Home Remedies For Boils And Abscesses

Boil is a sort of skin disorder that occurs when the bacterium staphylococcus infects the hair follicle or oil gland. The bacterium enters the body through minor cuts or breaks in the skin. Initially the skin gets reddened and forms a tender lump that may be quite painful. Gradually the lump hardens in to a crusty mound, the centre of which is filled with infection-fighting white blood cells and proteins. These white blood cells and proteins become watery and are collectively referred to as 'pus'. The infection may often affect the deeper tissues, resulting in the formation of an abscess. Our eyelids, face, neck, shoulders, armpits and buttocks are regions more prone to boils. There may be several types of boils. The types may be discussed as follows.

1. Furuncle or carbuncle is a severe form of boil with multiple openings. It occurs when a cluster of hair follicles get infected. This type may be associated with chills or fever.

2. Cystic acne occurs mostly in teenage due to the infection of congested oil ducts.

3. Hidradenitis suppirativa occurs when sweat glands get inflamed and take the form of multiple abscesses. It usually occurs in the armpits or groin, and requires surgical removal.

4. Pilonidal cyst usually occurs in the crease of buttocks. Initially it is simply an inflamed hair follicle which worsens due to the pressure exerted while one sits for a prolonged period.

Causes of Boils

1. An ingrown hair may cause boils

2. Lodging of foreign materials in the skin

3. Skin irritation due to the effect of harsh chemicals.

4. Infection of plugged sweat glands

5. Poor hygiene

6. Poor nutrition

7. Impaired immune system due to diseases like diabetes, renal failure, hypogammaglobulinemia.

8. Under the impact of medications like cortisones, and those used for cancer and chemotherapy.

Check Home Remedies for Boils in this App..