Q&A for How to Treat Boils at Home

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to cure boils at home?

Lisa Bryant, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

Lisa Bryant, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Physician

Expert Answer

I do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide for boils since they kill off all bacteria (including good bacteria) and can slow healing time by causing damage to surrounding tissue. I would try the treatments described in this article instead.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

How can I get instant relief from a boil in my armpit?

Lisa Bryant, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

Lisa Bryant, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Physician

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, instant relief is very hard to achieve. You might try an ice pack for pain, although a warm compress will allow the boil to drain faster. Your doctor may be able to provide a topical lidocaine pain ointment or check your local pharmacy for over-the-counter options.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

How do I get rid of a boil without a head? What do I do if it's not popping?

Lisa Bryant, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

Lisa Bryant, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Physician

Expert Answer

If you are using the treatments described in this article and the boil is not draining after 2 weeks, see your doctor for other treatment options.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

Will antibiotics heal a boil?

Lisa Bryant, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

Lisa Bryant, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Physician

Expert Answer

It depends on the bacteria and if there is any potential resistance. In my experience, I have found both oral and topical antibiotics to be helpful in treatment of boils.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1