A boil usually starts as a tender area that becomes hardened and swells resembling a "blind pimple." It can develop slowly but eventually the center will soften and develop a "head." The head is filled with bacteria, proteins, and the accumulation of white blood cells sent to fight the infection, otherwise known as pus. When the boil reaches its final stage, it can be drained by lancing or it may spontaneously drain. Applied hot packs will help this process along, as the heat draws more blood to fight the infection.

Types of Boil

There are several different types of boils :-

Furuncle or carbuncle boil - This is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills.

Hidradenitis suppurativa Boil - This is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area. These are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands.

Pilonidal cyst Boil - This is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.

Cystic acne Boils - This is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years.

Causes of Boils

Boils are caused by staphylococcus aurous, a bacteria that causes an infection in an oil gland or hair follicle. However, there are several factors that predispose the growth of bacteria in hair follicles. The main factor among this is a toxic condition in blood stream which is due to faulty diet. They can also be spread by shared cosmetics, close human contact or by contact with pus from a boil.

Symptoms of Boils or Carbuncle

The skin around the boil becomes infected. It turns red, painful, warm, and swollen.
More boils may appear around the original one.
A fever develops.
Lymph nodes become swollen.

Diagnosis of Boils or Carbuncle

The diagnosis of boils and carbuncles is usually made by the patient's primary care doctor on the basis of visual examination of the skin. In some cases involving recurrent boils on the face, the doctor may need to consider acne as a possible diagnosis, but for the most part boils and carbuncles are not difficult to distinguish from other skin disorders.

Treatment of Boils or Carbuncle

Your doctor may drain a large boil or carbuncle by making a small incision in the tip. This relieves pain, speeds recovery and helps lessen scarring. Deep infections that can't be completely cleared may be covered with sterile gauze so that pus can continue to drain. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help heal severe or recurrent infections.

Home Remedies for Boils - Effective home Remedies for treating Boils

Garlic and onions have proved most effective among the several home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of boils. The juice of garlic or onion may be applied externally on boils to help ripen them, break them, and evacuate the pus. An equal quantity of the juices of these two vegetables can also be applied with beneficial results. Eating of two to three pods of garlic during meals will also bring good results.

To treat boils, this vegetable should be steeped in boiled water till it is soft and juicy. When comfortably hot, it should be wrapped with clean muslin or linen cloth and applied to the boils as a poultice.

Bitter Gourd - Bitter gourd is another effective home remedy for blood-filled boils. A cupful of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice, should be taken, sip by sip, on an empty stomach daily for a few months to treat this condition.

Milk Cream - Milk cream is beneficial in the treatment of boil. One teaspoon of milk cream, mixed with half a teaspoon of vinegar, and a pinch of turmeric powder, makes an excellent poultice. It helps in ripening the blood boils and in their healing without allowing them to become septic.

Prevention Tips of Boil

Cleanse skin properly with soap and water, and take showers rather than tub baths.
Do not share washcloths, towels, or facial cosmetics with others.
Cut down on greasy or fatty foods and snacks.
Always wash hands before touching the face.
Consider using antiseptic soaps and shower gels.

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