Boil

Definition of Boil:

A localized infection deep in the skin.  A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area.  Over time, the area becomes firm and hard.  Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection (pus).  Finally, the pus forms a "head" and drains out through the skin.  A furuncle or carbuncle is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.  It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills.  Cystic acne is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected.  Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years.  Hidradenitis suppurativa is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area.  These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands.  A pilonidal cyst is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks.  These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.

Also: Abscess, Abscesses, Boils, Carbuncle, Carbuncles, Cystic Acne, Furuncle, Furuncles, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Pilonidal Cyst, Pilonidal Cysts

Topics Related to Boil

Alfalfa

...as a treatment
“...Blood Conditions – anemia, boils, helps clot the blood...”

Antibiotics

...as a treatment
“...more effective than antibiotics alone in treating a variety of conditions including pneumonia, bronchitis, staph skin infections, thrombophlebitis, cellulitis, pyelonephritis, perirectal and rectal abscesses, and sinusitis...”
Diagnose your symptoms now!
  • understand what's happening to your body
  • identify any nutritional deficiencies
  • learn what you should be doing right now

More topics Related to Boil

Appendicitis

...the condition
“...Laboratory findings of complications include dehydration – decreased urine volume; increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hematocrit, and urine specific gravity; abscess formation; increased sedimentation rate; peritonitis...”

Athletes Foot

...recommendation Cinnamon
“...Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 8-10 broken sticks of cinnamon, reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes; remove and steep, covered, for 45 minutes...”
...recommendation Ginger Root
“...Boil a cup of water, add one ounce of chopped fresh ginger, and simmer for twenty minutes...”

Bayberry

...as a treatment
“...For a decoction, boil 1 teaspoon of powdered root bark in a pint of water for 10 to 15 minutes...”

Boils, Abscesses, Carbuncles

...the condition
Boils are infected, pus-filled swellings in the skin that are often located in or near hair follicles...”
...relationship to Weakened Immune System
“Diseases that are associated with deficiencies in the normal immune system can increase the tendency to develop boils.”
...relationship to Diabetes Type II
“People with certain illnesses, including diabetes, are more at risk of developing boils.”
...relationship to Chronic Renal Insufficiency
“People with certain illnesses, including kidney failure, are more at risk of developing boils.”
...recommendation Zinc
“Zinc orally or topically may be effective for the treatment of boils and furuncles.”
...recommendation Hot Applications (Thermotherapy)
“The main treatment for most boils is heat application, usually with hot soaks or hot packs...”
...recommendation Surgery
“Surgery may occasionally be needed, especially in cases of pilonidal cysts that recur, but also for hidradenitis suppurativa...”
...recommendation Iron
“Recurrent boils are sometimes associated with low iron levels.”
...recommendation Homeopathic Remedies
Boils, carbuncles and other septic conditions can be effectively treated through homoeopathy...”
...recommendation Antibiotics
Boils often resolve by themselves, but severe or recurring cases require medical treatment...”

Broad Beans

...as a treatment
“...Felons (fingertip infections) and furuncles (deep folliculitis; infection of the hair follicle) benefit from being bathed in a warm decoction of broad bean leaves until the water is cold...”

Brucellosis

...the condition
“...About 5-10% of patients have skin-related symptoms such as nodules, abscesses, eruptions, scaly skin patches, lesions that resemble impetigo, psoriasis or eczema, rashes, red or purple patches caused by capillary hemorrhage, and eye involvement including cataracts...”

Castor Oil

...as a treatment
“...Conditions which have been responsive to castor oil applications include ... boils...”

Cellulitis

...related topic
“...It is more wide-spread than a localized infection as seen in an ulcer or abscess and causes the skin tissues in the infected area to become red, hot, painful and swollen.”

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

...the condition
“...Antibiotics are used to treat infection; antiviral drugs and chemotherapy drugs can be used in the accelerated phase of the disease; surgery may be needed to drain abscesses.  Many of the afflicted children die before age 10 from chronic infections or accelerated disease that results in lymphoma-like illness...”

Cilantro

...as a treatment
“...Mixture (for removing genital odors and halitosis): Boil 2 quarts of water and add 3 12 teaspoons of dry Cilantro seed, reducing heat to simmer for 1 12 hours or until volume is reduced by half...”

Cleavers

...as a treatment
“...This plant works very well in treating eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea, acne, boils and abscesses, arthritis and gout...”

Clubbed Fingers Or Toes

...the condition
“...These include ... Lung Abscess...”

