Q: What are boils? I have them on my thighs. - J. P.
A: 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 four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.
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The most common places for boils to occur are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders and buttocks. A boil on the eyelid is called a sty. When several boils appear in a group it is called a carbuncle and that is a more serious infection.
Boils usually arise after a germ enters the body through a tiny cut in the skin or travels down the hair follicle. They are commonly seen on the thighs from shaving your legs.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if your infection is severe.
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Here are some home remedies to help treat boils:
- 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.
- When the boil starts draining, wash it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and clean with rubbing alcohol. Apply a medicated ointment (topical antibiotic) and a bandage. Continue to wash the infected area two to three times a day and to use warm compresses until the wound heals.
- Do not pop the boil with a needle. This could make the infection worse.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
