Boils, or skin abscesses, are an an infection deep in the skin. There are several types of boils, which can occur on the face, under the armpits, in the groin area, and in the crease of the buttocks. Usually boils form due to clogged sweat glands or infected hair follicles, but tears or breaks in the skin can become infected and cause boils as well. A depressed immune system can also cause boils as the skin is a way for toxins to be eliminated from the body. Numerous natural cures for boils exist, including the use of lemon. Lemon's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties may make it an effective treatment for boils.
Measure 2 cups of water and pour into a pot. Bring water to a boil.
Measure 2 tbsp. of lemon juice and add it to the boiling water.
Soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Clean and disinfect the boils with the cotton ball. The boils should go down considerably if not disappear altogether.
Tip
Other effective natural boil treatments include the use of tea tree oil, honey, castor oil and Epsom salts. Apply tea tree oil directly on boils after bathing. Warm honey or castor oil applied to boils and covered with a gauze bandage may also help. Soaking in Epsom salts may help the body rid itself of boils---Epsom salts draw out impurities through the skin. However, do not stay in the bath longer than 15 or 20 minutes, as Epsom salts can be dehydrating.
Warning
Seek medical attention if your boils worsen, have not gone down after two weeks, or keep coming back. Red lines forming around the boils may mean the infection has gotten into the bloodstream. Do not attempt to pop or lance boils.
References
Writer Bio
Kent Page McGroarty has worked as a writer since 2006, contributing numerous articles to various websites. She is a frequent contributor to the health and fitness sections of the online magazine EDGE Publications and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Joseph's University.