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This article was co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND. Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 119,400 times.
Boils are pus-filled bumps that form under your skin, usually as a result of a bacterial infection. They can occur anywhere, but often form on the face, back, inner thighs, and armpits.[1] Boils are usually harmless and clear up on their own in a week or two, but they can be painful and uncomfortable while they last. For the most effective treatment, soak the boil in warm water to drain it safely and keep the area clean to prevent infections. Do not squeeze the boil or you could make it worse. With careful care, the boil will heal without causing any lasting problems.
Steps
Wash your hands before and after touching the boil. You risk introducing more bacteria into a boil or spreading the bacteria whenever you touch it. Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after touching the area. This includes before and after you start the process of draining the boil.[2]
Press a warm compress onto the boil for 20-30 minutes. This treatment helps draw the pus out of a boil so it drains safely. Take a towel or washcloth and soak it with warm water. Press it against the boil and hold it there for 20-30 minutes. Rewet it if you need to.[3]- While a wet towel is best, you could also use a warm pack wrapped in a towel for a similar effect.
- If the boil is in a hard to reach spot, try taking a warm bath instead of trying to hold a compress against it.
Warning: Do not squeeze or press on the boil while you’re soaking it. Let the pus naturally come to the surface.
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Repeat this treatment 3-4 times per day until the boil starts draining. Soaking the boil won’t produce an immediate result, so be patient. You’ll have to repeat the treatment for a few days in a row. After a few days, the boil will come to a head and start draining on its own.[4]- You can tell that the treatment is working when you start to see a white spot in the middle of the boil. This is the pus coming to the surface.
Clean the pus that drains from the boil. Once the pus starts draining, wipe it up right away with a clean tissue or paper towel. Then wash the area gently with warm water and antibacterial soap. Blot the area clean with a dry, clean towel when you’re finished.[5]- Don’t use harsh antiseptics like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These can irritate the area and cause more pain.
Continue using heat for 3 days after the boil ruptures to drain all the pus. When the boil starts draining, that doesn’t mean all the pus is out yet. Ensure the boil is empty by continuing the draining treatment for 3 days after the boil ruptures. This removes any remaining pus so the boil doesn’t come back.[6]- You’ll probably be tempted to squeeze the boil when it starts draining, but resist that urge. You could end up pushing the pus deeper into your skin and making the infection worse.
- The boil might look a bit more irritated and red right after it starts draining because the skin is broken. However, it should start shrinking within a few days as the pus drains. If the inflammation doesn't clear up in a few days, you might have an infection, so see your doctor for an exam.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers if the pain is bothering you. The pressure and inflammation under your skin could be painful until the boil heals completely. OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can all reduce the pain while you heal. Use any of these medications and take them according to the product instructions.[7]- Always follow the dosage instructions that come with each medication. Different brands or types may have different instructions.
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Keep the boil covered with gauze or a bandage after it bursts. Once the boil starts draining, it will have an open wound until the skin heals. This shouldn't cause much pain, but could leave your skin open for infections. Cover the area with sterile gauze pads or a bandage until it heals. This prevents bacteria from entering or exiting the boil.[8]- Make sure the area is dry before you cover it. Moisture can help bacteria grow.
- If you use a sticky bandage, make sure only the non-sticky part touches the boil. Otherwise, it could rupture when you pull the bandage off.
Change the bandage at least once a day. The bandage could trap bacteria, so change it regularly. Remove it carefully and put a new one on at least once a day. The best time to do this is the evening because the bandage will pick up bacteria throughout the day.[9]- Also change the bandage any time it gets wet or blood soaks through it.
Wash the area twice a day with antibacterial soap. Prevent further contamination by keeping the area around the boil clean. Wet the boil and your hands, then rub some antibacterial soap on the area until it lathers. Rinse the area thoroughly and pat it dry with a towel.[10]- Don’t scrub the area with a towel, either to wash or dry the boil. This will cause more inflammation. Only dab it gently.
Avoid squeezing or scratching the boil. The bacteria inside boils can spread to other parts of your body, causing more boils. Do not scratch or squeeze the boil yourself. This could spread the pus around and lead to further infections.[11]- If you have trouble leaving the boil alone, try keeping a bandage or gauze over it at all times. This can prevent your urge to touch it.
- If you do accidentally scratch or pick at the boil, wash the area and your hands as soon as possible.
Clean your towels or washcloths after every use. The bacteria from boils can live on surfaces like these and spread to other people. If you use a washcloth or towel for soaking, washing, or drying the boil, wash it before using it again. Use hot water to kill all the bacteria.[12]
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Reduce the boil's inflammation with witch hazel. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that reduces inflammation on the skin. It can also kill the bacteria causing the boil. Pour some onto a cotton ball and rub it onto your boil. Repeat this twice a day to see if the swelling and inflammation goes down.[13]- If you have sensitive skin, witch hazel could cause excessive dryness. If you experience any irritation, try making a 50% witch hazel-50% water solution to dilute it.
Kill the bacteria in the boil with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can kill the bacteria in skin infections like boils. Get a cream with a 10% tea tree oil concentration and rub it onto the boil once a day. See if your symptoms improve after a week.[14]- If you notice any increased inflammation or pain, stop using the oil right away. You may be sensitive to it.
