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Definition
Boils, also known as furuncles,
are bacterial infections (Staphylococcus
aureus) of hair follicles and the surrounding skin. They appear
commonly on the face, buttocks, upper legs and groin area, armpits, and upper
torso.
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Boil is a firm red nodule and usually has a visible central core of pus. When several furuncles merge to form a single deep
sore, it is called a carbuncle. It is larger and has several visible heads. Carbuncles are usually deeper and more
painful, but less common than single boils.
They usually form at the back of the neck.
It is important
to know that the bacteria that cause the boil can spread into other areas of
the skin or even into the blood stream if the skin around the boil is squeezed.
If the infection spreads, the patient will usually develop fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Causes & Symptoms
Boils and carbuncles may be caused by:
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High fat diets
which increase oil production of the skin
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Shared cosmetics
or washcloths,
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Jobs or hobbies
that expose them to greasy or oily substances as petroleum products
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Frequent use of
hair relaxers
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Nature Medicine and Home Remedies for Boils
Home Remedies for Boils # 1 Wash gently the skin around the affected
area with a mixture of goldenseal and witch
hazel dissolved in warm water.
Home Remedies for Boils # 2 Apply the juiceof garlic on the boils twice a day.
Home Remedies for Boils # 3 Apply a warm compress to boils leaving it in place
for at least fifteen minutes. To makesure the washcloth remains warm, rewet it with more warm water every few
minutes. Wet a washcloth with very warm water.
Home Remedies for Boils # 4 Apply onion plasters toaching for abscesses, boils
Natural Cures Recommendations
Keep boils andthe skin around them clean using liquid antibacterial soap.
Avoid squeezing boils on theupper lip or in the tissue folds at the base of the nose. This is dangerous
because infections in these areas may be carried directly to the brain. There
have been deaths reported from brain infections caused by squeezing boils in
this area of the face.
Washing theirhands carefully before and after touching the boil
Avoid the use ofgreasy cosmetics or creams,
Keep towels andwashcloths separate from those of other family members.
Consult a physicianif boils are a persistent problem in order to determine whether there is an
underlying disease such as diabetes or immune system disorders.
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