Does Epsom Salt Help Boils? Benefits, Uses, Precautions

What Are Boils?

Boils, also known as skin abscesses, are localized infections deep in the skin. They begin as reddened, tender areas which then become hard, painful lumps as pus collects under the skin. The most common places for boils to appear are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks.

Boils are caused by a bacterial infection, most often with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skins surface, but if they get into a tiny cut or scrape they can multiply rapidly and penetrate deep into the skin. This leads to a buildup of pus and dead tissue that presses on nerves, causing pain.

Boils can last up to 2 or 3 weeks if left untreated. Some will drain and heal on their own, while others will need to be drained surgically by a doctor so the bacteria do not spread and cause more boils. Treatment aims to alleviate pain and discomfort while eliminating the infection.

Using Epsom Salt for Boils

Epsom salt is a naturally occurring pure mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate. It is readily available at pharmacies and health stores. Epsom salt has been used traditionally as a home remedy for boils and abscesses.

Research shows magnesium sulfate does have properties that make it useful for treating boils in the following ways:

1. Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Magnesium has been shown in studies to have an anti-inflammatory effect. The magnesium ions interact with receptors that reduce inflammatory markers and prostaglandins that cause swelling and pain.

By drawing out excess fluid from the inflamed area, Epsom salt can help reduce pressure, discomfort, and redness around a boil.

2. Has Antimicrobial Properties

Salt and magnesium both have natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Epsom salt solutions may help kill off infectious bacteria at the surface of a boil when applied topically.

3. Helps Draw Out Pus and Debris

The osmotic effect of Epsom salt its ability to draw water across a barrier can help draw out pus, fluids, and debris from underneath the blocked skin when used in a compress or soak.

This helps speed the healing process and improves recovery time. However, Epsom salt should not be used to drain or lance a boil at home.

4. Soothes and Softens Skin

Epsom salt soaks soften and hydrate the skin while reducing soreness. This makes boils more tolerable and comfortable as they heal while decreasing the chance of new lesions developing in the inflamed area.

Is Epsom Salt an Effective Home Remedy for Boils?

Epsom salt can be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional antibiotics and lancing prescribed by your doctor. It provides an inexpensive, low risk option that may enhance your healing process.

However, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that Epsom salt alone can cure a boil or skin abscess. More research is still needed.

It is thought to improve outcome and speed recovery when combined with other best practices under medical care. But it should not replace medical treatment for boils.

Benefits of Using Epsom Salt for Boils May Include:

• Reducing swelling, inflammation, and tenderness
• Easing soreness and discomfort
• Helping draw pus and debris from the skin
• Killing off surface bacteria in the infected area
• Improving healing and recovery time
• Preventing new lesions from forming
• Softening and soothing the skin

How to Use Epsom Salt for Boils

There are a few ways you can use Epsom salts to help treat boils at home. These include:

Epsom Salt Soaks

Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to rinse the skin clean afterwards. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

Warm Compresses

Dissolve 2 tablespoons Epsom salt in 1 quart warm water. Soak a clean washcloth in the solution and apply to the boil for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times a day. Reheat the cloth and solution when it cools down.

Epsom Salt Paste

Mix 2 tablespoons Epsom salt with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply directly to the boil, cover with gauze, and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

Precautions When Using Epsom Salts for Boils

While generally safe and well tolerated, there are some precautions to keep in mind when using Epsom salts:

• Avoid ingesting Epsom salt. It is for external use only.
• Do not apply to open wounds or broken skin.
• Rinse skin clean after use.
• Be careful using Epsom salt around eyes and mucous membranes.
• Stop use if skin becomes irritated or excessively dry.
• See your doctor if symptoms worsen or fail to improve within a few days.
• Do not attempt to drain the boil at home.
• Continue taking any antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

When to See Your Doctor

See your doctor promptly if:

• Boils do not improve after 2-5 days of home treatment.
• The boil appears yellow or green.
• You develop a fever over 101 F (38.3 C).
• Redness and heat spreads from the boil.
• New boils or lesions appear.
• You experience dizziness, weakness, or confusion.

Large, extremely painful, or recurrent boils may need professional draining, antibiotics, or other prescription medications. Do not try to pop or drain a boil on your own.

Other Home Remedies for Boils

In addition to Epsom salt soaks, other natural treatments may help boils:

Warm Compresses

Apply a warm, moist compress to the boil 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes to bring the infection to a head and draw out pus.

Tea Tree Oil

Dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil or olive oil and dab onto the boil 2-3 times daily. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties.

Turmeric

Make a paste with turmeric powder and water and apply to the boil for 20 minutes before rinsing. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects.

Aloe Vera

Apply aloe vera gel directly to the boil several times per day. It soothes skin and may have antimicrobial effects.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and use it to soak a washcloth. Apply to the boil for 15 minutes 2-3 times a day. It may help balance skin pH to fight infection.

When Are Antibiotics Needed?

Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics if:

• You have a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other signs of infection.
• The boil is very large, painful, or recurrent.
• Home treatments do not help after several days.
• The infection spreads or you develop additional boils.
• You have a compromised immune system.
• The boil is located in the nose or another sensitive area.

Do not attempt to treat a severe or worsening boil at home without medical advice. Seek prompt antibiotic treatment if your boil is not improving with simple home remedies.

Preventing Boils

To help prevent future boils:

• Clean and cover any cuts, abrasions, or wounds.
• Treat conditions like eczema that compromise skin barrier.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors.
• Shower after sweaty activities.
• Keep the body generally clean.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing.
• Wash clothing, sheets, and towels frequently.
• Disinfect surfaces, gym equipment, etc.
• Do not pick, scratch or squeeze existing boils.

Proper hygiene and skin care can help reduce recurrent boils. Avoiding contact with infected surfaces or materials can prevent spread to other areas.

When to See a Doctor for Boils

You should make an appointment with your doctor if:

• A boil does not improve after 2-3 days of home treatment.
• The boil grows larger or more painful.
• Redness, swelling, and heat spreads from the boil.
• You develop a fever over 101F (38C).
• New boils appear frequently or in clusters.
• The boil interferes with daily activities.
• You have signs of infection like fever, chills, fatigue.
• You have diabetes or a condition that suppresses immunity.

Do not try to pop, poke, squeeze, or drain a severe boil at home. Your doctor can numb the area, lance the boil, and prescribe antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. Prompt medical treatment can prevent complications.

See your doctor immediately if:

• You experience confusion, weakness, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• The boil or redness spreads widely.
• You develop a high fever.
• Your immune system is compromised by medication or illness.
• The boil is near the spine, genitals, or face.

Rare, severe complications like blood infections, meningitis, gangrene, or sepsis require emergency care. Call 911 or have someone drive you to emergency medical help if you have severe symptoms.

Conclusion

Epsom salt may be a beneficial complementary home remedy when treating boils. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and osmotic properties can help reduce pain, draw out pus, and speed healing.

However, Epsom salt soaks, compresses, or pastes should not replace medical treatment. See your doctor if boils last more than 2-3 days, worsen, or come back frequently.

With a combination of home remedies like Epsom salt and prescription antibiotics, most small, localized boils can be managed successfully. Proper wound care and hygiene helps prevent recurring infections.

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.