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The staph bacteria that cause boils typically enter the body through cuts, scratches, and other breaks in the skin. They can be transmitted from person to person and can live on us all the time. Immune Problems; diabetes; hygiene ; exposure to certain industrial chemicals; overuse of corticosteroids; and a poor lifestyle, or nutrition are all potential causes of boils.
Traditional Treatment
Most boils can be treated at home simply by washing the infected area with antibacterial soap, and applying a hot washer or compress which will help bring the boil to a head. Over-the-counter topical antibiotics are also effective in limiting the spread of bacterial infection.
Do not squeeze as this can spread the infection. When they burst, wash the area gently until no more pus appears, then cover with a bandaid to avoid reinfection. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, and disinfect towels.
If the pain is severe, or if a boil refuses to pop, it may be lanced by a doctor.
Alternative/Natural Treatments
Boils have plagued humans for centuries, and humans have countered with all sorts of remedies. Use caution when trying alternative remedies on your skin, because the wrong treatment may actually aggravate an infection.
Chinese Herbs - Chinese herbal medicine focuses on reducing heat in the body, which is thought to cause boils. Try drinking tea made from dandelion, chrysanthemum flower or violet.
Herbal Therapies - For inflammation, an over-the-counter ointment made with marsh mallow, a poultice of slippery elm, and a tincture of blue flag or myrrh .
Aromatherapy - To fight infection, apply tea tree oil to the boil four to six times a day. Essential oils of bergamot, lavender, chamomile, and sage are also recommended for their antibacterial properties. Goldenseal mixed with distilled witch hazel to use as a wash.
Homoeopathy - If a boil comes up suddenly and is very red and hot, Belladonna three to four times daily may slow or halt the infection. For very painful boils try Hepar sulphuris, and for those that heal slowly use Silica, in the same potency and frequency.
Dietary Considerations
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and eat more garlic for its antiseptic properties, and foods high in zinc to enhance the immune system. You can accomplish this through your diet, or you can take tablets.
At-Home Remedies
* a warm Epsom salt bath will help draw the pus out of a boil.
* wash with antibacterial soaps if boils appear on the face.
* do not pop boils as it can worsen the infection and worsen the scarring.
Prevention
Nicks and breaks in the skin that are left untreated can cause boils as can sharing towels etc and contact sports. So treat these small cut immediately.