Boil Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment Sources

A boil is a swollen, pus-filled area occurring on the site of an infected hair follicle. The staphylococcus bacterium is usually responsible, but other causes may include eczema, scabies, diabetes, poor personal hygiene, or obesity. A boil begins as a painful red lump, then hardens and forms a yellow head. The most common areas for boils to appear are the back of the neck, the groin, and the armpits. A boil on an eyelash is known as a stye, and where a group of adjacent hair follicles are affected the resultant boil is known as a carbuncle.

Symptoms
• burning, throbbing sensation in and around the affected area
• sensitivity to the slightest touch once pus has formed

TREATMENT

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Apply a warm poultice made with figs or honey to the affected area. Soak a sterile cloth with hot thyme tea and hold it over the boil for a time. A hot cabbage leaf poultice, applied to the area, will help to draw out the infection. Eat plenty of garlic if you are prone to boils; garlic is cleansing and chronic boils indicate that you may have a high level of toxins in your body. 

Herbalism 
Drink infusions of thyme or red clover three times daily during attacks. Drink echinacea two or three times daily to boost the immune system and purify the blood.

Aromatherapy 
A warm compress with essential oil of chamomile, lemon, lavender, or thyme will help to bring the boil out.

Homeopathy
Belladonna, for red, tender, new boils. Hep. sulf., for boils that are sensitive and weep easily. This will also bring the boil to a head. Gunpowder, for weeping but not painful boils. Arsenicum, for burning skin aggravated by heat.