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Advice on care for draining boil

how do you care for a draining boil? Do you keep it covered, should you use wound cleanser?
( 7 Jul 2006)

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Boils heal on their own after an initial period of itching and mild pain. Warm moist compresses encourage boils to drain, which speeds healing. Gently soak the area with a warm, moist cloth several times each day. Deep or large lesions may need to be drained surgically by a physician. Never squeeze a boil or attempt to meddle with it at home because this can spread the infection and make it worse.


Apply warm compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes, until the boil becomes soft. Once opened, the boil will drain pus for 2 or 3 days and then heal. Since the pus is infectious and contagious, the boil must be covered by a large 4 x 4 inch gauze bandage and tape. This bandage should be changed and the area washed with an antiseptic soap 3 times a day.


Some important reminders when you have a draining boil:

  • Meticulous hygiene is vital to prevent the spread of infection
  • Draining lesions should be cleaned frequently. The hands should be washed thoroughly after touching a boil
  • Do not re-use or share towels
  • Clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that contact infected areas should be washed in boiling water
  • Dressings should be changed frequently and discarded in a proper manner.

For more knowledge on boils, visit,
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Boils.html

answered by r k on 12 Dec 2006, 4:32:08

 

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