Whether it’s acne or boils, any protrusion on the skin is not welcome. They are unattractive and uncomfortable and usually appear as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle or a bacterial infection.
Boils develop around hair follicles. They appear as red bumps with pus-filled white tips. Sometimes they might also appear in a cluster –carbuncle.
Apart from the activity of the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, which causes boils when it penetrates our skin, there are many other reasons for which boils might occur. Chronic diabetes, unhygienic lifestyle, malnutrition, contact with harsh chemicals, and low immunity could be reasons for boils too.
You can identify a boil when you notice a bump on the skin. The skin around it will turn red, your body temperature may shoot up, there is swelling of the lymph nodes even. You will also experience an itchy feeling in that area.
While antibiotics are a definite way of getting rid of boils, they come with side effects for sure. Hence it is promising to explore a few natural remedies with no harmful side effects whatsoever.
1. Epsom Salt
Prepare a heat compress of Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate) and water and dab it over the boil. The heat will activate the WBC and the antibodies to fight the infection.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut or olive oil and apply it on the boil with fresh cotton. It has antifungal, antibiotic, and antimicrobial qualities which make it a very handy treatment for boils.
3. Turmeric
Drink turmeric with milk or water or apply turmeric honey paste to the boils. Turmeric contains curcumin which gives it antibacterial properties.
4. Onion Juice
Cover the boils with a slice of onion and surgical tape. Onion is a known antiseptic and is famous for its ability to draw out toxins. In the case of boils, the sulfur compounds present in onion will dry the boils from inside and cure them.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Dab a piece of cotton with apple cider vinegar on your boils. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that help fight the bacteria causing the boils. It also helps balance the pH levels of the skin.
6. Neem Leaf
Grind neem leaves with water into a paste. Apply the paste on the boil and cover with a soft bandage. Neem is well known for its strong antibacterial properties. Boiled neem water is supposedly the best home remedy for rashes and inflammation.
7. Aloe vera
Cut aloe vera leaves and collect the juices to apply on the boils. Apart from having far-reaching skincare properties, aloe vera gel produces a rich calming effect. It helps reduce the itchiness and inflammation around the boils.
8. Betel Leaf And Castor Oil
Soak a betel leaf in warm water until it softens and then apply castor oil on it before using it to cover the boils. Betel leaf is rich in Riboflavin carotene, vitamin C, calcium, and Niacin. Castor oil contains Ricinoleic acid which works against the inflammation.
9. Potato Paste
Peel and grind one potato to a paste. Strain the pulp and use the juice on the boils. Potato has natural antimicrobial compounds. Potatoes can be used to cure multiple infections, especially boils.
10. Black Cumin
Grind 2 tsp black cumin seeds with water. Then apply the paste on the infected area with a clean cloth. Black cumin has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It would reduce the swelling and the pain of the infected area.
It is strongly advised that if no improvement is observed, one must consult a specialist within a week.