CLINICAL TIPS ON BOILS AND ABSCESS

Boils are usually caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus (staph). This germ can be present
on normal skin and usually do not cause a problem. However, staph may cause infection when it
enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin or by traveling down a hair to the follicle. Some
staph infections develop into abscesses and can become serious.
In recent years, a certain type of staph called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or
MRSA has become a more likely cause of more serious infections. These skin infections are
contagious when the infected area is open and drainage is present. People who carry the bacteria
in their noses and throats and on their skin may pass the bacteria on to others. However, for an
infection to occur, the bacteria must get through a break in the skin.

Boils occurs frequently in uncontrolled diabetes, patients with malnutrition or on prolonged

steroid therapy and those with poor personal hygiene. Recurrent boils are common in children
with malnutrition. Eczema is a risk factor for MSRA. Some of the homoeopathic remedies found
useful are:

1. ARNICA:
Tendency to small, painful boils one after another, extremely sore. Abscesses
that do not mature. Boils with symmetrical distribution.

Putrid phenomena. Septic conditions; prophylactic of pus infection.

Fears touch, or the approach of anyone.

2. BELLADONNA :
Boils- throbbing and burning pain, scarlet red, radiating heat, < from least
touch.
Used before formation of pus

Associated with hot, red skin, flushed face, glaring eyes, throbbing carotids,
excited mental state, hyper aesthesia of all senses, restless sleep, dryness of
mouth and throat with aversion to water.
3. CALCAREA SULPH

Suppurative processes come within the range of this remedy, after pus has
found a vent. Discharges are yellow, thick and lumpy.

4. CALENDULA :
 Useful for open wound after rupture of abscess and boils to promote healthy
granulations with least amount of suppuration, Slough and proud flesh.
Locally aqueous calendula may be used for open ulcers.

5. ECHINACEA: Recurring boils, Carbuncles, Irritations from insect bites and poisonous plants,
Lymphatics enlarged, Old tibial ulcers, Gangrene. It breaks the boil habit.

6. HEPAR SULPH :
Sensitive lesions with splinter like pains.
The tendency to suppuration is most marked, the lesions spread by the formation of
small papules around the side of the old lesion. Extremely sensitive to touch, pain
relieved by warmth.
It opens the abscess and hastens to cure.
7. LACHESIS :
Dark bluish, purple appearance of boils.
Intense pain worse when going to sleep or after sleep, from warmth.

8. MERC SOL :
Vesicular and pustular eruptions, Ulcers, irregular in shape, edges undefined, Pimples
around the main eruption.
Slow developing , constantly moist, vesicular-pustular lesions with yellowish brown
crusts, considerable suppurations and equally sensitive to heat and cold.

Excessive odorous viscid perspiration; worse, night, General tendency to free

perspiration, but patient is not relieved by it

9. MYRISTICA SEBIFERA:
Hastens suppuration & shortens its duration.
Inflammation of skin, cellular tissue and periosteum. Specific action in panaritium.
Often does away with use of the knife. Acts more powerfully often than Hepar Sulphur
or Silicea.

10. SILICEA :
Boils and abscess- offensive pus, fistulous opening; better by warmth application.

Ailments attended with pus formation, Pus offensive. Felons, abscesses, boils, old
fistulous ulcers. Suppuration of long standing duration.

Every little injury suppurates. Ripens abscesses since it promotes suppuration.

Silica patient is cold, chilly, hugs the fire, wants plenty warm clothing, hates drafts,
hands and feet cold, worse in winter. Patient prefers to cover the lesions and are averse
to cold air.
 Promotes expulsion of foreign bodies from tissues.

11. STAPHYLOCOCCIN :
Recurrent staphylococcal infections like boil, abscess; especially with lots of pus
formations.

12. TARENTULA CUBENSIS:

Atrocious burning pain makes the patient very restless, affected parts bluish in color,
pain relieved after listening to music.

Along with medication, patient should follow a good hygiene and cover lesions if draining to
avoid spreading of infection.

Contributed by Dr Ram Kumar, Dr Pradip Kumar Roy, Dr Sanjeev Aggarwal and Dr Anjali Miglani.
Compiled by Dr Anjali Miglani