DON’T BURST THAT BOIL!

By Pharm Sejoro Tonuewa

A Furuncle also known as boil is a pretty common skin infection. It often starts as a red, tender lump and overtime begins to fill with pus and can be quite painful. Boils are usually caused by bacteria (and sometimes fungi) which infect the hair follicles or oil glands in the skin. They start out small and continue to enlarge and become filled with pus until they drain. Typically, boils should drain and clear off within a week or so and if otherwise, appropriate care should be sought from one’s healthcare provider.

Factors that can predispose one to boils include:

• Presence of cuts on the skin
• Poor hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Compromised immunity
• Diabetes

A boil can appear on any part of the body but it usually appears on the face, armpits, buttocks, necks. When a boil appears on the eyelids, it is called a stye. A stye could occur as a result of:

• Improper removal of eye makeup
• Use of contaminated/ expired eye products
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Inflammatory diseases of the eyelids

Do not ‘burst’ a boil or attempt to prick it with a needle or any other sharp object, as these may worsen the infection, cause it to spread to other parts or result in a carbuncle (cluster of boils that form under the skin). Do not use antibiotics except if prescribed to you by a licenced healthcare provider. However, you could try the following home remedies to help drain the boil faster:

• Warm compress: Application of compress to the boil helps to drain the boil faster. Dip a compress (or clean towel) in warm water and place it on the boil. Apply light pressure but not enough pressure to ‘burst’ the boil. You may also add Epsom salt to the warm water.
• Application of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments or castor oil can also help.
• Ensure to keep the boil clean once it ruptures naturally, to prevent spreading the infection. Wash your hands properly after handling boils.

You should however, definitely see your healthcare provider if:

• Upon using home remedies for up to a week, the boil still does not resolve
• The boil is very big,
• It keeps recurring,
• The boil is very painful,
• Other boils are appearing
• A carbuncle forms
• A fever develops
• You have diabetes
• It affects your vision.

Boils can be prevented by:

• Practising good hygiene
• Properly covering wounds and cuts
• Avoid sharing personal items.

Remember, your community pharmacist is always available to help answer any questions you might have. Stay safe. Stay healthy.