A boil is a small abscess made up of a mass of pus that appears in a pilosebaceous follicle when it becomes infected. Due to the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, the infection is characterized by the formation of a painful swelling in the center of which a yellowish blister very quickly appears containing a more or less significant amount of pus. As a rule, boils occur mainly in the face, armpits, genital areas or buttocks, but in some cases they can also form in other areas such as the groin or back. In some subjects, this infection is sometimes recurrent and is then referred to as furunculosis, a condition characterized by the simultaneous and successive appearance of a set of boils on different parts of the skin.
Interestingly, a boil can appear for a variety of reasons. For example, it can happen that a hair follicle becomes infected as a result of antibiotic therapy, inflammation of the sinus or lack of personal hygiene, but sometimes the infection can occur in areas where sweating is abundant or in areas subject to repeated rubbing. Furunculosis particularly affects people with a weakened immune system, although recurrent infection can also occur in perfectly healthy subjects. Boils are also benign abscesses that most of the time do not pose any danger to the affected subject. Often treated with antibiotic therapy, they may nevertheless require minor surgery when the infection persists and does not resolve spontaneously.
When the infection begins, it is possible to slow down its progression and avoid the use of allopathic treatments by opting for homeopathic remedies indicated for skin conditions. These all-natural remedies have the particularity of treating the condition gently without tiring the body, which is therefore a definite advantage for all those who do not wish to have recourse to antibiotic therapy. By treating the infection early enough, it is generally possible to achieve the spontaneous elimination of pus while limiting the risk of superinfection, staphylococcal disease or sepsis, which can sometimes occur in the most extreme cases.
Symptoms
A boil is a small inflammatory tumour that appears in the form of a blister, recognizable by the presence of gangrenous cell tissue and a purulent collection. All around the swollen base, there is also a bright red circle characteristic of skin inflammation. Intumescence is also always very painful, especially when the boil appears in the folds and areas of friction. Once the pus is removed, the pain disappears instantly and the swelling gradually disappears. In the most severe cases, the inflammation can take on quite worrying proportions and fever flare-ups can then occur, thus revealing a progression of the infection.
Treating a boil
As soon as tumescence has formed, it is advisable to take 1 dose of Hepar sulfuris calcareum 30 CH and 1 dose of Pyrogenium 9 CH per day for three consecutive days. In addition, it will be possible to accompany this treatment with 5 granules of Siegesbeckia orientalis 5 CH three times a day or 5 granules of Tarentula cubensis 9 CH twice a day if it turns out that the swelling takes on a purplish hue. In order to complete the treatment and relieve the pain, it will also be necessary to apply KLC® Ointment regularly to the swollen base, all around the bourbillon.
Treating furunculosis
In the case of recurrent boils and proven furunculosis, it will be up to the practitioner to establish a disease-modifying treatment adapted to the condition. Nevertheless, it is useful to know that this treatment will most often use homeopathic remedies made from Arsenicum album, Silicea, Sulphur and Thuja occidentalis.
When to see a doctor?
If the symptoms do not disappear at the end of the three days of treatment, it is imperative to seek professional advice without delay. Similarly, if the pus does not disappear spontaneously and the intensity of the pain seems to increase despite the use of remedies, then it is advisable to consult your doctor as soon as possible. The appearance of streaks around the swollen base as well as the appearance of fever will also be signs that should not be neglected as both will require immediate treatment. Finally, it is strongly recommended that diabetics do not opt for self-medication and instead turn to a professional so that he or she can prescribe the treatment best suited to their state of health.
Some useful recommendations
It is important to know that it is essential to maintain good personal hygiene in order to limit the formation of boils and prevent the appearance of furunculosis. In addition, to prevent the bacteria from spreading and affecting other parts of the body, it is best not to touch the affected area, except of course when it comes to applying the prescribed ointments. After any handling, it is also advisable to wash your hands thoroughly, which will greatly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Finally, it is also advisable not to try to eliminate the pus yourself so as not to aggravate the situation.
