What is the best treatment for a boil?
By suehan1
@suehan1 (4344)
Australia
May 28, 2010 9:36pm CST
My son showed me his leg today and complained it was very sore.It really looks like a boil to me and is very red around the outside and raised in the middle and stating to look like a lot of pus.As usual things like this happen on a weekend and it is hard to get into the doctor,and I don't like going to the hospital for minor things like this.Any ideas how to treat this boil until I get him to the doctor.? Cheers Sue
1 person likes this
5 responses
@animemisa (130)
• Philippines
29 May 10
Signs of having a boil is red spot on the skin that has turned into a painful, red, swollen lump that looks and feel awful. Most boils occur when a hair folicle is infected with bacteria. Remedy for a boil:
1. Heat it up - apply warm compress a few times a day. (the heat increases the blood supply in the area, which better enables the body with the toxins and clean out the infection.
2. Don't burst the bubble - If the boil comes to a head, resist the urge to break it open yourself. Poking it out will worsen it.
3. Give it a gentle squeeze - If the boil rupture, squeeze it gently to get the remaining pus. Don't force it.
4. Cover it up - Once it raptures cover it with bandage. It will protect the opening from becoming reinfected and also bandage will keep draining the fluid from getting all over your clothes.
5. Avoid over the counter solution- This preparations only tend to further irritate the skin.
6. Use anti bacterial soap or solution. Betadine solution and deodorant soaps have antibacterial and it work rather well.
7. Tight-fitting clothing can rub against the irritate hair follicles, increasing the chance that a boil will develop.
I hope I had helped you with this tips. Take care!!!!
2 people like this
@animemisa (130)
• Philippines
29 May 10
No worries, your very welcome. I just wanna add up. whether or not you've tried some of this tips, please seek immediate medical attention if you noticed an expanding area of redness around the boil; have pain in the lymph glands near the boil; notice a red streak radiating from the area of the boil. All of this signs are indications that the infections is spreading into the lymphatics or even to the bloodstreams. Boils are not usually very serious, but they can be.I hope your son will feel better soon!!! Take care...
@camomile07 (1420)
• Germany
29 May 10
Based on your description, it seems to be already infected. In that case, it is better to see a doctor (it doesn't matter if it is weekend or not) as your son might need an antibiotic. The leg will have to be covered with a bandage and a cream as well. Antibiotics can be sold only on medical prescription. As sooner you start with the treatment, quicker he will recover. If you wait to long, it might get worse and he may get sever complications. Have a check whether he has got fever. The temperature is also very important.
2 people like this
@suehan1 (4344)
• Australia
31 May 10
Yes I was worried about the infection as well and also cellulitis. But unfortunateley it is not that easy to get into doctors here especially if you are not on there books.I actually took my son over to my mums and we actually applied heat and when she looked at it, it burst and a lot of stuff came out.We cleaned it up and put some of her black oinment on it that draws out pus etc.Today Monday it is looking very clean and no redness. We have an appointment with the doctor today.Thanks
@achilles2010 (3051)
• India
29 May 10
Mix boric powder with veseline and apply. It will ripen it and make it subside.
