The furuncle corresponds to a yellowish lump that forms due to infection in the root of the hair and is therefore more common to appear on the neck, underarms, scalp, chest, buttocks, face and belly.
Usually it disappears after a few days only with the application of warm water compresses in the region to help remove the pus. However, if the boil does not heal in two weeks, it is recommended that you consult your dermatologist to prescribe ointments or even remove the pus surgically if necessary.
However, to know if it is really a boil and not just a spine, aside from the yellowish lump with redness around it, it is important to realize if:
- 1. Increases size over time Yes No
- 2. In addition to the pain, there is heat and itching on the spot Yes No
- 3. No improvement in 1 week Yes No
- 4. It is accompanied by a low fever (37.5º C to 38ºC) Yes No
- 5. There is malaise Yes No
What to do in the boil
The treatment for the boil is to wash the area daily with soap and water or with an antiseptic soap, preferably indicated by the dermatologist, and to apply compresses of warm water in the region, which help remove the pus, waiting for it to disappear alone.
However, when there is no improvement, consult your dermatologist to start using antibiotic ointments such as Ichthyol, Furacin, Nebacetin or Trok G. In cases where the boil arises repeatedly, the doctor may indicate the use of another ointment, known as Mupirocin, which prevents the onset of this type of infection. See all ointments that can be used in case of boils.
It is not recommended to try to squeeze or burst the boil because it can aggravate the infection and spread it to other sites of the skin.
Boil is contagious
The boil gets stuck, because the bacteria can be transmitted through the contact with the pus or through the air, being able to install itself in the nostrils. Therefore, it is very important that people living in the same household apply antibiotic cream prescribed by the dermatologist several times a day to the nose.
In addition, the person with a boil should take some hygiene care, such as washing their hands after touching the furuncle or not sharing tissues, sheets, clothing or towels, for example.
However, the boil may also appear alone, without having to be in touch with someone who has this problem.
How to prevent it from appearing again
The prevention of another boil can be done through the adoption of hygiene care, such as:
- Wash hands after touching the boil;
- Do not share clothes, tissues, sheets or towels;
- Wash with warm water the clothes, towels, sheets and all the materials that come in contact with the region of the skin with the boil;
- Wash the boil with soap and water after it burst on its own;
- Change the pads and put them in your own trash.
In addition, people who live with the patient should put on the nose several times a day an antibiotic cream indicated by the dermatologist, because the bacterium that causes the boil is transmitted through the air and can be fixed in the nostrils.
How is home treatment done?
The home treatment for the boil is aimed at relieving symptoms, and is usually done with substances that have antiseptic properties, and are therefore able to assist in combating infection. A great home treatment option for boil is the lemon compress, as lemon, in addition to being rich in vitamin C and strengthen the immune system, is antiseptic, helping in fighting the bacterium that causes the infection.
In addition, it is important to have a natural diet and avoid eating fatty foods. Get to know 4 options of home remedies for boils.