Coccidioidomycosis

...related topic
“...Approximately 1-in-1000 cases will progress to the disseminated form, leading to lesions in the lung and abscesses throughout the body...”

Coffee Enema

...as a treatment
“...Procedure Put a little over 1 quart of clean water in a pan and bring it to a boil.  Add 2 flat tablespoons of coffee (or the coffee amount that has been prescribed for you)...”

Colloidal Silver

...as a treatment
“...Claims are made for benefits in the following conditions: Acne*, allergies, arthritis – some types*, athletes foot*, bad breath, bladder infections, cystitis*, bleeding gums, boils*, burns*, candida*, canker sores, chronic fatigue, colds, colitis*, conjunctivitis*, cornea injury*, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, diabetes*, diarrhea*, digestive aid, diphtheria, dysentery...”

Comfrey

...as a treatment
“...Boil the water, let simmer for 10-15 minutes and drink tid...”

Condurango

...as a treatment
“...Add 1.5gm (about one-quarter teaspoonful) of crushed Condurango to cold water and bring to a boil.  Cool the tea, then strain...”

CT Scan

...as a treatment
“...Common uses include ... Locating and determining the size of tumors and abscesses throughout the body...”

Cysts

...recommendation Surgery
“...An infected cyst can form into a very painful abscess for which surgical incision and drainage is usually necessary for pain relief...”

Dysentery

...the condition
“...Rarely, the parasite will invade the body beyond the intestines and cause a more serious infection, such as a liver abscess.  The symptoms may appear from a few days to a few months after exposure but usually within two to four weeks...”

Endocarditis

...the condition
“...Possible complications include: Infected blood clots that may travel to the brain, kidneys, or abdominal organs causing infections, abscesses or stroke; heart-rhythm disturbances (atrial fibrillation is most common); destruction of heart valves; lung clots; arthritis; myositis (inflammation of muscles); acute renal failure.”

Enlarged Lymph Nodes

...the condition
“...Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy; other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare...”
Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Suggestions
Suggestions
LifeMeter
LifeMeter®
Full Explanations
Explanations
Optional Doctor Review
Review (optional)

More topics Related to Boil

Excessive Sweating

...the condition
“...Home remedy for sweaty hands or feet: Boil five tea bags in a quart of water for five minutes...”

Hemorrhoids

...the condition
“...Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching (pruritus ani), have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids...”

Honey

...as a treatment
“...These include burns, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, unhealed graft donor sites, abscesses, boils, pilonidal cysts, infected wounds from lower limb surgery, necrotizing fasciitis, and neonatal postoperative wound infection...”

Kelp

...as a treatment
“...Kelp is recommended when pus accumulates in a particular part of the body due to infection and if an abscess forms...”

Lithosperma

...as a treatment
“...Place 30 mg seeds in 3 cups water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until 2 cups remain, strain...”

Liver Abscess

...the condition
“Alternative names: Hepatic abscess, Hepatic amebiasis, Extraintestinal amebiasis, Amebic liver A liver abscess is a pus-filled cyst inside the liver...”

Muscle Pains (Myalgia)

...the condition
“...Some of the most common causes are ... Infections/infestations of the muscle such as staphylococcal abscess (pyomyositis) or trichinosis...”

Neutropenia

...our question about Frequency of infections
“...Skin is the second most common infection site, manifesting as ulcers, abscesses, and rashes...”

Neutrophilia

...the condition
“...Cancer that is spreading; Surgical removal or drainage of a source of bacterial infection (e.g. a boil) may increase neutrophilia; Sudden kidney failure; Ketoacidosis; Inflammation stimulates bone marrow release of neutrophils to the site of inflammation...”

Night Sweats

...relationship to Chronic / Hidden Infection
“A hidden infection, such as an abscess in the liver or spleen, can cause night sweats and fever without many other symptoms.”

Noni

...as a treatment
“...In Hawaii, ripe fruits are applied to draw out pus from an infected boil.  The green fruit, leaves and the root/rhizome have traditionally been used to treat menstrual cramps and irregularities, among other symptoms, while the root has also been used to treat urinary...”

Olive Leaf Extract

...as a treatment
“...In addition to the infusion, poultices were also made of the olive leaves to treat boils, rashes, warts and other skin problems...”

Orbital Cellulitis

...the condition
“...It is usually caused by a bacterial infection which typically will have spread from the ethmoid or paranasal sinuses but may also have its origin elsewhere such as a boil on the eye or eyelid (stye), recent trauma to the eye, injury to the eyelid (including bug bites), or a foreign object...”

