How to Treat Boils

Boils, also known as carbuncles or furuncles, are caused by bacterial infections of hair follicles. They are painful and contagious and may occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly occur on the face, neck, or buttocks. Signs and symptoms include small, red bumps that contain pus. Eruptions often develop quickly.Boils are caused by an infection, most commonly Staphyloccus bacteria, that originates in a hair follicle and then burrows deeper into skin layers and underlying tissue.All age groups and genders may be afflicted with boils, and learning how to treat them to relieve pain and prevent complications as well as hasten healing time is a good idea for those who have been afflicted by boils before.While boils can't be completely prevented, outbreaks may be reduced through good skin care and hygiene.

Things You'll Need

• Acetaminophen
• Warm compress

Instructions

1. Look for the telltale signs of a boil, which may be identified by a pus filled sac on the surface of the skin. Most often, these bumps or sacs are red and irritated looking. Don't break or burst such a boil, as this will only spread the infection to nearby hair follicles!

2. Take showers instead of baths, so that bacteria and germs are washed away from the body and are not soaking in them. Avoid excessive sweating to lessen discomfort, so reducing or eliminating vigorous exercise is suggested. It is also suggested that those suffering from boils avoid any type of contact sport that may spread the bacteria from person to person while lesions are visible.

3. Relieve pain through the use of warm compresses three to four times a day for about twenty minutes. Be careful not to move the warm washcloth around too much to prevent spread of infection. Instead, place one washcloth directly over the irritated area and leave it there. Always wash your hands after touching any boils.

4. Prevent the spread of infection by separating towels or clothes from others. Instead of using towels or washcloths for the warm compress treatments, an individual may use disposable paper towels to help reduce chances of spreading the bacteria, especially in the hamper.

5. Avoid the use of non-prescription antibiotic creams or ointments, as they don't work on boils. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor, but if not, avoid taking anything but acetaminophen or ibuprofen for relief of discomfort or to treat mild fevers.

6. If self-treatment methods such as those mentioned above don't produce results, schedule a visit with your family doctor. He or she may need to lance and drain boils in a sterile environment. The physician may even send materials collected from a boil for examination in a lab for further treatment options.

Tips & Warnings

• Carefully clean skin around erupted boils in order to help prevent spread of infectious bacteria.

• Call your doctor if your symptoms don't improve within two to three days, or if you develop more than a very mild fever.