How to Get Rid of a Boil: Treating Small and Large Boils

Devil’s horsewhip is a root native to Africa. It has traditionally been used in the Middle East to treat skin conditions, such as boils.

Home Remedies for Boils

Boils are red, pus-filled bumps that form under the skin. They can be painful and grow until a doctor drains them. There are ways to relieve discomfort at home, but you’ll likely need medical treatment. Never pick at or squeeze a boil, as it could cause an infection to spread.

Boils can grow to the size of a baseball. Larger boils are also known as skin abscesses. The area surrounding the skin can be red and painful too.

Many boils begin from ingrown hairs and clogged sweat glands that become infected, often with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

Here are some home remedies that may help ease pain and help prevent the spread of infection, allowing the boil to heal. But, you should still consider having the boil checked by a doctor because, in many cases, home remedies are not enough to cure a boil.

Heat helps increase circulation in an area, bringing more white blood cells and antibodies to the area to fight the infection.

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Applying heat to a boil may be one of the best home remedies you can try since it’s simple and cost effective.

Apply a warm compress to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Do this three or four times a day, every day, until the boil is gone.

Research from 2022 has found that tea tree oil has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These properties may help treat the bacterial infection causing the boil.

Tea tree oil shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin, as it can have a burning effect. Instead, mix five drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil.

Put the diluted tea tree oil on a cotton swab and apply it to a boil two or three times per day. You may notice the boil shrinking. You should stop using the oil if you notice any burning sensations or other reactions to the oil.

Turmeric powder contains curcumin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help a boil heal faster.

You can choose to ingest turmeric powder or use it topically on the boil.

To ingest it, boil a teaspoon of turmeric powder in water or milk, then let it cool. Drink the mixture three times daily.

To use it topically, mix turmeric with water, ginger, or both to make a paste. Apply the paste to a boil at least twice a day. Stop using it if you notice any reactions to the paste or powder.

Castor oil contains a compound called ricinoleic acid, which is a natural but potent anti-inflammatory. This, combined with its potential antibacterial properties, makes castor oil a great natural treatment to try for boils.

Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to the boil at least three times a day until the boil is gone. You should stop use if you notice any adverse reactions to the oil.

Neem oil may have antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that can help treat skin infections, including boils. It’s also known as Indian lilac.

To treat boils with neem oil, apply the oil directly to the boil three to four times a day. Make sure you wash your hands before and after the application. Discontinue use if you notice any adverse reactions to the oil.

When applied to the skin, raw onion may have several benefits for the skin and boils. Research from 2022 shows that onions have an antibacterial effect, which may help prevent infection from an open boil.

It may also help to prevent scarring as the boil heals. According to a 2018 study, people who applied onion extract to scars showed as much scar reduction as those that used silicone gel.

This could make onions beneficial in preventing scarring as the boil heals.

Fresh garlic may have some antimicrobial properties that help heal boils and prevent infection.

Though people have used it in traditional medication for years, 2021 research suggests its properties are still not fully understood. Some evidence does suggest it may help with various skin conditions, including wound healing and viral or fungal infections.

A study from 2015 noted that using fresh garlic extract may help reduce certain bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics to help with infections.

To use garlic to treat a boil, crush it first. Then apply it to the area and cover it with a cool, wet facecloth. Leave for 20 minutes and reapply after 12 hours if you don’t experience any negative reaction.

It’s important to only use garlic on the skin and not on the mucous membranes, such as in the mouth or on the genital area because it can burn delicate skin.

Generally, certain compounds within ginger do seem to contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Other experts have also noted that ginger has a general microbial effect and may help with bacteria and other potential pathogens found on the skin.

That said, there’s no direct evidence that applying ginger on a boil can help cure it or reduce inflammation.

In a 2017 study , researchers did note that vaginal creams infused with ginger extract and clotrimazole had a stronger effect on vaginal yeast infections than creams with just clotrimazole.

This could imply that ginger has a microbial effect that may help keep boils from becoming infected as they heal.

To use ginger, follow a similar process as the onion. You can use this method with various ingredients. It’s called a poultice.

Tridax daisy, also known as coat button, is a flowering plant native to the tropical Americas. People often regard it as a weed.

