1 reply to this topic

[tommehtgod]

I have a boil on my right side that I had since this past wednesday. The boil didn't start to get big until I started putting black salve on it and covering it up that Friday. It hurts so bad. I been taking ibuprofen on the regular and today (Sunday), i took two capsules of antibiotics. It really hurts and I want it to hurry up and open up so it can drain. I also been taking hot showers and letting the hot water hit the boil. I don't wanna squeeze none of the pus out because i'm scared that some of it might spread inside my skin. Does anybody have any other ways to get rid of this pain...and the boil?

[it'sapurplelife]

You know the golden rule: Don't squeeze! Follow it Let it come to a head and drain itself. If you squeeze a boil or break it open you increase the chance of spreading the infection. And if there's any pus leaking out then be careful to wipe it with a tissue or something as soon as you spot it.

I use a warm compress (colth soaked in warm water) for about 15 minutes every few hours if I have to deal with boils - which thankfully hasn't happened in a while. It helps the boil burst and drain faster, according to my grandmother. The boil is usually gone in a day or two if I follow dilligently - but I have the horrible habit of picking and leaving scars.
Once the boil bursts, wash with antibacterial soap and cover with a bandage since there might be blood. I'm sure you have some ointment or something that'll help the wound to heal - I usually use something like that, though my grandmother used to tell me to continue with the warm compress until the wound's healed completely. I never did, so I don't know how effective it is. But it definitely works for me as long as the boil is there.

If it's extremely/unbearably painful though, I think you should consult a doctor or at least a pharmacist. It could be serious - boils have never hurt me so bad. Uh, if you have a fever though, or it's lasted more than 2 weeks then you should definitely get help.