It is possible to get rid of a boil at home, particularly if they are small.
This involves using awarm compressto gradually drawpusout of the boil.
There are also over-the-counter “draining salves” that can help.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
If a boil needs to be manually drained, it is best done by a healthcare provider.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
At-Home Care
Boils can be extremely painful.
This should be avoided.
The safe treatment of a boil starts with the utility of a warm compress to the skin.
Continue with warm compress treatments until the pus is fully drained.
It just may take a bit longer.
They contain topical ingredients likeammonium bituminosulfonatethat reduce inflammation which contributes to pore blockage.
Don’t Pop a Boil
Popping a boil can worsen the bacterial infection rather than treat it.
Lancing is done on anoutpatient basisin a doctor’s office or clinic with a scalpel or small lancing tool.
Light pressure may be applied but no squeezing is involved.
Prevention
Boils commonly occur whenStaphylococcus aureusfound on the skin infiltrates a hair follicle.
Poor hygiene can contribute by allowingS.
aureusto multiply unchecked, while breaks in the skin can provide the bacterium easy access to underlying tissues.
People withweakened immune systems, such as those withuncontrolled diabetes, are most at risk.
The treatment may involve lancing, manual drainage, and possibly antibiotics.
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