Key takeaways
- Applying heat to the boil, such as with a warm compress, can increase circulation and help fight infection.
- While more research is necessary, certain natural oils and spices may help heal boils due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Examples include tea tree oil, turmeric, castor oil, neem oil, and garlic.
- While home remedies can be helpful for small boils, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional if the boil doesn’t improve within a week or shows signs of worsening infection. They may need to drain the boil or prescribe antibiotics
Boils are pus-filled bumps that form under the skin and can be painful. While they may need medical treatment, you can also try home remedies to manage symptoms.
However, you should still consider having the boil checked by a doctor. In many cases, home remedies are not enough to cure a boil.
Here are some home remedies that may help ease pain and prevent the spread of infection.
Heat helps increase circulation in an area, bringing more white blood cells and antibodies to the area to help fight the infection.
Applying heat to a boil may be one of the best home remedies you can try since it’s simple and cost effective.
You can try using a warm compress on the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do this three or four times a day, every day, until the boil is gone.
Some research from 2022 suggests that tea tree oil has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These properties may help treat the bacterial infection causing the boil.
Do not apply tea tree oil directly to the skin because it can have a burning effect. Always use a carrier oil.
It is best to speak with a healthcare professional before using tea tree oil, as it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
Turmeric powder contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This may help a boil heal faster.
While evidence is limited, some research has shown that using turmeric both orally and topically can be helpful as an alternative remedy.
To ingest it, boil a teaspoon of turmeric powder in milk or water, then let it cool. Drink the mixture three times daily.
To use it topically, mix turmeric with water, ginger, or both to make a paste. Apply the paste to a boil at least twice a day. Stop using it if you notice any reactions to the paste or powder.
Castor oil contains a compound called ricinoleic acid, a natural yet potent anti-inflammatory. This, combined with its potential antibacterial properties,
Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to the boil at least three times a day until it’s gone. You should stop using it if you notice any adverse reactions to the oil.
Neem oil, also known as Indian lilac, may have antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that
To treat boils with neem oil, apply it directly to the boil three to four times a day. Make sure you wash your hands before and after the application, and stop using it if you notice any adverse reactions to the oil.
When applied to the skin, raw onion may have several benefits for the skin and boils.
Fresh garlic may have some antimicrobial properties that help heal boils and prevent infection.
While people have used garlic in traditional medication for years,
To use garlic to treat a boil, crush it first, then apply it to the area and cover it with a cool, wet cloth. Leave for 20 minutes and reapply after 12 hours if you do not experience any negative reaction.
It’s important to only use garlic on the skin and not on the mucous membranes, such as in the mouth or on the genital area, because it can burn delicate skin.
Tridax daisy, also known as coat button, is a flowering plant native to the tropical Americas. People often regard it as a weed.
However, when concentrated and put into a gel form, it
While it may not cure a boil, it may be able to keep the infection from getting worse. Apply on the boil similarly to other ingredients in this list.
A boil may clear on its own with proper home care, but not always.
A healthcare professional may recommend prescription medication such as antibiotics, and they may need to drain the boil. Otherwise, it could infect nearby areas or push the infection deeper into the skin, causing more boils or potentially life threatening infections.
Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if:
- the boil keeps getting larger despite home treatment
- the boil hasn’t cleared up or diminished after up to 3 weeks of home remedies
- the skin surrounding the boil has streaks extending from it
- the boil is extremely painful
- there are other lumps near the boil
- you have recurring boils
- you also have diabetes
- you notice any other reactions when applying topical remedies
There’s no way to completely get rid of a boil overnight. However, warm compresses and creams made of natural remedies may help to lessen its severity and provide temporary relief from pain as it heals.
In a 2022 article, experts note that you should never attempt to pop a boil at home. The action of squeezing or popping the boil can cause bacteria to get deeper into the skin and cause an infection that may be life threatening.
A boil may require some draining to help it go away. It may pop on its own, or a doctor can assist. You should not attempt to pop a boil on your own due to the risk of potential infection or other issues.
Home remedies may be effective for small boils. Examples include applying a warm compress, tea tree oil, castor oil, turmeric, and neem oil.
It’s best to discuss the use of home remedies with a healthcare professional if you are considering them and if you have any questions.
Contact a healthcare professional if you haven’t seen results after 1 to 3 weeks, or if the boil has gotten larger or more painful, or if it shows signs of infection.