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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For A Boil?

Hi, I m a teenager and I can t tell if I have a boil or a pimple. It appeared yesterday and is infected. I ve been treating it by cleaning it, using hydrogen peroxide, then applying neosporin after I ve cleaned the hydrogen peroxide. I think it is getting better, but I need to know if I need to do something different.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Thu, 6 May 2021 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 15 Feb 2024 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi,

Well, a boil is an infection of the skin the can occur in an oil gland or hair follicle. It generally starts as an inflammation and gradually progresses into a red bump which can further have pus and gradually starts draining. It is commonly caused by bacteria that can invade the skin through any cut or graze or an infected opening and can reach oil gland or hair root.

You can wash it with anti-bacterial soap to reduce surface infection. You can do warm compresses over it to help it drain out pus soon. If it is already draining pus then cleaning with antibacterial ointment and clean with medicated rubbing alcohol.

You can continue to apply Antiseptic ointment over it and can also put a bandage if it is open. Do not lance it with a needle or anything and do not touch it again and again to avoid spread of infection. If the boil is draining you can clean it 2-3 times a day and then bandage it to heal it quickly.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora, Dentist
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What Is The Treatment For A Boil?

Hi, Well, a boil is an infection of the skin the can occur in an oil gland or hair follicle. It generally starts as an inflammation and gradually progresses into a red bump which can further have pus and gradually starts draining. It is commonly caused by bacteria that can invade the skin through any cut or graze or an infected opening and can reach oil gland or hair root. You can wash it with anti-bacterial soap to reduce surface infection. You can do warm compresses over it to help it drain out pus soon. If it is already draining pus then cleaning with antibacterial ointment and clean with medicated rubbing alcohol. You can continue to apply Antiseptic ointment over it and can also put a bandage if it is open. Do not lance it with a needle or anything and do not touch it again and again to avoid spread of infection. If the boil is draining you can clean it 2-3 times a day and then bandage it to heal it quickly. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Honey Arora, Dentist