- Never use undiluted tea tree oil. Undiluted oils could be toxic.[15]
Use arnica to reduce the boil's inflammation and swelling. Arnica oil is derived from the arnica flower, which has been used to treat skin inflammation for centuries. Mix 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the oil with 2.1 cups (0.50 L) of water. Then rub the mixture onto the boil and cover it with a dry gauze wrap. Continue the treatment once a day.[16]- Some creams and ointments also contain arnica. You can use a cream with a 15% concentration of arnica oil to treat the boil as well.
- Never ingest arnica. It's toxic if swallowed.
- Don't use arnica on broken skin. If the boil pops or starts draining, then stop using the oil.
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Call your doctor if you develop signs of an infection. Boils can rupture and allow bacteria into the wound, causing an infection. If untreated, an infection can lead to serious health issues. Signs of an infection include pus in or around the boil and red streaks in the skin around the boil. The area might also feel hot and more painful than it was before. If your boil starts to look infected, call your doctor immediately.[17]- Talk to your doctor before you go to an emergency room as you may be at risk of exposure to MRSA at a hospital.
See your doctor if your boil lasts longer than 2 weeks. Boils will normally rupture on their own and then heal within a week or so. But if your boil persists and is unchanged after 2 weeks, talk to your doctor. They can examine your boil and recommend treatment options.[18]- They may prescribe a cream that can help get rid of the boil.
- Your doctor may decide to lance the boil themselves.
Seek medical treatment for a boil on your spine or your face. Boils in certain locations can be particularly painful and bothersome. Your spine has thinner skin and a boil there can hurt and make it difficult for you to sleep. Boils on your face can be embarrassing and painful. Visit your doctor so they can help treat your boil.[19]- Boils on your spine can accidentally rupture while you sleep. See your doctor for treatment.
Warning: Do not try to pop or rupture boils on your face yourself or you could develop an infection and possibly scar your face.
Get medical help if you develop a fever. If you have a boil or boils and you develop a fever, it could be a sign of a system-wide infection or a deeper medical issue. Go to an emergency room or an urgent health clinic so you can be checked out.[20]- Even a low-grade fever could be a sign of an infection.
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- QuestionCan I use hydrogen peroxide to cure boils at home?
Lisa Bryant, NDDr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
Licensed Naturopathic PhysicianI do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide for boils since they kill off all bacteria (including good bacteria) and can slow healing time by causing damage to surrounding tissue. I would try the treatments described in this article instead. - QuestionHow can I get instant relief from a boil in my armpit?Lisa Bryant, NDDr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
Licensed Naturopathic PhysicianUnfortunately, instant relief is very hard to achieve. You might try an ice pack for pain, although a warm compress will allow the boil to drain faster. Your doctor may be able to provide a topical lidocaine pain ointment or check your local pharmacy for over-the-counter options. - QuestionHow do I get rid of a boil without a head? What do I do if it's not popping?Lisa Bryant, NDDr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
Licensed Naturopathic PhysicianIf you are using the treatments described in this article and the boil is not draining after 2 weeks, see your doctor for other treatment options.
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Tips
- If you do try to treat your boil at home, monitor it and make sure that it is actually getting better. The redness and swelling should gradually subside. If you do not see any improvement after a couple of days, try a different method or seek medical help.[21]Thanks
- While you can't prevent boils entirely, a strong immune system could fight them off before they get too serious. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get 7-8 hours of sleep every night to keep your immunity strong.[22]Thanks
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Warnings
- There are a number of natural remedies that claim to clear up boils, including neem and castor oil. Most of these aren't dangerous, but also aren't scientifically verified, so you should avoid them.[23] Some, like colloidal silver, are very dangerous and could cause health problems.[24]Thanks
- Remember that unlike acne, boils are contagious. The bacteria can spread to other people or other parts of your body. Never re-use or share towels or anything else that touched the boil, especially after it starts draining.[25]Thanks
- Consult your doctor if red streaks extend out from the boil. This means that the infection is spreading. Call your doctor as well if you already have an existing disease that can complicate the boil. Other warning signs are pain, fever, and very warm or hot skin overlying the area.[26]Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15153-boils-and-carbuncles
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/boils
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001474.htm
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/treat-boils-styes
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001474.htm
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/zx1778
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/boils/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/treat-boils-styes
- ↑ https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/HT/HT_boils.html
- ↑ https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/HT/HT_boils.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15153-boils-and-carbuncles
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001474.htm
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/
- ↑ https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Essential-oils
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513141/
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/boils
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001474.htm
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/boils
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/community/clinicians/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/boils/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/
- ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/colloidalsilver
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/boils/
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-does-mrsa-look-like
About This Article
Licensed Naturopathic Physician
This article was co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND. Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014. This article has been viewed 119,400 times.
Co-authors: 13
Updated: April 12, 2024
Views: 119,400
Categories: Skin Conditions
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Article SummaryX
To treat boils at home, start by washing the area with a mild antibacterial soap to remove any bacteria that can inflame the boil. Next, place a warm compress on the boil, such as a washcloth dipped in warm water, several times a day to help it rupture and drain more quickly. Then, moisten a cotton ball with some castor oil, which you can find at most pharmacies and grocery stores, and secure the cotton ball over the boil with a band-aid to help it heal. For more advice from our Medical reviewer, like how to treat boils with a salt water solution, read on!
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