Effective Home Remedies For Boils (Pigsa)

Boils are one of the most common skin infections. They are caused by a germ that enters the body through tiny cuts in the skin or can travel down the hair follicle or oil gland. At first, it looks like red bumps or lumps on the skin but after three to seven days, pus accumulates under the skin and the lumps start turning white. Eventually, a yellow or white tip can rupture with pus leakage.

Boils usually appear on the inner thigh, buttocks, face, neck, shoulders, and armpits. All types of boils are pesky, however, those that appeared on thighs and buttocks seem to be the worst. Fortunately, there are known easy ways to get rid of them efficiently.

Heat

Applying heat during the first stages of a boil is an important method to deal with it. The heat can help prevent the growth of boils by enabling the natural antibodies of white blood cells to combat infection.

Raw Onion

Onion has antiseptic properties that can help speed up the healing process. Cut it in a thick slice, wrapped in gauze, and place it on the affected area for 1 hour once or twice daily.

Water

We all know that an adequate amount of water is needed by the body for its overall health. Drinking lots of water can reduce the occurrence and intensity of boils.

Turmeric Paste

Thanks to its antiseptic properties as it can quickly heal the affected area. Make a paste with ginger and turmeric and apply it on the boil for 5 to 10 minutes daily.

Fresh Garlic

Garlic has powerful healing properties, thus, effective at treating skin diseases caused by infection. Aside from this, garlic can also help strengthen the immune system.

Simply extract the juice from the garlic and apply it to the boil for 10-30 minutes once or twice daily.

If your boil has not yet completely healed within 10 days, then, you need to check with your doctor. Improper care of a boil can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection.

Tips For Prevention

Good hygiene is a must when you have a boil as it can help prevent the spread to other parts of the body. Here are some of the tips you can follow:

  1. Wash your compresses, towels, and any clothing that you think have come in contact with a boil. You can use hot water and soap to kill the bacteria.
  2. Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet to improve immune functions
  3. Make sure you wash your hands with mild soap frequently and thoroughly.
  4. Avoid sharing personal items, like razors, that might have come in contact with an infection.
  5. Exercise regularly.
  6. Use a dry bandage to cover the wound if the boil is draining. For your thigh, a wide bandage is needed around it to decrease possible chances of irritation from chafing. You need to change the bandages regularly to keep the boil clean and dry.