What Are Boils?
One of the several dreaded skin problems that teenage people are afraid of is the painful boil. It is a sore that often starts in a hair follicle or oil gland, and initially turns the skin red in the area of the infection. Soon a tender lump develops and in about four to seven days later the lump starts turning white as pus collects underneath the skin.
Although, it is generally appears on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks, it may also attack eyelid (sty). You should also know that if several boils appear in a group, this is a more serious type of infection called carbuncle.
What Causes Boil?
Almost more than half the number of causes of boil is because of the bacteria called staphylococcal. This germ enters the body through tiny nicks or cuts in the skin or can travel down the hair to the follicle.
However, one’s health condition is also accountable for this painful sore skin condition. Sickness or disorders like diabetes, immune system problems, poor nutrition, poor hygiene and exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin are few of the conditions that help provide the body the room to nurture boils.
Boils can lead to certain peculiar symptoms like fever, lymph nodes may swell, and more.
Home Remedies for Boils
Indian Lilac (Neem)
One of the widely used plant in India – ‘Neem’ also called by the name of Indian lilac, is one of the home remedies for boils. The antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties of Neem help treat boils and many other types of skin infections.
Direction
Make a paste of Neem leaves by grinding it and simply apply it on the affected area. Moreover, you can also boil Neem leaves in water until the quantity of water reduces to one-third. Now use this water to rinse the affected area.
Black Seed
The medicinal properties of black seed can give some relief from the pain caused by boils and acts as a quick boil remedy.
Direction
Grind a couple of black seed until it becomes a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area. You may also apply black seed oil on the boil. Add one-half teaspoon of black seed oil to a cup of hot or cold drink. Drink the mixture twice a day for several days.
Bread Poultice
Bread poultice is also widely used as natural remedy for boils.
Direction
Take a piece of bread and soak it in warm milk or warm water. Now put the soaked bread on to the boil for a few minutes. This will help bring a boil to the head and reduce inflammation. The heat from this compress will also help increase circulation, sending more infection-fighting white blood cells to the site of infection. Repeat twice daily until the boil is healed completely.
Tea Tree Oil
Very much like Neem, Tea tree oil has also got antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. If you use tea tree oil regularly, it will speed up the healing process.
Direction
Firstly, dab a clean cotton ball into the oil and then gently apply it directly onto the boil. Repeat it couple of times in a day.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural blood purifier and has anti-inflammatory properties that can be very helpful in the treatment of boils.
Direction
Boil one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk or water. Drink it three times a day for four to five days. Also make a paste out of equal amounts of fresh ginger and turmeric and apply it onto the boil and cover it with a clean cloth.
Onion
Onions have antiseptic chemicals with antimicrobial properties and can be used for treating boil.
Direction
Take a thick slice of onion and place it over the boil. Wrap it with a cloth to draw blood and heat to the boil and leave it on for a few hours. Repeat the process a couple of times a day.
Garlic
Garlic which has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in it can also heal boil.
Direction
Make a paste from two to three fresh garlic cloves and apply it onto the boil. Heat one garlic clove and place it onto the boil for about 10 minutes several times a day.
