What are the treatment options for boils and carbuncles?
Self-care techniques In most cases, a boil can be treated successfully at home. One of the best ways to speed up the healing process is to apply a warm facecloth to the boil for ten minutes, three or four times a day. The heat increases the amount of blood circulating around the boil, which means more infection-fighting white blood cells are sent there. After touching the boil, wash hands thoroughly using hot water and soap. This will help to prevent spreading any bacteria to other parts of the body, or to other people. Proper hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of infection. Hands should always be washed thoroughly, preferably with antibacterial soap, after touching a boil or a carbuncle. Washcloths and towels should not be shared or reused. Clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that contact infected areas should be washed in very hot (preferably boiling) water. Bandages should be changed frequently and thrown away in a tightly-closed bag. If boils or car
