A red lump on the skin which might be filled with pus is what a boil looks like. Formed on the hair follicles, boils can be quite painful. Although boils can emerge anywhere on the body, they mostly crop up in sweaty areas. Many different kinds of boils can differ in severity, as well as the area in which they are situated. Some underlying medical conditions such as diabetes can lead to boils as well. While most boils resolve independently, there are a few ways to get rid of a boil quickly. Let us tell you how to treat boils.

What is a boil?

A boil is essentially a bacterial infection of the skin that typically begins as a hair follicle infection. “Depending on the depth of skin involvement and the extent of surrounding tissue involvement, different kinds of boils can occur, such as folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles,” explains dermatologist Dr Raina N Nahar.

The process to get rid of a boil highly depends on what caused it in the first place. “If you experience small folliculitis or a superficial hair follicle infection after shaving or waxing, a simple antibiotic ointment can help reduce the infection and heal the skin without leaving marks or scars,” explains Dr Nahar. The specific skin infection will decide the type of antibiotic ointment that is to be used, and a dermatologist can provide you with an appropriate recommendation.

How to get rid of a boil?

There are some practical ways that you can take that would help you treat a boil. Here are the steps to follow

Step 1: Clean the area

The UK’s NHS states that the very first step to treat a boil is to soak a cloth in hot water and provide warm compressions to the infected area multiple times a day. Use antibacterial soap to clean the area, as well as any pus. Cover the infected area with a gauze.

Step 2: Medication

For small boils, applying a simple antibiotic ointment can help reduce the infection and heal the skin without leaving marks or scars. However, if you have a larger infection, such as a carbuncle, ecthyma, or a deep abscess, it is necessary to drain the pus through a proper procedure with a dermatologist. “You may also need to start on oral antibiotics based on the pus culture sensitivity. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria causing these infections,” explains Dr Nahar.

Step 3: Antibiotics

Antibiotics are given in case of complications. These can be prescribed in tablet or liquid form and can also be given via an IV, states this study, published by the US’s National Institutes of Health. Depending on the infection and patient history, especially in immunocompromised individuals, specific antibiotics are chosen to resolve the infection and prevent recurrence. They are given if the boil is on the face area, if you have several boils, if the disease is spreading or if you have fever, irregular blood pressure or rapid breathing.

Step 4: Additional treatments

There might be some additional treatments that might include antacids, probiotics to develop immunity, and proper dressing to promote quick healing without scarring.

What is Recurrent Furunculosis?

Recurrent furunculosis is repeated episodes of hair follicle infections. These are known as furuncles. “These are painful, red, swollen boils with pus. Recurrent furunculosis means that after one boil resolves and drains, another one appears in the same or surrounding area,” explains Dr Nahar. The common causes of boils that come repeatedly include underlying conditions such as fistulas and sinuses, especially in the gluteal area, which need proper diagnosis and treatment. Immunity plays a significant role, so checking sugar and vitamin levels is essential. Close contact with someone who is infected can also result in recurrent furunculosis, states a study, published in Pediatric Otolaryngology. Immunocompromised individuals and those on chemotherapy need to maintain skin hygiene, use appropriate cleansers and emollients, and avoid improper use of antibiotics to prevent recurrence.

Complications that can arise from boils

While you try to get rid of a boil, bacterial infections in the skin can lead to several complications if not treated properly. “Severe infections can lead to abscesses with pus collection, scarring, and sinuses, which can cause recurrent infections. While rare, infections can spread into the bloodstream, causing septicemia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals,” says Dr Nahar. Generally, untreated boils can result in chronic issues, including abscesses, scarring, and sinus formation.

How to prevent boils?

Here are a few ways to prevent boils:

• Maintain good skin hygiene and take measures to prevent infections.
• Keep the skin clean, especially after abrasions or injuries
• Using antiseptic solutions, and avoiding caustic or strong solutions that can burn the skin is essential.
• Using proper emollients to repair the skin barrier can help prevent infection entry.
• Maintaining a strong immune system through good nutrition, and supplements, and avoiding processed and preservative-laden foods also plays a crucial role in prevention.
• Ensuring skin hygiene post-shaving or waxing can further reduce the risk of boils.

Aftercare treatment of a boil

Once you get rid of a boil, aftercare is essential. Focus on the factors that can trigger a recurrence, such as maintaining cleanliness and using appropriate antiseptic solutions. “During the active infection, proper dressing and the use of prescribed antibiotics can minimize scarring. Using healing creams can also prevent bad scars,” explains Dr Nahar. Post-care involves monitoring for any new signs of infection and maintaining good hygiene to prevent recurrence. Proper care during the boil episode ensures quicker healing and reduces the risk of complications.

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