Osteomyelitis

...the condition
“...Surgery may be necessary if an abscess needs to be drained...”

Periapical Abscess

...related topic
“An abscess or pus pocket around the apex of the root of a tooth, sometimes called a gumboil.”

Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis

...the condition
“...Abscesses.  Deepening periodontal pockets between the gums and bone can become blocked by tartar or food particles...”

Peritonitis

...the condition
“...This condition can be confused with intra-abdominal abscess (abdominal abscess), which involves a collection of pus in the abdomen that may cause peritonitis...”

Pneumonia

...recommendation Bromelain
“In a clinical study of 124 patients hospitalized with chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis, or pulmonary abscess, those receiving bromelain orally showed a decrease in the volume and pus-like quality of the sputum...”

Sarsaparilla

...as a treatment
“...To enjoy its taste, boil and simmer 1-2 teaspoons of the chopped, dried root for each cup of water...”

Shepherd's Purse

...as a treatment
“...It is a remedy of the first importance in catarrhal conditions of the bladder and ureters, also in ulcerated conditions and abscess of the bladder...”

Staphylococcus

...related topic
“...Staph of various types are responsible for boils and carbuncles; they may be involved in impetigo, toxic shock syndrome, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and urinary tract infections, as well as some food poisoning...”

STD Gonorrhea

...the condition
“...PID can lead to internal abscesses (pus pockets that are hard to cure), long-lasting pelvic pain, and infertility...”

Steam / Spray Treatments

...as a treatment
“...Boil about 4-6 cups (1-1.5 liters) of water, turn off the heat, let it cool for 1 minute...”

Subphrenic Abscess

...the condition
“Alternative names: Subdiaphragmatic Abscess A subphrenic abscess is a localized accumulation of pus in the abdominal cavity just beneath the diaphragm in the "subphrenic space"...”

Susceptibility To Cavities

...recommendation Ozone / Oxidative Therapy
“...Ozone now offers some of the best results in wound healing and the treatment of internal tooth infections, abscesses, lesions, and deep, infected crevices.”

Susceptibility To Miscarriages

...the condition
“...Possible complications from spontaneous abortion include infected pregnancy tissue, which could lead to pelvic abscess, septic shock, or even death...”

Tea Tree oil

...as a treatment
“...Tea tree oil has been used in the treatment of: acne, athlete's foot, boils, burns, carbuncles, impetigo, infections of the nail bed, insect bites, ringworm, and vaginal infections...”

Tonsil Stones

...the condition
“...In very rare cases, giant tonsilloliths may form, and be mistaken for a tumor or abscess.  Tonsil stones do not do any harm, nor do they mean that there is anything wrong with you...”

Ultrasound Imaging

...as a treatment
“...Ultrasound is used to provide images of the following ... liver (when cirrhosis, liver cysts, abscesses, or tumors are suspected)...”

Ultraviolet Light Therapy

...as a treatment
“...polyarthritis; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Keloids; Migraine; Raynaud's disease; Psoriasis; Inflammatory disease Acne; Allergic gastritis; Arthritis; Autoimmune thyroiditis; Bursitis; Boils; Mastitis; Osteomyelitis; Pancreatitis; Periodontitis; Peritonitis; Rhinitis, sinusitis; Septicemia; Diseases due to inadequate peripheral circulation Varicose ulcers; Diabetic ulcers...”

Urinary Retention

...the condition
“...the bladder); Schistosomiasis (parasitic worm infection) of the urinary tract; Cystitis (bladder inflammation); Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) or Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) infection; Periurethral Abscess; Side-effects of antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticholinergics, amphetamines, opioids, anesthetics, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, antihistamines, alcohol, and other pharmaceutical drugs...”

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

...the condition
“...Some develop complications in the lungs, such as tissue death or abscesses.  Persistent pulmonary disease may manifest as persistent bronchitis and pneumonia...”

Weight Loss

...as a treatment
“...Strategies for reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intake include ... Broil, bake or boil foods instead of frying...”
Report by The Analyst™
Click to see sample report
Health problems rarely occur in isolation or for obvious reasons

Your body is a highly complex, interconnected system.  Instead of guessing at what might be wrong, let us help you discover what is really going on inside your body based on the many clues it is giving.

Our multiple symptom checker provides in-depth health analysis by The Analyst™ with full explanations, recommendations and (optionally) doctors available for case review and answering your specific questions.

We use cookies for traffic analysis, advertising, and to provide the best user experience