Home Remedies For Boils

Dry It Up

Benzoyl Peroxide

Oftentimes, a boil will heal up if you just dry it out. To speed it along, dab the boil with an acne medicine that contains the ingredient benzoyl peroxide. Why’s it work? Benzoyl peroxide will not only dry it up, but also kill all of the bacteria that caused the boil in the first place.

Tea-tree Oil

An alternative to using benzoyl peroxide is using tea-tree oil. Why’s it work? Tea-tree oil is an antiseptic that will kill the bacteria. It will also make the boil heal faster.

Heat It Up

Moist Heat

Applying a very hot compress will help to bring the boil to a head. Here’s how to make one: Run a washcloth under the hottest water that you can stand. Wring out the washcloth and apply it directly to the boil for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process several times a day until the boil bursts open. Why’s it work? This helps to dramatically accelerate the healing process.

Thyme or Chamomile Tea

Instead of using plain water for the compress, use thyme or chamomile tea. Why’s it work? Thyme contains thymol, which will prevent infection. The chamomile works because of the chamazulene it contains, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Tea Bag

Instead of using a washcloth, use a plain, warm, wet tea bag. Why’s it work? The warmth will bring the boil to a head and the tannins in the tea will act as a natural antibacterial.

A Hot Bath

If you’re experiencing a boil in an area that’s just out of reach, soak in a nice, hot bath for 15-20 minutes. For this remedy for boils to be most effective, make sure that you keep adding hot water as the bath water cools down.

Draining A Boil

After the boil comes to a head (whether you’ve helped it along or not), you can lance it and get immediate relief. Here’s how:

1. First, sterilize a needle by putting it over an open flame. A word to the wise…remember to protect your fingers, so as not to burn them.
2. Use the sterilized needle to lightly prick the layer of skin that’s covering the boil’s head. A word of warning: Do not drain the boil if you see any signs of infection, such as, redness or streaking.

Keep It Clean

• Once you’ve lanced the boil (or if it has burst op its own), you need to avoid infection by keeping it clean.

• As it continues to drain, use an antibacterial soap to wash both the boil and the skin surrounding it.

• Using a Q-tip, apply an antibacterial ointment to keep infection at bay.

When To Call The Doctor

Seek a doctor’s treatment and advice when dealing with boils on the face, armpits or groin. Also, a boil that is larger than ½ inch or so in size may need to be checked out. If you find yourself getting boils of any size quite often, consult your doctor just to make sure that diabetes or an immune-system malfunction isn’t to blame.