How to bust a boil - lancing a boil

by robie hunter
(new orleans,la,us)

how long will it take for a doctor to lance a boil and how long will it take it heal.

Hello Robie,

Thanks for your questions regarding lancing a boil and how to treat a boil.

Boils are basically a type of infection under the skin or hair follicle and it is a good idea to have a doctor lance it because the pus (which is the infection) can spread to other parts of the body.

In the beginning stages you'll notice that after about a week or so the boil will form a white head - which contains the infected pus. This is when you really need to be careful when touching or washing the boil. Try not to use the same wash cloth or towels as others in your family or the boil could spread to them too. Wash your hands whenever you happen to touch the boil.

How to Heal a Boil Fast
It will probably only take minutes for your doctor to lance the boil and for most people the area heals within 7-10 days. To speed up healing the doctor will probably give you an antibiotic cream which you will apply daily to encourage healing.

If you decide not to have a doctor lance it, you can try some home treatment of boils which take more time, but might work if it's not infected or you're not experiencing other symptoms like -- fever, pain, or red streaks near the location of the boil.

Home treatments include a simple moist warm compress several times a day using a clean wash cloth and warm water. This can help draw the pus to the surface.

Eventually (around 10 days) the head will burst. After that consider washing the area with an antibacterial soap until the pus is gone and the area is healed. You may also consider applying an antibacterial cream and a band-aid to keep the area clean and covered while it heals.

You really should not try to pop the boil with a needle as this could make the infection worse or spread.

While everyone may experience a boil from time to time, some people are more prone to them. This could be caused by many reasons including those susceptible to infections, diabetics, those with immune system disorders, or even just poor hygiene or nutrition.

Some people find that homeopathic remedies can help reduce the frequency and healing time. Click here if you're interested in learning more and seeing pictures of boils.

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