Trusted Health Products
It may be tempting to squeeze or pop a painful lump on your skin, but experts advise against it. The bump could be a boil - a pus-filled skin infection that occurs around a hair follicle or oil gland - or a stye if the lump is on your eyelid.
Squeezing a boil or stye could make the infection worse, according to dermatologists. If you have a boil or stye, resist the temptation to squeeze it, said board-certified dermatologist Nada Elbuluk, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology, NYU Langone Medical Center. This will prevent the infection from spreading and help prevent or minimize scarring.
To treat a boil or stye at home, Dr. Elbuluk recommends the following tips:
Make A Warm Compress
Applying heat in the form of a warm compress is the best way to treat boils and styes yourself. To make a warm compress, soak a clean washcloth in hot water. Be careful not to use water that is too hot, especially on children.
Apply The Warm Compress
Hold the compress to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this three to four times daily until the boil or stye releases pus and heals. Never squeeze or pierce a boil or stye yourself, as this can spread the infection.
Consider Taking Ibuprofen
If your boil or stye is painful, consider taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce the pain. Make sure you read the directions on the packaging for the correct dose.
Keep The Area Clean
Always keep the area clean, and avoid touching or rubbing the boil or stye. If you have a stye, avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals.
Keep It Covered
If your boil bursts, cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze to prevent infection while it heals. Most boils and styes heal on their own within one to three weeks, said Dr. Elbuluk. However, if the pain or swelling worsens after several days, another boil or stye appears, or you develop a fever or vision problems with the infection, see your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist.
Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
