Boils are these red bumps on the skin that can be filled with pus, which is why they are often painful to the touch unless they have been drained to provide relief. Boils typically form when there is a presence of bacteria that cause an infection on your hair follicles. The size of the boils can be up to the size of a baseball with the surrounding area of the boil painful to the touch. Picking at it is not recommended as it can cause the bacteria to spread. The best treatment for an enlarged boil is for it to be drained by a doctor in a sterile environment.

The good news is that there are home remedies that you can use to reduce the size of the boil on your skin. Here are a few suggestions that you can try out.

Tea tree oil

Reducing the size of your boil can be done with the help of tea tree essential oil because it has antiseptic as well as antibacterial properties that can eliminate the bacteria that is causing the infection in the first place. However, you will need to dilute this oil first as it can be irritating to the skin when applied directly. Mix together 5 drops of this oil with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil then apply the solution on the affected area using a cotton swab 2 to 3 times in a day. You should repeat this until the boil has disappeared.

Chamomile infusion

What other remedies can you use with your boil? Preparing a chamomile infusion can be a good choice as it is safe to use. You will need to add 3 tablespoons of chamomile flower into a 250ml boiling water and allow to steep for a few minutes. Soak your compress in the infusion then apply on the affected area once it is warm to the touch. The warmth from the compress as well as the antiseptic properties of chamomile can help reduce the swelling.

Epsom salt bath

Another solution to your boils is to take an Epsom salt bath. This remedy not only helps you feel relaxed, but it does provide you with numerous health benefits including treating boils. The salt has the ability to dry the pus out for efficient drainage. If you don’t want to soak, you can dissolve some of the salt in warm water, soak your compress, and apply on the affected area for twenty minutes. This remedy should be repeated at least three times per day until the boil disappears.