Skin boils, also called skin abscesses, are deep skin infections that are localized to a specific spot. These infections can be painful and unpleasant, but they are usually not dangerous. Most people can treat skin boils at home with simple natural remedies, but people with certain health problems may need medical attention.
Skin boils can develop for a variety of reasons, all of which are related to the development of a localized infection in the skin. Boils can develop when a hair becomes ingrown in a follicle, or if the splinter or other foreign object breaks the skin. Acne-related boils are caused by clogged and infected sweat glands. In all cases, boils develop because bacteria have infected the deeper layers of the skin in a specific location.
As a skin abscess develops, it goes through several stages. In the initial stage of infection, the boil becomes red and tender to the touch, and then becomes more difficult as the infection progresses. The boil softens again as the tissue begins to break down and fills with pus, a soft matter that is made up of immune cells, proteins, and bacteria. After several days, a white or yellow head begins to form upon boiling, and at this point it may spontaneously rupture, allowing the liquid to drain. Most boils will begin to heal once this occurs.
There are several natural remedies for skin boils that can be safely tried before visiting a doctor. However, it is important to understand that natural remedies do not always work and sometimes a visit to the doctor is necessary. Anyone trying to treat skin boils at home should monitor abscesses carefully and be aware of symptoms that may indicate a worsening infection.
Natural remedies for skin abscesses are quite simple. The best results are obtained when the boil is treated as soon as it appears. Applying heat to the boil is the most effective treatment method, as it improves circulation to the area. This helps bring infection-fighting antibodies and immune cells to the area. Heat can be applied with a hot towel, water bath, or other method. Care should be taken to keep the area clean and dry when heat is not applied.
If the boil gets larger, if the pain worsens, if a fever develops, or if red streaks appear near the boil, it's time to seek medical attention. People with diabetes, a heart condition, or a weakened immune system should not try to treat boils at home. Instead, they should seek medical attention immediately when a boil forms to avoid complications.