Boils

Boils or furuncle is a skin disease caused by the inflammation of hair follicles , thus resulting in the localized accumulation of pus and dead tissues. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. Boils can occur anywhere on your skin, but appear mainly on your face, neck, armpits, buttocks or thighs hair-bearing areas where you're most likely to sweat or experience friction. The most common cause of infection are germs called staphylococci. These germs already exist on the skin and in the nose of some people without causing any problems. Although anyone can develop boils and carbuncles, people who have diabetes, a suppressed immune system, or acne or other skin problems are at increased risk. In these cases antibiotics are taken by mouth for 10 or 14 days. In stubborn cases two oral antibiotics plus topical antibiotic ointments are usually required to eliminate the bacteria. Putting antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin, Iodine or Polysporin) on the boil will not cure it because the medicine does not penetrate into the infected skin. Covering the boil with a Band-Aid will keep the germs from spreading.

Boils present as one or more tender red spots, lumps or pustules. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Another name for a boil is a furuncle, and when multiple boils occur on the body, the condition is called furunculosis. The bacteria are picked up somewhere and then live on the skin, crowding out the normal, harmless bacteria we all carry. The source may be a family member, a pet or just appear "out of the blue." Several boils joined together with tunnels under the skin are called a carbuncle. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells that the body sends from the blood stream to eradicate the infection. You can usually care for a single boil at home, but don't attempt to lance or squeeze it that may spread the infection. Call your doctor if a boil or carbuncle is extremely painful, lasts longer than two weeks or occurs with a fever. In that case, you may need antibiotics or surgical drainage to clear the infection of boils and carbuncles.

Causes of Boils

The common Causes of Boils :

Staphylococcus germs.
Toxic condition in blood stream.

Symptoms of Boils

Some Symptoms of Boils :

Skin redness or inflammation around the boil.
Fever.
Fatigue.
Skin lesion maybe seen.
Affected area is tender and warm to touch.

Treatment of Boils

Antibiotics can be given.
Surgical incision and drainage of the abscess, with or without packing for 24 to 48 hours, cleans the area and allows infection to be controlled.
The main treatment for most boils is heat application, usually with hot soaks or hot packs. Heat may speed healing, reduce inflammation, and reduce discomfort.
A paste is made out of turmeric powder and Holy Basil juice. This paste could be applied over the Boils.
Paste of Cumin seeds with water could be applied on boils for fast relief.
Betel leaf warmed coated with castor oil should be applied on the boils 2-3 times a day.
A paste of mustard seeds is also a great home remedy for boils.

Nails Care

Anychia
Clawing of the Nails
Clubbing
Discoloration of the Nail Plate
Ingrowing Toe Nail
Koilonychia
Longitudinal Striations
Loss of Nail Plate
Onycholysis
Paronychia
Pitting of Nail Plates
Pterygium
Thickening of Nail Plate
Transverse Ridges

Disclaimer : All information on www.removeacne.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.