However, when concentrated and put into a gel form, it may help provide wound-healing properties, according to a 2021 study . In addition, a 2019 study found that it may have antibacterial properties.

While it may not cure a boil, it may be able to keep the infection from getting worse. Apply on the boil similarly to other ingredients in this list.

Devil’s horsewhip is a root native to Africa. It has traditionally been used in the Middle East to treat skin conditions, such as boils.

It’s known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in this region. Another 2016 study found it effective in inhibiting the bacteria Streptococcus mutans.

Whether you try some of the herbal remedies suggested here, it’s very important that you keep the area of the boil clean.

When you clean a boil, you help to prevent the buildup of bacteria or other potentially harmful substances from getting into it and causing an infection.

In addition, cleaning it when a doctor makes an incision to treat it medically can help prevent infection. Once cleaned, you should make sure to pat it dry and cover it with fresh gauze.

Keeping your sheets clean can also help in the healing process of boils. Clean sheets, washed in hot water and dried in a hot setting, can help prevent the development of microorganisms that may get into the boil and cause infection. Consider washing your bedding every few days as your boil heals.

A boil may clear on its own with proper home care but not always. In some cases, your doctor will need to drain the boil. Otherwise, it could infect nearby areas or push the infection deeper into the skin, causing more boils or potentially life threatening infections.

If drainage is needed, a doctor will make a small incision on the boil and use sterile gauze to absorb and remove additional pus. This should only be done carefully and in a sterile environment.

In some cases, home remedies won’t cut it for stubborn boils. You’ll need to see a doctor to treat it with prescription medication or have your doctor drain it. In addition, you should make an appointment with a doctor if:

The boil keeps getting larger despite home treatment.
After a week of home treatment, the boil hasn’t cleared up or diminished.
The boil is as large as a ping-pong ball.
The skin surrounding the boil is bright red or has red streaks extending from it.
The boil is extremely painful.
There are other lumps near the boil.
You have recurring boils over several months.
You also have diabetes.
You notice any other reactions when applying topical remedies.

Boils most commonly appear on the:

Risk factors that may increase your chances of developing boils include:

improper hygiene
shaving
having small cuts on the skin
having certain skin conditions, such as acne or eczema
having an immune disorder, which makes you more vulnerable to bacterial infections
having close contact with someone who’s had boils, like sharing razors or towels

The following sections answer some of your frequently asked questions about healing boils and taking care of them at home.

How do I get rid of a boil overnight?

There’s no way to completely get rid of a boil overnight. However, warm compresses, application of antibiotic cream, or use of creams made of natural remedies may help to lessen its severity and provide temporary relief to pain as it heals.

Can I pop a boil?

In a 2018 article , experts note that you should never attempt to pop a boil at home. The action of squeezing or popping the boil can cause bacteria to get deeper into the skin and cause an infection that may be life threatening.

Can a boil go away without draining?

A boil often requires some draining to help it go away. It may pop on its own, or a doctor can assist. You shouldn’t attempt to pop a boil on your own due to the risk of potential infection or other issues.

Can I use over-the-counter antibiotics?

An over-the-counter antibiotic ointment is typically fast-acting and soothing. However, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), it can only prevent the infection from spreading without the boil. This is because the ointment doesn’t penetrate the boil.

Home remedies may be effective for small boils. Make sure to use them as needed to see the best results, and discuss their use with a doctor if you have any questions.

If you haven’t seen results after a week — or if the boil has gotten larger, more painful, or started to show signs of infection — make an appointment with a doctor.

Your doctor may drain the boil by lancing it and prescribe antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. They might test a pus sample from the boil to determine the right antibiotic for you.

Last medically reviewed on November 30, 2022

How to Get Rid of a Boil: Treating Small and Large Boils

You can get rid of a small boil with the help of home treatments, like covering the boil in a wet washcloth. Larger or recurrent boils require medical attention and medical treatment.

Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can cause bumps on your skin, commonly known as boils. Boils are typically red or purplish, and they can be quite painful.

Boils are usually found on a hair follicle that’s become infected, but they can occur anywhere on the body.

They tend to appear in areas that are irritated and have more sweat around the hair follicles. This combination provides the perfect atmosphere for boils.

Read on to learn how to treat boils, whether small or large.

