 |
 |
|
|
|
|
DESCRIPTION
Boils, referred to as furuncles by medical professionals, are round pus-filled nodules on the skin that result from infection with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The infection begins in the deepest portion of a hair follicle, and then the bacteria bore into the skin's deepest layers and the inflammation spreads. Poor nutrition, illness that has depressed immune function, diabetes mellitus, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs are common contributing factors. This disorder is common, especially among children and adolescents.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of that a boil may be forming:
- Itching.
- Mild pain.
- Localized swelling.
Within 24 hours of the first symptoms:
- Boils often appear suddenly on the scalp, buttocks, face, or underarms.
- Tenderness, pain.
- The boil becomes red and filled with pus.
- Fever and swelling of the lymph glands nearest the boil may occur.
RISKS
Boils are contagious. The pus that drains when a boil opens can contaminate nearby skin, causing new boils, or can enter the bloodstream and spread to other body parts. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that occurs when the infection spreads and other boils are formed. The formation of a carbuncle may be an indication of immune depression.
Without treatment, a boil usually comes to a head, opens, drains, and heals in 10 to 25 days. With treatment, symptoms are less severe and new boils should not appear.
TREATMENT
TYPES OF BOILS
There are several different types of boils. Among these are:
- Furuncle or Carbuncle: This is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. A furuncle can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills.
- Cystic Acne: This is a type of abscess that is formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissue that the more superficial inflammation from common acne. Cystic acne is most common on the face and typically occurs in the teenage years.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa: This is a condition in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the armpits and often in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. This form of skin infection is difficult to treat with antibiotics alone and typically requires a surgical procedure to remove the involved sweat glands in order to stop the skin inflammation.
- Pilonidal Cyst: This is a unique kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts often begin as tiny areas of infection in the base of the area of skin from which hair grows (the hair follicle). With irritation from direct pressure, over time the inflamed area enlarges to become a firm, painful, tender nodule making it difficult to sit without discomfort. These frequently form after long trips that involve prolonged sitting.
RELATED SKIN PROBLEMS
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Abscess
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Use a cleansing fast to clear the system and rid the body of toxins that may cause boils.
To relieve pain and help to bring the boil to a head, apply moist heat 3 or 4 times a day. Wet a clean towel or sterile gauze pad with warm water and apply it to the boil. Place a heating pad or a hot water bottle on top. Do this for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times daily. Use a clean towel or fresh piece of gauze each time to prevent spreading the infection. Warm Epsom Salts baths are also good.
Do not cover a boil with an adhesive bandage, but do avoid irritation, injury, or trauma to the affected area. To avoid sweating, do not exercise or engage in strenuous activity until to boil heals.
Keep the skin clean. Wash the infected area several times a day and swab it with antiseptic. You can also apply honey directly to the boil. Vitamin A and E emulsion, applied directly on boils is helpful. Clay packs and/or Chlorophyll are also good. Both of these can be found in health food stores. Apply them directly to the boil with a sterile gauze pad.
Charcoal capsules made into a paste and applied to the boil will help draw out the infection. Break open 2 capsules of charcoal and mix with just enough water to make the paste.
Belladonna, a homeopathic remedy, helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Another homeopathic remedy, Calcarea sulphurica, is useful if a boil has opened and is draining but is not healing properly.
If a boil is very large, persistent, or recurrent, consult with your health care provider. Surgical incision and drainage may be necessary. Severe cases may require bed rest.
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Burdock root and Pau D'Arco are natural antibiotics that help rid the body of infections and toxins.
Dandelion and Milk Thistle are liver cleansers.
Echinacea and Goldenseal help to cleanse the lymph glands. Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a health care provider's supervision.
Flax and Fenugreek, simmered together and mashed into a pulp, can be used as a compress.
Oat Straw, taken in tea form, supplies Silica, which has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Red Clover acts as a natural antibiotic and is good for bacterial infections. It cleanses the liver and the blood stream.
Suma boosts the immune system.
Onion poultices are good for boils. Apply pieces of onion wrapped in a piece of cloth - not directly to the area.
Tea Tree Oil Compresses act as an antiseptic. Add 9 to 10 drops of oil to 1 quart of warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the warm liquid and apply to the boil. The Tea Tree Oil can be left on the boil for 30 minutes or more, and may be applied 3 or 4 times a day.
BOILS PRODUCTS & SUPPLEMENTS
Supplements and product for boils, also known as furuncles, painful sores that are round pus-filled nodules on the skin that result from infection with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Comfrey Leaf Powder, 100% Organic, 4 oz. Bulk
One of the most well-known healing plants, especially for its ability to heal tissue and bone.Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic, Non-GE, NOW Foods, 16 oz.
