fever or chills.
- It occurs frequently or if you have multiple boils.
- It is accompanied by red streaks spreading from the boil, which may signify a more severe infection.
- If you have a weakened immune system or have been diagnosed with diabetes.
- If the boil is large, extremely painful, and lasts longer than two weeks.
