Definition
A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After 4-7 days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin. The most common places for boils to appear are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. When one forms on the eyelid, it is called a stye. If several boils appear in a group, this is a more serious type of infection called a carbuncle. Most boils are caused by Staphylococcal infection. This bacterium enters the body through tiny nicks or cuts in the skin or can travel down the hair into the follicle.
Aetiology / Risk Factors
- Diabetes
- Immune suppression
- Nutritional insufficiency
- Poor hygiene
- Exposure to harsh chemicals and skin irritants
- Toxicity
- Underactive excretory organ function (liver, bowel, kidneys)
Symptoms & Signs
- A boil starts as a hard, red, painful lump usually less than an inch in size. Over the next few days, the lump becomes larger and more painful. Soon a pocket of pus becomes visible on the top of the boil. These are the signs of a severe infection:
- The skin around the boil becomes infected. It turns red, painful, warm, and swollen.
- More boils may appear around the original.
- A fever develops.
- Lymph nodes become swollen
Topical Treatment
- Apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the surface. Once the boil comes to a head, it will burst with repeated soakings. This usually occurs within 10 days of its appearance. You can make a warm compress by soaking a wash cloth in warm water and squeezing out the excess moisture.
- Magnesium sulphate paste may help draw the pus and infection
- When the boil starts draining, wash it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone. Apply a medicated ointment and a bandage. Continue to wash the infected area 2-3 times a day and use warm compresses until the wound heals.
- Do not pop the boil with a needle, or squeeze it. This usually results in making the infection worse.
- Boils may be drained by qualified medical practitioners