How to Pop Skin Boils
Skin boils are annoying, painful and unsightly. However, they generally result from mild skin infections, which you can take care of without difficulty. In fact, despite having an infection, one rarely needs to see a doctor for a boil. Using a washcloth, over-the-counter medicated ointment and some clean bandages, you can clear up a skin boil in about a week.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Zip-lock bag
- Gauze
- Medicated ointment
- Bandages
- Anti-bacterial soap
Instructions
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1
Inspect the area. A boil is a hard red lump surrounded by reddened skin. It takes four to seven days for the boil to turn whitish as pus collects under the skin's surface. If the skin infection does not match that description or appears more serious, you may wish to go to a doctor instead of taking care of it at home.
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2
Apply a warm compress. Soak a washcloth in warm water, and wring out the excess moisture. Apply it to the boil for five to ten minutes. Repeat the process twice a day for several days. As you do so, the boil will become whiter as pus is drawn to the surface. Eventually, the boil will pop.
Place the washcloth in a zip-lock bag to prevent the water from soaking the surrounding area.
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3
Keep the area clean. Clean the pus away with anti-bacterial soap. Apply medicated ointment, such as bacitracin, and a bandage. Wash the wound several times a day, and reapply the compresses and ointment until the wound actually heals.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not lance the boil with a needle. This can make the infection worse.
While boils can usually be handled at home, there are a few instances when you should go directly to a doctor. If you start running a fever, the boil does not break and drain after compress therapy, a second boil appears, or you have any type of immunosuppression, diabetes or heart problems, see a doctor as soon as possible. Go to the emergency room if you develop a high fever or chills.
