BOILS

What are boils?

A boil is a bacterial infection that begins deep in a hair follicle or a sebaceous gland, one of the skin's oil-producing glands, and gradually works its way to the surface of the skin.   They most often appear on the neck, face, underarms or buttocks. If you notice a red, elevated and painful bump, watch the area closely.  Should a boil be developing, a pustule will form in the center of the area within two to four days.

It is possible, but unusual, for a boil to spread beyond the affected area and cause a more serious infection. A boil may also be a sign of an underlying infection in the body which is manifesting itself through the skin.

What causes boils?

If you feel over-tired, are running a fever, or just not feeling well, it may be as well to see your doctor as it could be that your immune system has become unable to cope with this bacterial attack.  Your doctor will probably prescribe an oral antibiotic and take a culture of the contents of the boil.  If the results of the culture reveal a particular organism, your antibiotic prescription will be changed accordingly.  Once the boil has localised close to the skin surface, your doctor will recommend that it be incised and drained.  This is a procedure that should be done only by a medical professional.  A topical antibiotic may be prescribed to help clear the infection.

What to do if you get a boil

Avoid sweets, processed meals and greasy, fried foods. Keep your diet simple and clean and make sure that it includes plenty of dark green vegetables.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene help to heal skin tissue, and Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties which will help to boost the immune system. Echinacea and goldenseal stimulate the immune system and help to clear infection. Echinacea also has antiviral properties and goldenseal is an antibacterial herb that also soothes the skin and mucous membranes.