To ensure quality and purity, NOW Foods Macadamia Nut Oil uses only unrefined, unhybridized macadamias, grown in Australia.Kombucha 2000, Concentrated Kombucha Capsule, 30 Caps
Concentrated Kombucha Capsules are new to the market, but Kombucha 2000 is one of the very first successful kombucha tea producers in the United States.Niacin (Vitamin B-3), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 Caps
Niacin or vitamin B-3, is necessary for normal breakdown of fats and fatty acids and the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is also an excellent vasodilator and may be useful in maintaining proper cholesterol levels.Butterbur With Feverfew, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 75 mg / 200 mg, 60 Vcaps
Modern scientific studies have demonstrated that Butterbur supports healthy blood flow to the brain and healthy neurological function.Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Vcaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 500 mg, 60 Vcaps
NOW Foods AHCC is a rich source of polysaccharides such as beta glucan 1,3 and activated hemicellulose produced by enzymatic modification of organic medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake.Colloida Silver & Zinc, SilvaSolution, 90 Lozenges
Now you can get powerful liquid silver in the most convenient form ever with new SilvaSolution Silver and Zinc Lozenges.Silver Biotics Liquid, Silver Supplement, 8 fl. oz.
Silver Biotics was tested by researchers and was found to kill every strain of bacteria that it was tested against and that these bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics, cause many human ailments.Tea Tree Oil (Melaleluca alternifolia), 100% Pure Oil, 2 fl. oz.
Tea Tree Oil can be used for general first aid uses such as cuts, burns, abrasions, insect bites, bee stings, rashes, impetigo, boils, sinus problems, sore throat, thrush, fingernail and toenail infections.Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic Ointment, 2 oz.
A 100% natural Tea Tree Oil antiseptic ointment that combines a therapeutic dose of pure Tea Tree Oil with the absorption powers of Australian Eucalyptus Australiana Oil and Lavender Oil.Burt's Bees Doctor Burt's Res-Q-Ointment, 0.6 oz.
Burt's Res-Q Ointment will soothe and comfort life's bumps and bruises with the green magic of Mother Nature's herbal medicines.Garlic Oil Tincture, Alcohol Free Nature's Way, 1 fl. oz.
Garlic oil is often used to soothe the ear and as an antibiotic but most often used as a food and herb and also to lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure and to improve circulation as well as possibly inhibiting the growth of ulcer causing bacteria.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is an important nutrient in maintaining cell membrane integrity. It also plays an important role in proper bone formation, reproduction and vision.Vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.CoQ10, All Natural, Hypoallergenic, Nature's Way, 60 mg, 60 Softgels
CoQ10 is vital for cellular energy production and is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger.Red Clover Blossoms & Herb, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
In Europe Red Clover is widely cultivated and used as a tonic and a salad herb. Herbalists have long prized Red Clover for it's traditional use as a blood purifier and it's isoflavones that offer great medicinal potential.Ashwagandha Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Ashwagandha root is said to improve physical energy, strengthen immunity and increase sexual activity.Pascalite Bentonite Healing Powder, 16 oz.
Pascalite is used in soap and toothpaste, applied as a poultice to insect bites, sunburns, infections, cold sores, canker sores and acne, and as a suppository for hemorrhoids. Users found it a potent skin cleanser and conditioner, drank it for heartburn and ulcers.Slippery Elm Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Slippery Elm is used as a cough lozenge and is widely available in pharmacies.Black Ointment, All Natural, Nature's Way, 2 oz.
Nature's Way Black Ointment is a time tested herbal formula made with herbs traditionally used to dry and draw external wounds. This is an excellent herbal wound care product.Black Salve Ointment (A H H), 2 oz.
Black Salve has a strong drawing power to promote healing. It has been used on such skin ailments as boils, abscesses, splinters, carbuncles, felons, skin infections, skin cancer, cysts and tumors.Acne & Skin Disorders Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
This herbal remedy for acne and skin disorders contains herbs that are helpful for eczema and psoriasis as well.Poultice Mixer Liquid, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
The Poultice Mixer is a good solution to mix with dry poultices for its exceptional healing properties.Gold / Flue Tincture, Natural Cold Remedy, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Cold / Flu Tincture, Natural Cold Remedy, is 100% Organic and can be used for colds, flu, infection, and influenza.
HerbalRemedies: Boils Information
HerbalRemedies: Boils Supplements & Products
CONSIDERATIONS
Boils may be symptomatic of a more serious infection within the body. They should always be treated with care, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever or a poor appetite.
Boils should not be squeezed or punctured prematurely. In very serious cases, boils may need to be incised by a health care provider.
The area around a draining boil (especially on the face) may be protected with a prescribed antibiotic cream to help prevent complications such as septicemia or meningitis.
MEDICATIONS
A health care provider may prescribe an oral antibiotic. These drugs have side effects, however. It is best not to use them unless other measures fail.
Over the counter antibiotic ointments are ineffective for boils and should be avoided.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
With treatment and change in nutritional habits, the boil should clear up.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have questions about boils, or if you or a family member experiences the described symptoms, call your health care provider.
If the disorder does not improve with treatment.
If you have any unexplained, unusual symptoms, or symptoms listed above for sensitive people. Some people may have allergic reactions to certain supplements or treatments.
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Assessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
