boils.....yuk!

[Dame Babs]

I was just wondering how other people deal with boils. I tend to get one or two on my butt when I'm stressed or generally unwell. It's extremely painful and I know that the GP can lance it, but OUCH! that sounds way too painful. I've tried having a really hot bath, to try to soften it up, but it is still very painful and I'm finding it hard to sit down without screaming. Once I've sat down I'm fine, getting up again is agony tho! Can anyone help me, I don't think I can stand up for much longer!!

[SaxyJag]

I've always sterilised a needle and lanced my own in the past, but I really shouldn't be recommending that.

Get the GP (or more usually, the practice nurse) to lance it. It'll be over and done with in a second and the relief will be immediate. GP may also be able to help you find ways of dealing with the stress so that this doesn't happen so much.

A quick cautionary tale: Friend of mine had a BotB and wouldn't get it lanced. It subsequently became infected and made her very ill, causing her to pass out and end up in casualty. Then she had to have time off work with visits from a nurse to pack the subsequent wound - about an inch in diameter. Took her the best part of a month to recover. Take heed!!!

[WendyS]

I believe I remember somebody saying that there is a lotion of some kind you can put on it to draw it out and bring it to a head. If you can't face getting it lanced (which is probably the best thing to have done) talk to your local pharmacist. They are usually pretty knowledgable about medications which are available. Assume you've tried a really hot compress with a sterilised face flannel or some similar cloth and water as hot as you can possibly bear it which can sometimes do the trick?

[Goodsoulette]

best go to doctors to check it isnt a pilonidal sinus. They can always give you antibiotics to clear up infection.

[curiosity]

Magnesium Sulphate paste is the oinment that draws a boil or carbunkle. I've only used it for a deep splinter and it worked really well. If it is an ingrown hair folicle, you may need it seeing by a Dr, as Saxyjag points out, I once ended up having an operation on the top inside of my thigh due to a "boil" which was actually an ingrown hair folicle and the wound needed packing daily for a few weeks, not very big in diametre, but horribly deep.

[nursecarla]

lancing is not as painful as it sounds :op

[tigilou]

I had one at the weekend wont tell you where lets just say i walked like a duck for a bit lol i put sudocrem on it can get it in boots its for nappy rashes etc. Probably find it in the kids bit it worked a treat

[Donna69]

I dont know how to post a question of my own. Can anyone help??