Home Boil Treatment

A boil is caused by bacteria under the skin. The bacteria cause an infection, which creates a pus-filled area underneath the skin. Eventually it will burst and the pus will drain. Sometimes a group or series of boils forms: this group is called a carbuncle. Although boils may be painful, usually they will clear up on their own. Certain home treatments can help boils heal faster.

Apply a Warm Compress

The Mayo Clinic recommends applying a warm compress, such as a washcloth or towel, to the affected area of skin. Soak the warm compress in salt water prior to applying. This compress should be applied for 10 minutes at a time, several times per day. This will draw out the pus and help the boil to break or rupture on its own. You should never squeeze a boil or apply the compress hard enough to squeeze it, because this can cause the boil to spread and become a carbuncle.

Wash and Bandage the Boil

When a compress is not being applied, you should keep the boil clean by carefully washing it with warm water. The boil should be washed several times daily. Do not use harsh soaps or other cleaners. After washing, gently pat the boil dry with a washcloth and apply a bandage loosely over the area. Do not use tight bandages that will squeeze or put pressure on the boil, as this may cause it to spread. The purpose of the bandage is simply to keep the boil clean until it ruptures.

Other Home Remedies

Health Guidance.org recommends other home remedies that may help the boil to rupture faster. One potential remedy includes applying onion or garlic juice to the surface of the boil. Another potential remedy is a paste made of 1 tsp. milk mixed with 1/2 tsp. vinegar and a pinch of turmeric powder. You can apply the onion or garlic juice or the vinegar-and-turmeric paste directly to the surface of the boil: this may help the boil pop or heal faster.