Choosing the best remedy to get rid of boils normally depends on whether you are trying to treat the boil at home or through a doctor's care. You may be able to treat your boil successfully at home with the use of warm compresses to help the swelling go down. If you end up seeing a doctor to treat your boil, you may have to either have the boil cut into and drained or possibly take a round of antibiotics until your boil goes away. You might be able to get rid of boils that are small in size at home without seeing a doctor, but larger boils often do require medical attention.
If you have a boil that is small and only slightly bothersome, you can try to get rid of it on your own. You can create a warm compress by dipping a towel in warm water and wringing it out. Hold the towel on the boil for as long as necessary to help relieve pain. The warm compress should also help the boil to drain on its own. You should not attempt to cut into your boil and drain it on your own because this could spread the bacteria inside the boil to other parts of your body.
Boils that are very large and are so painful that they prevent you from going about your normal daily activities often require a doctor's attention. If you need to get rid of boils that fit this description, you should not hesitate to have the boils looked at by a doctor. Your doctor can make a small incision into your boil and drain the fluid out. This is done in a sterile environment with sterile equipment to prevent the spread of infection. Your doctor might additionally prescribe antibiotics for you to take to help get rid of boils, or he may skip the incision and drainage procedure and solely prescribe antibiotics for treatment.
Some people are more prone to boils than others, and it is not always possible to prevent them. There are some things you may be able to do to reduce the chances you will develop boils in the future. Washing out all cuts and scrapes you get with mild soap and water can prevent the spread of infection, which could lead to boils. You should also try to be very careful about sharing personal items with other people because germs and bacteria are often spread in this manner. Razors, toothbrushes, and towels are all items that should normally not be used by more than one person.
