WHAT IS BOILS
(Bisul in Bahasa Malaysia)?
A boil is a skin
infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns
red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to
seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.
Boils may
heal on their own after a period of itching and mild pain. More often, they
become more painful as pus builds up. Boils usually need to open and drain in
order to heal. This most often happens within 2 weeks.
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| Boils |
WHAT CAUSES BOILS?
Most boils are
caused by a germ (staphylococcal
bacteria). This germ enters the body through tiny nicks or cuts in the skin
or can travel down the hair to the follicle.
HOW TO GET RID OF THE BOILS FAST?
Boils
Treatment -- Home Remedies
1.
Apply warm compresses and soak the
boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the
surface.
2.
When the boil starts draining, wash
it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and clean with rubbing
alcohol.
3.
Do not pop the boil with a needle.
DRUGS TREATMENT FOR BOILS?
1.
If there are concerns about the
seriousness of the infection, blood tests may be needed. The doctor may
prescribe antibiotics if the infection is severe, such as cephalexin or doxycycline.
2.
Apply antibiotic cream ie. mupirocin (bactroban), clindamycin gel.
3.
Ibuprofen or
Paracetamol for pain and fever.
4.
Alcohol swab to
cleanse the boils.
HOW TO prevent
boils?
1.
Carefully wash clothes, bedding, and
towels of a family member who is infected with boils.
2.
Clean and treat minor skin wounds.
3.
Practice good personal hygiene.
4.
Stay as healthy as possible.
