How to treat small boils
Small boils can usually be treated on your own at home. Small boils that can be treated at home can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks to heal.
Here are a few tips for getting rid of a boil:
- Don’t squeeze or try to drain a boil yourself. This can lead to a spread of the infection or possibly cause a secondary infection of the boil.
- Place a warm, wet washcloth on the boil several times a day.
- Add some pressure when holding the washcloth in place without directly puncturing the boil.
- Once the boil ruptures naturally, keep it covered with a fresh, clean bandage or gauze. This will keep the infection from spreading to other places.
- Wash your hands well after caring for your boil. This is also to prevent the infection from spreading.
How to treat large boils
If you have a large boil or a group of boils (carbunculosis), you should see your doctor for treatment. Only your doctor can drain a large boil or carbuncle safely.
Also, sometimes a large boil becomes soft and won’t burst on its own. This is another issue your doctor can take care of by carefully draining it.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection. This is especially the case with face boils, since they run a higher risk of complications such as secondary infection or scarring.
Recurrent furunculosis
If you have boils that keep returning more than three times in a year, you have a condition called recurrent furunculosis. Recurrent furunculosis usually spreads more easily, especially among members of your family, since it reoccurs often.
Many times, the boils of recurrent furunculosis appear in areas where the skin folds. These areas include under the breasts, under the stomach, in the underarms, and in the groin area.
Recurrent furunculosis should be treated by a doctor.