7 Home Remedies To For Treating Boils And Abscesses

A bacterial infection in the hair follicles can cause the development of swollen, red, painful bumps on the skin, known as boils. These boils can enlarge due to the accumulation of pus and can form an abscess. While boils and abscesses usually resolve after 10 days, prolonged infections can lead to complications. This article discusses various home remedies and self-care tips that can help aid recovery from boils and abscesses

# Use bleach baths or wipes

Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known bleach, possesses antimicrobial properties against S. aureus. Since it can irritate the skin, it is recommended to use diluted bleach.

How to use:

- Fill your bathtub up to ¼ height with water and mix 1 tsp of bleach per gallon of water. Soak yourself in it for 10 minutes and rinse your body with lukewarm water.
- Soak a cotton ball with diluted bleach solution and use as a wipe.

# Try tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can target the infection-causing bacteria and thus help control the infection at the early stages.

How to use: Dilute 3–5 drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as castor, coconut, or olive oil, and apply the oil blend to the infected area using a cotton ball. You can also add turmeric to it. You may use black seed oil or clove oil in place of tea tree oil.

# Use castor oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid that provides an antibacterial effect. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help control redness and swelling.

How to use: Apply castor oil to the affected area with the help of a cotton ball.

# Apply turmeric paste

The active compound in turmeric, known as curcumin, helps control infection and inflammation when applied topically. It helps boost the immune system and purifies the blood when taken orally.

How to use: Form a paste by grinding equal parts of turmeric and ginger together, and apply it to the affected area. Cover the area with a clean cloth and leave it on for a few hours. Use this remedy 3–4 times a day.

You can also consume turmeric milk every night. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink at bedtime.

# Use neem leaves

Neem contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help control the growth of bacteria that cause boils and abscesses.

How to use:

- Make a paste by grinding a few neem leaves in some water, and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for around half an hour and rinse.
- Boil neem leaves in water to form an antiseptic solution, which can be used to wash the skin.
- Try using diluted neem essential oil as spot treatment.

# Try garlic

Garlic has antibacterial properties that can help inhibit the growth of staphylococcus bacteria.

How to use: Crush a garlic clove and mix it with honey, turmeric, and garlic to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected skin and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also use crushed garlic clove and onions.

# Apply honey

Honey possesses wide antibacterial properties that can even help control the growth of bacteria resistant to standard antibiotic treatment. It is recommended to use only raw, organic, or medical-grade honey.

How to use: Apply honey to the affected areas, or mix it with turmeric before applying. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.