All about Boils or Pigsa

Having this kind of skin disease for some, is very shameful. I think it’s because people think that having it means that you have poor hygiene. I will not even admit if ever I will have one ’cause it is really embarrassing. But, I did some research about this so that we will all be educated.

Boil– is a localized infection deep in the skin. They begin as red, tender swellings, which may later ooze pus. Some people have recurrent boils. A boil is also called a skin abscess.

What causes a Boil?
There are many causes of boils. Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair. Others can form as the result of a splinter or other foreign material that has become lodged in the skin. Others boils, such as those of acne, are caused by plugged sweat glands that become infected.

The skin is an essential part of our immune defense against materials and microbes that are foreign to our body. Any break in the skin, such as a cut or scrape, can develop into an abscess should it become infected with bacteria.

Who is most likely to develop a boil?
Anyone can develop a boil, regardless of age, gender or race. For some, it occurs during puberty since sweat glands are already forming. However, people with certain illnesses or medications that impair the body’s immune system (the natural defense system against foreign materials or microbes) are more likely to develop boils. Among the illnesses that can be associated with impaired immune systems are diabetes and kidney failure.

How are Boils treated?
Your doctor may drain a large boil or carbuncle by making a small incision in the tip. This relieves pain, speeds recovery and helps lessen scarring. Deep infections that can’t be completely drained may be covered with sterile gauze so that pus can continue to drain. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help heal severe or recurrent infections.

These home remedies may help the infection heal more quickly and prevent it from spreading:
1. Apply a warm washcloth or compress to the affected area. Do this for at least 10 minutes every few hours. If possible, first soak the cloth or compress in warm salt water. This helps the boil rupture and drain more quickly.
2. Gently wash the boil two to three times a day. After washing, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic and cover with a bandage.
Never squeeze or lance a boil. This can spread the infection.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after treating a boil. Also, launder clothing, towels or compresses that have touched the infected area.

How can boils be prevented?
Although it’s not always possible to prevent boils, especially if you have a compromised immune system, the following measures may help you avoid staph infections:

1. Wash your hands regularly with mild soap. Or, use an alcohol-based hand rub often. Careful hand washing is your best defense against germs.
2. Thoroughly clean even small cuts and scrapes. Wash the wound well with soap and water and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
3. Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal.
4. Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Staph infections can spread via objects as well as from person to person. If you have a cut or sore, wash your towels and linens using detergent and hot water with added bleach and dry them in a hot dryer.

References:
MayoClinic
MedicineNet.com

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!