How to Pop a Boil

Observation. The natural immune system of most people is strong enough to handle basic skin infections like boils. Therefore, boils often heal on their own within a few weeks, although you may experience itching and throbbing pain in the early stages. Boils can become increasingly painful over time due to the pressure of accumulated pus, but they may rupture on their own after a few weeks and then heal quickly.

• If you allow the boil to rupture naturally after a few weeks, prepare antibiotic wipes and clean tissues for use when needed.
• If you have a boil on your face, maintain hygiene and avoid applying heavy makeup or covering it. Facial boils can be embarrassing, but it’s best to keep the area dry and let your immune system heal it.

Apply Warm Compress. Use a warm towel or heating pad to apply heat to the boil, which helps it rupture and drain. The warmth causes blood vessels under the skin to expand, improving blood and lymph circulation. The heat also soothes pain, although it may cause localized skin inflammation. Soak a clean cloth in water and microwave it for 30 to 45 seconds. Apply the warm compress to the affected area several times a day (about 20 minutes each time) until the boil drains and shrinks.

• Remember to wash and rinse the cloth thoroughly to avoid bacterial contamination, though microwaving the cloth can also kill bacteria.
• Ensure the cloth from the microwave is not too hot to avoid burning the skin and worsening the condition.

Use Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic/antiseptic often used to treat skin infections—it is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Tea tree oil helps heal boils due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, though its ability to penetrate the skin is not fully understood. It is also useful in preventing bacterial growth when the boil ruptures. Use a clean cotton swab, dip it in tea tree oil, and gently apply it to the boil 3 to 5 times daily. Avoid contact with the eyes, as it can cause stinging.

• Tea tree oil may cause allergic reactions in some people (though rare), so stop using it if you notice irritation or swelling around the boil.
• Other natural antibiotics with similar effectiveness include olive leaf extract, oregano oil, lavender, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and iodine solution.

Dry the Boil. When the boil ruptures, gently press the edges with a clean tissue to drain it. Do not be surprised if you see pus and blood oozing out—larger boils may release more pus and blood. Absorb the blood and pus, discard the tissue, and then clean the area thoroughly with an antiseptic wipe. Boils themselves are not contagious, but the bacteria inside them are.

• The boil may continue to drain for a few hours, so apply some antibiotic cream or lotion and cover it with a bandage overnight.
• Keeping the boil exposed helps it heal faster, but avoid prolonged sun exposure, as it can burn the damaged skin and cause discoloration for weeks or months.
• Continue applying warm compresses for a few days after the boil ruptures to ensure all internal fluid drains out. Always use a clean compress.

When to See a Doctor. Most boils are caused by ingrown hairs or dirt on the skin. For individuals with healthy immune systems, boils typically disappear and fade within a few weeks. However, if the boil does not improve after a few weeks (or recurs) and is accompanied by pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever/chills, and/or loss of taste, consult a doctor for evaluation. You should also seek medical attention if the boil is large (over 5 cm in diameter).

• Boils are generally not considered serious, but more severe conditions with similar symptoms include skin cancer, allergic reactions, insect stings, abscesses in diabetic patients, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), herpes, and chickenpox.
• Regular application of antibiotic creams (Neosporin, Bacitracin, Polysporin) to boils is often ineffective, as they do not penetrate deeply enough to kill bacteria.

Consult a Doctor About Draining the Boil. If the doctor confirms it is a boil and not a symptom of something more serious, they may recommend draining it if the condition persists for more than a few weeks or if the boil is large and painful. Draining a boil is a simple procedure where the doctor applies a local anesthetic, makes a small incision on the boil's head to allow pus to drain, and then covers it with a bandage. They will also provide instructions for home care. Having a doctor drain the boil is safer than attempting it at home.

• In some cases, the infection may be too widespread or deep to drain completely, requiring sterile gauze to absorb the remaining pus.
• Depending on the size of the boil, draining it may leave a small scar. This is particularly concerning for facial boils, so consult your doctor before proceeding.

Use Antibiotics Only When Prescribed. Antibiotics are rarely used to treat boils, though a doctor may prescribe them if the boil is severely infected or recurrent. For individuals with multiple or recurring boils, oral antibiotics may be prescribed for 10 to 14 days. In severe cases, two types of antibiotics may be combined with a strong antibiotic ointment for topical application throughout the day.

• Overuse of antibiotics over decades has led to life-threatening bacterial resistance. If you develop boils or other infections while hospitalized for another condition, inform your doctor or nurse immediately.
• Side effects of antibiotics include killing "good" gut bacteria, leading to indigestion, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Allergic reactions, rashes, and difficulty breathing are also associated with antibiotic use.

• Wash your hands before and after handling a boil at home. This reduces the risk of spreading bacteria.
• Poor nutrition, inadequate hygiene, reactions to harsh chemicals, diabetes, and a weakened immune system make the body more prone to boils.
• If you have a boil or another skin infection, avoid sharing towels, razors, and clothing with others.

• If you suffer from digestive disorders, rapid heart rate, diabetes, or take medications that weaken the immune system, such as corticosteroids, you should seek medical treatment for boils as soon as possible.
• Consult a doctor or dermatologist if the boil is extremely painful, lasts longer than a few weeks, or is accompanied by a fever.
• Avoid squeezing or popping the boil yourself (especially if inexperienced), as this can cause irritation and bacterial infection.