How to Prevent Diabetic Boils

Boils are a type of infected swelling, or abscess, that forms in skin near hair follicles. Usually, they are caused by staphylococcus aureus--a bacteria that can enter the skin through cuts--and resemble pimples, with a distinct yellow pus-filled center. Because diabetics have weaker immune systems, they are more prone to boils and are more likely to develop complications; even small diabetic boils must be seen by a doctor. With the American Diabetes Association reporting that 33 percent of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives, it makes sense for diabetics to to take extra steps to protect themselves from boils. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Loofah
• Clean, soft cloth
• Topical antiseptic
• Sterile gauze dressing

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Instructions

• 1

  Control your blood sugar. According to Harvard Medical School physician Mary Pickett, MD, high blood sugar decreases the efficiency of immune cells, leading to slower healing and increased vulnerability to infection.

• 2

  Boost your defenses by eating a healthy diet; nutrition plays an important part in maintaining immune function. Make sure you eat sufficient amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables; their antioxidants protect your skin, your first line of defense against boils.

• 3

  Practice good hygiene. Shower daily with a good antibacterial soap. Showers are preferable to baths because they reduce the chances of spreading the infection to other parts of the body. Use a loofah to remove bacteria and oil around hair follicles, use a clean towel every time, and do not share towels. Staph bacteria is often passed back and forth between family members.

• 4

  Launder any clothing that has touched a boil by using detergent and the hot water cycle, and dry the clothing with high heat.

• 5

  Treat existing boils to prevention further infection and to speed up the drainage of pus. Once a day, cover infected area with a warm, clean cloth for ten minutes, then apply topical antiseptic and a gauze bandage.

• 6

  Wash your hands thoroughly after you treat the boil, especially if pus emerges; it contains bacteria and is highly infectious.

• 7

  Keep chafing to a minimum by wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and by losing weight, if needed. The irritation and broken skin caused by chafing could provide entry points for bacteria.

• 8

  Make a point of keeping your fingers away from your nose, and especially avoid nose-picking. People with weakened immune systems often carry staph bacteria in their nasal passages.