Before talking about the home remedy for pigsa, let me tell you what the pigsa is. A pigsa or a boil is a bacterial skin infection that begins in hair follicles or oil glands. It appears as painful, red and pus-filled bumps. Most boils are caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.
Most boils may drain, and heal within 2 days to 3 weeks of forming so don't try to open or drain a boil by yourself because it may lead to serious complications.
The most common areas for pigsa to appear are on the:
- Face
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Armpits
- Buttocks
The risk factors for pigsa or boil:
- Poor hygiene.
- Shaving.
- Family history for tendency to appear boils.
- Having a weak immune system such as in cancer or in diabetes.
- Having small wounds on the skin.
- Having acne or eczema.
- Touching boils or sharing towels with someone who has boils.
Home remedy for pigsa:
1- Apply heat:
Heat can help to improve blood circulation in an infected area, bringing more white blood cells and antibodies to the area to fight the infection. This method is the best home remedy for pigsa so you should try it first.
Apply a warm compress to the infected area for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day.
2- Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that has effective antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help treat the bacterial infection that may cause the boils.
Dilute the tea tree oil and apply it to the boil two or three times per day until the boil is completely dissapear.
3- Epsom salt:
Epsom salt isn’t just for promoting relaxation but it also can heal and drain the boils. Dissolve the salt in warm water, soak the washcloth in it and Apply it to the area for 20 minutes at least three times daily until the boil is healed.
4- Turmeric:
Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which make it useful in treating the boil.
You can take it orally by boiling turmeric powder in water, then let cool and drink it or use turmeric powder topically to treat boils by mixing turmeric with water to make a paste then Apply it to the boil.
5- Castor oil:
This oil contains a compound called ricinoleic acid. It is a natural and strong anti-inflammatory. It also has powerful antibacterial properties which makes castor oil a great home remedy for pigsa.
6- Neem oil:
It’s known as Indian lilac. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can treat skin infections, including boils.
Apply the neem oil directly to the boil three times a day. But keep in mind that you can’t ingest it because it is toxic.You should wash your hands before and after using.
7- Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar has anti inflammatory properties which help relieve the redness and the pain that are caused by the boil. It also can disinfect the boil.
Take a small amount of apple cider vinegar, dilute it with water then apply it on the boil. Do this several times a day.
8- A garlic compress:
Garlic contains the antimicrobial compound allicin.
Apply the juice from a clove of garlic directly to the boil and cover it with a bandage.You can try to put the garlic juice to an open boil to prevent infection.
9- Milk:
You can use milk as a home remedy for pigsa. Mix a little of Milk, turmeric and vinegar. Apply this mixture over the boil, let it then wash it off. Do this several times a day.
Tips for preventing pigsa or boil:
- Keep your clothes clean.
- Wash the skin with a soap or antibacterial rinse regularly.
- Stay healthy.
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet to improve your immunity.
- Clean and cover skin wounds with a bandage.
- Exercise regularly.
- Wash your hands properly with antibacterial washes after touching a boil or someone with one.
When to see the doctor:
- If the home remedy for pigsa shows no response after a week the treatment.
- If the boil becomes larger, more painful despite home remedy.
- The reinfection happens several times.
- If you are a diabetic patient.
Summary:
The home remedy for pigsa or boil is a safe and easy way to get rid of it. But if it gets larger and painful or associates with fever, you should go to the doctor to avoid serious complications. Keep your hygiene to reduce the risk of forming boils.
By / Dr. Alaa Abdou
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