Dear Plagued,

A boil is an inflamed, pus-filled area of the skin usually caused by a bacterial infection. Boils commonly appear as infected hair follicles, and are usually found on the back of the neck and in the armpit, groin, and other moist areas. A boil appears initially as a red, painful lump which eventually swells, fills with pus, and has a yellowish tip. Boils may recur in people with limited resistance to bacterial infection or in people with diabetes.

To treat your boil, begin by applying hot compresses on the affected area to reduce discomfort and promote healing. If the boil is large or painful, a doctor might prescribe an antibiotic or may open up the boil with a sterile needle to drain the pus from the site. You should avoid bursting a boil on your own as this could spread the infection. No direct connection exists between mineral or vitamin deficiency and the etiology of boils; however, having an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals does keep your vital body functions in good working order, promoting a stronger immune system to fight bacterial infections. Check with your health care provider about the boil and see which manner of treatment s/he recommends for your recurring dilemma. If you're at Columbia, call the health service at x4-2284 for an appointment.

Alice

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