Acne boils or skin abscess are localized infection deep in the skin. A boil usually starts as a red, tender area on the skin. After a week or so, the area becomes hard and firm. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells that the body sends from the blood stream to eradicate the infection. This collection of bacteria, proteins, and white blood cells is called a pus. Finally, the pus forms a head, which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drained out through the surface of the skin.
Acne boils can arise from many factors. Ingrown hair is a common cause. Others can form as the result of a foreign material that has become lodged in the skin. Other acne boils are caused by plugged sweat glands that become infected.
How to Treat and Prevent Acne Boils
Most acne boils can be treated at home. Treatment should begin as soon as a boil is noticed, otherwise, it may result in skin surface complications at a later stage.
The primary treatment for most acne boils is heat application, usually with hot soaks or hot packs. Heat application increases the circulation to the area and allows the body to fight off the infection by bringing antibodies and white blood cells to the site of infection.
Since acne boils are frequently accompanied by bacterial infection, it may be necessary to take antibiotics. These are not available over the counter, so you would need a prescription from your doctor. However, some people with acne boils do not have to bother with taking antibiotics.
As with any type of boil, it is important to keep the area clean and to avoid touching the area since that will spread the infection.
Most soaps used to treat acne boils contain strong chemical ingredients that can inflame and irritate the skin. Since large acne breakouts are already inflamed, using a soap that is too harsh on the skin can make the condition worse. Instead of using a standard soap, or one designed to dry up acne breakouts, use only a natural soap created by using simple ingredients, such as olive oil and coconut oil. Natural soaps will be gentle on the skin yet will clean the skin sufficiently. No scrubbing is necessary to clean acne-prone skin properly.
Isotretinoin is often prescribed to limit oil production. Women can use birth control pills as well. Natural remedies include eating a healthy diet that comprise of fruits like kiwi, melons, and tomatoes. Avoid sour or fatty types of food.
Some other common home remedies for acne boils are the following:
- Neem has been a proven remedy for boils from early times. Grind neem tree bark in water and apply it as a paste.
- Mash 2 to 3 fresh garlic cloves into a paste and apply locally on the acne boil.
- Turmeric paste is also a proven remedy. Grind equal parts of fresh ginger and turmeric. This process will create a warm paste. Apply it on the acne boil while it is still warm.
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