Pimples and Boils. How Natural Therapies Can Help
Pimples and boils (furuncles) can be painful and unsightly and are usually the result of bacteria entering through an oil gland or hair folicle on the body.
What is a Boil?
A boil or furuncle, otherwise referred to as an abscess, is a skin infection that begins in an oil gland or a hair follicle. They are defined as a painful collection of pus, commonly caused by a bacterial infection known as staphylococcus aureus or simply termed, “staph.” Other bacteria or fungi found on the skin’s surface can also cause boils, but staph is the most common cause.
A boil or abscess is typically round in shape and raised from the skin’s surface. They are tender to the touch and when they first appear, the skin turns pinkish red in the affected area, and a tender bump arises from the skin’s surface. After four to seven days, the boil will start turning white as pus collects under the skin. It is tempting at this stage to want to pop the boil, but the liquid contained in the boil is highly infectious and if popped, can cause the infection to spread.
Boils can occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they most commonly occur on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks and thighs. They can also occur in areas like the ear canal or nose. It is not uncommon to have one boil or multiple boils.
If several boils appear together in a group, this is a more serious type of infection called a ‘carbuncle’.
Recurring boils are also known as chronic furunculosis, a condition in which crops of boils occur over a period of time continuously or from time to time.
Symptoms of a Boil
- Swollen, red lump deep in the skin
- Pain, especially when touched
- Size can vary from the size of a pea to larger than a golf ball
- May develop a central, whitish-yellow “head” that may break and release pus
- May “weep” or ooze clear fluid, or develop a crust
- As the infection gets worse, a whitish point or head can appear at the centre of the boil — this is where the boil’s pus will drain from if it begins to drain on its own
- May spread to surrounding skin, creating a carbuncle
Who is Prone to Boils?
- Athletes participating in contact sports or using shared equipment
- Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as people who have diabetes, HIV, are taking certain medications like the types of medications used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ, or are receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer
- Individuals with other skin conditions that lead to scratching and injury to the skin, such as eczema or scabies
- Staph carriers
- Obese people
- Individuals with poor nutrition
- Individuals living in close quarters with other people like prisons, military barracks or homeless shelters
Boil Precautions and Complications
Boils can be very contagious and therefore it is not recommended that an infected individual share clothing, towels, bedding or sporting equipment with others whilst they have a boil.
Washing hands frequently to avoid the boil spreading is highly recommended.
It is important to seek medical attention if a boil hasn’t shown improvement with home treatment after approximately one week and an infected individual exhibits one or more of the following:
- A boil that lasts more than two weeks
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A fever
- Severe pain and the boil does not drain on its own
- Skin around the boil turns red or red streaks appear
- The original boil comes back
- A second boil or a carbuncle forms
- The boil is located on the spine or face
- Repeated outbreaks of boils
- An infected individual has diabetes, a heart murmur, a problem with the immune system or was taking immune-suppressing medications when the boil developed
- If an infant develops a boil of any size, he or she should be taken to the doctor immediately
Possible Complications of boils include:
- Abscess of the skin, spinal cord, brain, kidneys or other organ
- Bone, brain, heart or spinal cord infection
- Infection of the blood or tissues (sepsis)
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body or skin surfaces
- Permanent scarring
What is a Pimple?
A pimple, (acne vulgaris) is a small ‘comedone’, pustule or papule that forms a skin lesion. Pimples develop when an oil gland gets clogged and infected from bacteria. This is the reason pimples swell and become red, pus-filled lesions on the surface, and just under the surface, of the skin. Most people get pimples on the face, neck, chest, upper back and shoulders.
Pimples can cause scarring but this is more likely when the skin is inflamed, swollen, red and painful, such as in the case of cystic acne and nodules. This form of acne penetrates deep into the skin, causing damage.
Picking at pimples can makes them worse by causing inflammation, reducing healing time, and increasing the risks of scarring.
Pimples or acne is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild includes the comedones, which are considered non-inflammatory lesions or slightly inflammatory lesions called papulopustular. Pimples that are more inflammatory are denoted as ‘moderate acne’. This happens when there are occasional nodules and possibly mild scarring. Severe pimples/acne, occurs when there are a lot of inflammatory lesions, nodules and possibly scarring.
Types of Pimples
There are several different types of pimples, and they have different signs and symptoms:
Whiteheads: Also known as a closed comedone, these are small pimples that remain under the skin. They appear as a small, flesh-coloured papule.
Blackheads: Also known as an open comedone, these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are black or dark brown, due to the oxidation of melanin, the skin's pigment.
Papules: These are small, solid, rounded bumps that rise from the skin. They are often pink.
Pustules: These are pimples full of pus. They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top.
Nodules: These have a similar structure to papules, but they are larger. They can be painful and are embedded deep in the skin.
Cysts: These are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scars.
Natural Treatments for Boils
Turmeric powder
Turmeric powder has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which can help heal a boil and get rid of it quickly. It’s been used as a natural blood purifier for thousands of years in eastern medicine as a result. Turmeric powder can be ingested orally or used topically, or both.
Epsom salt
Epsom salts have numerous health benefits, including the ability to treat boils. The salt can actually help to dry out the pus, causing the boil to drain. Dissolve Epsom salt in warm water and soak a compress in it. Apply the compress to the area for twenty minutes at a time. Do this at least three times daily until the boil is gone.
Castor oil
Castor oil contains a compound called ricinoleic acid, which is a natural but potent anti-inflammatory. This, combined with its powerful antibacterial properties, make it ideal in the treatment of boils. Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to the boil at least three times a day until the boil is gone.
Neem oil
Neem oil, also known as Indian lilac, has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that help treat skin infections including boils, fast. To treat boils with neem oil, apply the oil directly to the boil three to four times a day.
Natural Treatments for Pimples
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is the most recommended remedies for pimples/acne because it has amazing microbial properties that help fight the bacteria causes acne. Tea tree can be blended with coconut oil and applied to the face and affected areas.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains properties that encourage the elimination of bacteria, which is why there are so many uses for coconut oil on the skin. Lauric acid is the main ingredient in coconut oil, and this acid makes it an effective treatment against acne because it provides antibacterial results.
Lavender Essential Oil
Helps to prevent and keep acne at bay. Lavender helps regenerate skin cells, minimize sun spots and even reduce scarring caused by acne. Additionally, it can help reduce swelling and inflammation that may be caused by acne due to the polysaccharides it contains.
Frankincense Essential Oil
This contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore amazing for almost all skin types and perfect for acne-prone skin. Frankincense invites new cell growth, which can help reduce the appearance of scars. It also helps prevent or eliminate bacteria, part of what can cause acne or boils in the first place. A study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Freiburg in Germany reports that using frankincense and five other plant extracts for antimicrobial effects on bacteria and yeast relating to the skin proved effective. The study concluded that their antimicrobial effects were powerful enough to be used as a topical treatment of some skin disorders, including acne and eczema.
Castor Oil
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can speed up healing, making it ideal for breakout-prone skin. Use it with jojoba oil, hemp seed oil or coconut oil, along with one of the essential oils above. Castor oil is high in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins and minerals, which can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation associated with breakouts. It can even help heal scars caused by acne.
References
- https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/boils-and-carbuncles.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/boils#1-3
- Treatment of adult female acne: a new challenge https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26059821
- What causes pimples? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71702.php
- Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27000386
- The antimicrobial activity of liposomal lauric acids against Propionibacterium acnes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19665786
- Screening of plant extracts for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts with dermatological relevance https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17291738
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/boils#2
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.