How to Remove Boils From Skin

Boils are infections that occur in the lower layers of skin. As boils form, they fill up with white blood cells, proteins and the bacteria that caused the boil to grow in the first place. This mixture is known as pus, and the boil will not stop growing until the pus is drained. In most cases, this can be taken care of without a trip to the doctor.

Things You'll Need

  • Heating pad
  • Hot water
  • Washcloth
  • Needle
  • Alcohol
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a heating pad to the boil. Heat increases circulation to the area. The extra white blood cells help fight off the infection in the boil.

    • 2

      Soak the boil in hot water for 30 minutes. If it is in an area that is difficult to soak, put a clean washcloth in boiling water for 30 seconds, remove the washcloth and put it on the boil for 30 minutes.

    • 3

      Examine the boil. If it still feels hard, soak it for an additional 20 minutes. If it is soft, check to see if the fluid drained from it.

    • 4

      Dip a needle in rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. Carefully poke a small hole in the boil if it didn't already drain on its own. Squeeze the boil to remove all of the fluid.

    • 5

      See a doctor if the boil remains hard after soaking it, or if it will not drain.

Tips & Warnings

  • Wash your skin regularly to lower your chances of getting boils.

  • See a doctor if you are currently taking antibiotics, have diabetes or have a fever.

  • See a doctor if the area around the boil is red and tender, or if red streaks are coming out of the boil.

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