Using Epsom Salt to Treat Painful Boils - Home Remedies

Using Epsom Salt to Help Treat and Soothe Boils

Boils are painful, pus-filled bumps that develop under the skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more hair follicles. The infection causes a tender, swollen red lump that fills with pus until it ruptures and drains. Epsom salt is an inexpensive, versatile home remedy that can help draw out the infection and soothe irritation when you have a boil.

What Causes Boils?

Boils are typically caused by the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, which normally lives on the skin's surface without causing issues. However, when it enters a hair follicle through a cut or pore, it can multiply and cause an infection. Boils most often develop in areas with:

• Lots of friction and sweating, like the armpits, face, neck, buttocks, and thighs
• Skin-to-skin contact and coarse hairs, like the groin and buttocks
• Cuts from shaving, ingrown hairs, or skin conditions like acne

You're more prone to boils if you have:

• Poor hygiene
• Skin damage from harsh chemicals or friction
• A weakened immune system
• Diabetes, poor nutrition, or obesity
• Exposure to staph bacteria
• A chronic skin condition like eczema or psoriasis

Epsom Salt Benefits for Boils

Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate. It has been used medicinally for centuries to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and draw out infections. Research shows Epsom salt offers a number of benefits that can aid in healing boils:

• Reduces swelling and pain: The magnesium in Epsom salt helps relax muscles, calm inflammation, and decrease soreness.
• Draws out infection: Its osmotic properties pull fluid from the skin, helping open and drain boils.
• Cleanses skin: It exfoliates dead cells, dirt, and bacteria when used on the skin surface.
• Soothes irritation: The anti-inflammatory effects of Epsom salt decrease redness and itchiness.
• Aids healing: It improves blood flow and provides sulfur to regenerate skin cells and form connective tissues.

How to Use Epsom Salt for Boils

There are several ways you can utilize Epsom salt at home to help treat boils:

Epsom Salt Bath

Adding Epsom salt to a warm bath can help draw out pus and fluid from a boil while also soothing irritation. To use:

• Add 1-2 cups Epsom salt to a full bathtub and stir to dissolve.
• Soak for at least 15 minutes to allow the Epsom salt to work.
• If the boil has come to a head, very gently dab it with a warm towel to encourage drainage after your bath.
• Take Epsom salt baths 2-3 times a day until the boil opens and improves.

Epsom Salt Compress

You can also make a hot compress with Epsom salt to spot treat boils. This helps draw out infection and pus.

• Mix 2 tablespoons Epsom salt with 1 cup hot water until dissolved.
• Soak a clean washcloth in the solution, wring out excess liquid, and place it on the boil for 10-20 minutes.
• Reheat the cloth and reapply 2-3 times per day to bring the boil to a head.

Epsom Salt Paste

For another targeted treatment, an Epsom salt paste can help shrink the size of boils and soften the skin around them:

• Combine 2 tablespoons Epsom salt with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
• Using clean hands, gently apply the paste directly to the boil, covering it completely.
• Leave the paste on for at least 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
• Apply 2-3 times per day until the boil opens and drains fully.

When to See a Doctor for Boils

While Epsom salt can help manage early boil symptoms at home, its important to see a doctor if you experience:

• A very painful, growing boil
• Redness and swelling spreading from the boil
• Fevers, chills, or fatigue along with the boil
• Multiple boils recurring in the same areas
• Immune system conditions that increase infection risk
• A boil that does not improve with home treatment

A doctor can diagnose the cause of boils, provide professional drainage and wound care, and prescribe antibiotic treatment if needed to clear infection.

Medical Procedures for Severe Boils

For serious boil cases, a doctor may recommend or perform:

Lancing

A sterile surgical tool is used to open and drain the boil's pus. This relieves pressure and infection.

Packing

An absorbent drain or gauze wick is temporarily placed into the boil cavity to keep it open for continued drainage.

Incision and Drainage

The boil and skin over it are numbed, then slit open for the pus to be fully evacuated. Antibiotics may be prescribed.

Corticosteroid Injections

Steroid medication is injected directly into some boils to rapidly reduce inflammation and pain.

Other Home Remedies That Can Help Treat Boils

In addition to Epsom salt, there are many natural remedies that can help relieve boils. Some options include:

Warm Compresses

Applying a warm, moist compress to the affected area 3-4 times a day can help draw out pus and bring the boil to a head faster.

Tea Tree Oil

Diluted tea tree oil applied to the boil 2-3 times daily has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight infection and swelling.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains the active component curcumin, which has been shown to reduce boil inflammation and swelling when applied topically.

Aloe Vera Gel

The cooling, soothing gel from aloe vera plants can be applied to boils several times a day to ease irritation and redness.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Dabbing raw, organic apple cider vinegar onto the boil can help draw out pus while killing staph bacteria.

Garlic

Garlic's antiviral and antiseptic properties may help combat boil-causing bacteria. Apply crushed garlic or oils to the boil.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Recurring Boils

While home treatments like Epsom salt can help resolve existing boils, certain lifestyle adjustments may help prevent chronic or recurring boils:

• Practice good hygiene with regular showering, cleaning skin properly, and keeping hands clean.
• Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have active boils or staph infections.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing that reduces friction and sweating in problem areas.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.