Boils

Definition

Boils, Carbuncles and pustules, the most infective skin condition, are the result of deep bacterial infection of hair follicles. It is usually caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. They occur in areas covered with coarse hair which are subjected to repeated mild friction such as the neck, buttocks, knees and elbows. A boil starts a small, red, painful nodule, increasing in size for a few days, and then becoming soft at its top where the skin gives way to discharge pus.

Causes of Boils

Causes and risk factor's of Boils include the following:

• Exposure to harsh chemicals.
• Plugged sweat glands that become infected.
• Toxic condition in blood stream.
• Poor nutrition.
• Splinter or foreign objected lodged in the skin.
• An infection of the hair follicles by Staphylococcus aureus or staph, a strain of bacteria that normally live on the skin surface.
• Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair.

Symptoms for boils

Some symptoms related to Boils are as:

• Pocket of pus may form on top of the boil. This is called "coming to a head."
• The boil is on your face, near your spine, or in the anal area.
• Lymph nodes become swollen.
• Pus -filled lumps that are tender, warm, and painful.
• A yellow or white point at the center of the lump.
• Fever and fatigue.
• Lump becomes larger, more painful, and softer over time.

Treatment of Boils

The simplest remedy for treating boils, pustules and carbuncles is to apply warm compresses - a piece of clean cloth dipped in warm water is sufficient. The boil is then likely to burst soon and the pain rapidly decreases.

Home remedy for boils is very effective. Below are presented a couple of skin boils cure home remedies:

• Cumin seeds are beneficial in healing the boils. Grind the seeds in water so as to form a paste and then apply on the boil-affected area.
• Apply the juice of onion or garlic on the boils, as it helps in evacuating the pus.
• For boils filled with blood, bitter gourd acts as the perfect boils home remedy treatment. Take 1 cup juice of bitter gourd and add 1 tsp limejuice to it. Consume this mixture empty stomach in the morning on a daily basis for a couple of months and see the magical results.
• Milk cream is considered valuable in the treatment of boils. Take 1 tsp of milk cream and add ½ tsp vinegar and a pinch of turmeric powder to it. Apply it on the blood filled boils.