Boils are also known as furuncles.
When a boil starts out, it will be pea-sized. After a period of time, it will grow larger, fill with pus, and become more painful. The skin around the boil may also be swollen.
The very top of the bump will eventually have a yellowish-white tip. This tip will eventually burst and begin leaking pus.
Several boils together in a group are referred to as a carbuncle. If you have a carbuncle, you may also have a fever and not feel well in general.

You can usually treat small boils on your own at home. Small boils that can be treated at home can take anywhere from 2 days to 3 weeks to heal.

Here are a few tips for getting rid of a small boil:

Avoid squeezing the boil or trying to drain it yourself. Doing so could lead the infection to spread or possibly cause a secondary infection of the boil.
Place a warm, wet washcloth on the boil several times a day.
Add some pressure by holding the washcloth in place without directly puncturing the boil.
Once the boil ruptures naturally, keep it covered with a fresh, clean bandage or gauze. This will help keep the infection from spreading to other places.
Wash your hands well after caring for your boil. This also helps prevent the infection from spreading.

If you have a large boil or a group of boils (carbunculosis), seek medical treatment. Only a healthcare professional can safely drain a large boil or carbuncle.

Sometimes a large boil becomes soft and won’t burst on its own. A healthcare professional can take care of this issue by carefully draining the boil.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection. This is especially true for face boils. They run a higher risk of complications like scarring or secondary infection.

If you have boils that keep returning more than three times in a year, you have recurrent furunculosis. Recurrent furunculosis usually spreads more easily, especially among members of the same household.

The boils of recurrent furunculosis often appear in areas where the skin folds. This includes:

under the breasts
under the stomach
in the underarms
in the groin area

Recurrent furunculosis must be treated by a doctor. Treatment options include antibiotics and surgical drainage.

Boils, even ones caused by recurrent furunculosis, usually have few complications.

The main complication is scarring.

Another complication is the possibility of recurrent furunculosis. See a doctor if you have recurrent boils in skin folds.

The development of a secondary infection isn’t as common. Secondary infection can lead to sepsis, which is the body’s reaction to bacteria in the blood. But sepsis is a very rare complication. You can avoid sepsis by getting proper treatment early.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition that can resemble recurrent furunculosis. But it’s actually more serious.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can lead to scarring and worsening when it’s not recognized and treated appropriately. Possible treatment options include antibiotics and biologic drugs.

How To Get Rid Of Boils Overnight (2021 Update)

Let’s face it, boils are no fun. From the beginning when you start noticing the first symptoms up until the very end when you’re trying to get rid of them, they are a total hassle to deal with. Furthermore, the people who suffer from boils often deal with them much more often than people who never have them. It seems to be a reoccurring issue in many people which only makes the situation worse as people tend to try more aggressive approaches to getting rid of these boils when they appear more often. Thankfully though, it seems that boils may now be a thing of the past thanks to recent findings in the medical industry.

What Causes Boils To Form?

The process in which a boil is formed is very similar to the process of a pimple forming, though boils are obviously on a different magnitude. It all starts with a small opening in the skin; whether it’s from a cut, ingrown hair, scrape, or even insect bite does not matter. All that matters is that there was a small opening in your skin and this opened the door for bacteria and germs to get inside of your system. Once present, the infection grows and often becomes painful as your immune system tries to flush it out. Many times, the boil will drain on its own after a few days or weeks. However, in more chronic conditions it may take a lot longer to drain, if at all.

How To Easily Get Rid Of Boils Overnight

Traditionally, getting rid of a boil or having one drained in less than 48 hours was deemed as highly unlikely unless the boil was extremely minor. You could probably estimate that the vast majority of cases would take at least a week to drain if not more. With the emergence of BoilX, all of that has changed. This is hands-down the best tool to use when it comes to getting rid of boils naturally and quickly at home. Evidently, this tool is geared more towards those who suffer from boils often rather than once in a blue moon. It has been instrumental in helping me get over these nasty boils from reoccurring and it is very effective at having boils drained overnight. There’s nothing like it at the moment, and I can honestly say that BoilX has made a huge difference for me.

