Boils -- Homeopathic Remedies - [Alternative Medicine]

Carbuncle -- Homeopathic Remedies, Furuncle -- Homeopathic Remedies, Skin (Boils) -- Homeopathic Remedies

A boil is an inflamed, hard, tender, infected lump or pocket that forms in the skin or underlying tissue. Bacteria that are present on healthy skin are usually involved-which means a person with boils has low resistance to infection. Homeopathic remedies can be useful for reducing the discomfort and promoting healing. If infection is severe or spreads, the person should seek a doctor's care.

Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, can contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathic Options

This remedy is useful for deeply infected boils with intensely burning pain and offensive discharge. Warmth and hot applications usually are soothing. The person may feel exhausted and ill, yet anxiety and discomfort also make them restless.

This remedy is often indicated in early stages of inflammation, before much pus has formed. The area is red, hot, throbbing, and tender, often with intense or stabbing pains. Jarring or touch may increase discomfort. The person may also feel excitable or feverish.

This remedy is often helpful as a topical application for boils and infected sores. It can be used in herbal form or in low dilution as a tincture, ointment, or compress. Taken internally, Calendula can help the body overcome infection.

This well-known herb is often used to help the immune system overcome infection. In homeopathic form, it sometimes helps a person with recurring boils. People who need this remedy typically feel sickly, lethargic, achy, and chilly.

When a boil is extremely tender and sensitive to touch, this remedy can be helpful. A splinter-like sticking pain is often felt. The boil may produce deep pockets of offensive pus or be slow to heal. This remedy is also indicated when boils seem to be spreading. A person who needs this remedy usually is vulnerable and touchy, with extreme sensitivity to cold.

This remedy is indicated when boils are very sensitive with advanced development of pus. The person may have moist or greasy-looking skin, with swollen lymph nodes and offensive breath, and be very sensitive to changes in temperature. Warmth may aggravate the pain.

Boils that form hard lumps and are slow to come to a head and slow to heal suggest a need for this remedy. If many boils form at once, or boils frequently recur, it is often very useful. People who need this remedy are sensitive and nervous, inclined toward colds and swollen glands, and easily fatigued.

This remedy may be indicated when a boil is sore and swollen with stinging, burning pain, and purplish or bluish discoloration of surrounding tissues. A person who needs this remedy may also have restless feet and difficulty sleeping.

Dosage

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.