Boils are painful and for the first time in my life, I got one. It really hurt and it took me a while to figure out what it was. Of course, when I found out that a boil was my problem I decided it was time to figure out how to fix it at home. I don’t have insurance and I don’t have a job, so I wanted to avoid the ER.
It was not a fun experience, it was not pretty and it was causing my neck and ear to hurt so bad I could not see. The reason I got the boil is that I have diabetes and I have scarring alopecia both diseases that cause boils. I believe I have been lucky not to get one as the scarring alopecia (folliculitis decalvans) tends to cause them often from what I read and I’ve had this since I was 12.
If you don’t know what that is it causes you to permanently lose your hair. If you want to know more about my hair loss check out my post: Life, Love, and Wigs: A Struggle with Hair Loss
What is a boil?
They are painful, puss-filled bumps that form under the skin, usually in a hair follicle or a clogged sweat gland. They grow until they are drained or burst. Some may end up as big as a baseball. You may hear larger boils be referred to as skin abscesses. The area around the boil will be red and swollen.
Where boils most commonly appear:
- face
- shoulders
- armpits
- buttocks
- neck
What causes boils to appear:
- improper hygiene
- small cuts on the skin
- certain skin conditions, such as acne or eczema
- shaving
- an immune disorder, which makes you susceptible to bacterial infections
- sharing items with someone who has recently had or has a boil
Steps to get rid of a boil
This is how I got rid of my boil
- Get a washcloth and wet it with water that’s as hot as you can stand it, don’t boil it though, it needs to be cool enough to place on the boil.
- Put that on your boil until cool, repeat this until the boil comes to a head and bust. About 3-4 times a day.
- Once the boil burst, you will need to allow it to drain and put antibiotic ointment on the boil. It may continue to drain for a few days. You can continue to use the compress to help draw out the infection.
- Make sure to keep antibiotic ointment on the boil for a few days after it burst. You want to keep it clean so that you don’t end up with another one so make sure to also wash it daily with antibacterial soap and water.
Other ways to get rid of a boil
Use tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is full of antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It does need to be used with a carrier oil as it will burn the skin. Apply a few times a day until the boil is gone.
Epsom salt
Epsom salt works by drying out the boil and causing it to drain. Dissolve the salt in warm water and apply it to the boil via compress. Do this a few times a day until the boil drains.
A boil is not the end of the world, though it may feel that way. Just a few simple steps will help you get rid of the boil and the infection without a trip to your doctor.
Disclosure: If you have swollen lymphoid or other pain you may still need to go to the ER. This is not intended as medical advice, I am not a doctor.