How to Heal a Boil at Home

A boil is an infected hair follicle most commonly caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. A boil begins as a red, swollen area the size of a pea. It is firm and often tender to the touch. Over time, it will fill with pus and dead tissue, taking on a cyst-like feel. Eventually, the boil will drain and start to heal. Home care is important in making sure the boil heals properly and does not cause more severe infection.

Things You'll Need

• To heal a boil at home, you will need the following:
• Cloth
• Antibacterial soap
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak the boil in warm water for 20 minutes, three to four times a day. Apply a warm, moist cloth to the boil if it is in an area that is difficult to soak.

• 2

  Wash the boil with antibacterial soap and warm water, two to three times a day, after the boil has popped.

• 3

  Apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the boil after it is washed.

• 4

  Put a bandage on the boil to prevent further infection.