Getting Rid Of Boils On Your Own At Home

For people who don’t experience boils very often, using BoilX probably doesn’t make much sense since it won’t be a reoccurring problem for you (though it would still be effective). This means that you’re probably looking for a way to drain the boil at home on your own quickly. Are there ways of getting it done? Sure, but they don’t all work that effectively on oftentimes you will find that the degree of effectiveness will depend a lot on the boil itself (size, age, bacteria strain, etc.). This means that relying on one of these home remedies probably isn’t the best idea since they are not guaranteed to be effective at draining the boil overnight.

1. Use Heat

What you’ll hear most often in regards to getting rid of boils is probably to apply heat to the area. This works to increase blood-flow to the area, thus encouraging white blood cells to take on the boil from within. When the boil itself is quite small in size and not very deep, this can actually work to help you get rid of the boil rather quickly. However, when we’re talking about a more problematic infection, heat alone will not do much for you – at least not quickly or easily. The boil will put up a fight.

2. Turmeric Powder/Paste

Turmeric has often been touted for having amazing effects and bringing about impactful results in many areas of health. It is said to be great at treating inflammation, serious health concerns, and even mental health as an energy booster. It is said that using it directly on a boil can have antibacterial effects and help with pain relief as well as draining the boil itself. Again, how effective this is remains to be seen and I’m sure that it would work more effectively for some people and less so for others.

3. Castor Oil

Castor oil contains a compound called ricinoleic acid, which is a natural but potent anti-inflammatory. This, combined with its powerful antibacterial properties, make it a great natural treatment for boils. Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to the boil at least three times a day until the boil is gone. This is a slower method as the compound has to penetrate the skin which could take quite while. Inherently, this technique works much more effectively when the boil is shallow and/or not as problematic.

4. Garlic

Another one of those techniques which seems suspect at first but has many people vouch for it. As you are probably already aware of, garlic contains many anti-bacterial properties and is commonly used for an array of different health concerns. For mild conditions, you may see sizeable results from using garlic. Again though, garlic alone cannot do much for a very large boil and if it does make an impact, it will be over a prolonged period of time.

The Trend

If you’ve noticed, there is often a trend with these home remedies or methods. They often work at varying degrees and only for certain people some of the time. On top of that, when they do work, it often takes a long period of time to notice any results at all. This is a great example of why BoilX is rising in popularity – people who deal with boils do not have the time, patience, or faith to believe in these methods since they seem to work (or not work) so inconsistently.

Why You Should Get Rid Of Your Boils Quickly

The main thing it comes down to is pain. These boils become more and more painful up until the very end if left untreated. If you’re someone who has dealt with boils in the past, then you know all too well how painful they can be. Apart from that, this is an infection we’re talking about and it is generally never a good idea to leave an infection present in your body as it could spread quite easily in certain circumstances. Infections should be treated right away whether it’s at home or in a hospital.

Boils can also be contagious in certain instances, and spreading it is something that nobody wants. Sure, the spread is not that simple and it requires certain things to take place such as skin contact and another skin opening, but that doesn’t make it impossible. Lastly, boils are just mutually perceived as unattractive by most people, and nobody wants to have a boil on a very visible place such as the face, neck, or arms. Getting rid of boils is both a cosmetic and health concern, though the health aspect of it is far more important.

Bottom Line: Getting Rid Of Boils Overnight

Without using some sort of product or medical help, getting rid of a boil overnight is quite difficult but not impossible. The biggest factor that’s going to play a role into how easily you can have the boil drained is the size of the boil itself. Large boils are very difficult to deal with while smaller ones are generally quite easy to get rid of depending on the person and the method used. With BoilX, almost any boil can be terminated within 48 hours regardless of size. Using the home remedies we previously touched on can work, but at varying degrees and they are not always consistent when it comes to results. If your boil doesn’t seem to be draining even after a few weeks and is growing in pain, it is highly recommended to see a professional to deal with the boil.

Ana grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico. After her and her sisters’ life was endangered due to personal reasons, their mother had decided that they would immigrate to the United States. She worked two full-time jobs to support her 3 daughters and instilled a certain belief system and work-ethic in Ana and her sisters.

After graduating from the University of Southern California with a doctor of medicine degree, Ana worked 4 short years in the field. Shortly thereafter, she decided to follow her passion of blogging and providing insightful information to those who would read her content. She is the primary author of Beauty Intensified.

How to Get Rid of a Boil: Treating Small and Large Boils