Everyone has struggled with a boil or an abscess at some point in life. A boil or abscess is a type of skin infection that develops either in an oil gland or a hair follicle. It starts as a small, red, painful nodule (approximately half an inch in size) that forms under the skin.
Boils are smaller and superficial. Abscesses are larger and deeper than boils; they are filled with pus, warm to the touch, and accompanied by redness and pain in the adjoining area. If an infection that starts off as a boil under the skin spreads to the deeper skin tissues, it manifests itself in the form of an abscess.
* Warm Washcloth CompressAccording to the American Academy of Dermatology, applying heat in the form of a warm compress is the best way to treat boils at home.
* Tea Tree OilTea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that make it an important remedy for the treatment of skin problems like boils. Its antibacterial property can be attributed to the presence of compounds called terpenes.
* TurmericTurmeric is widely regarded as a panacea for various health troubles and is aptly referred to as ‘’holy powder’’ in India. Eastern medicine has found much use of it in the treatment of a plethora of diseases, including skin problems.
* Indian Lilac (Neem)The various medicinal properties of neem help treat boils and many other types of skin infections. It exhibits antibacterial properties, which means it can help fight the bacteria responsible for boils and abscesses.
* Castor OilCastor seed oil has been part of traditional medicine both in the West and in the East. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, it has been used for the treatment of skin problems, infections, boils, and carbuncles.