Boils

[forestrymom]

This is sooo embarrassing, but I have a serious problem. I occasionally get boils in my armpits and in my crotch, on my leg/butt. I have had to go to the doctor before, to have them lanced, but I want to prevent it. I was using an oily soap, and my doctor thought that might be causing it. I haven't had one in a LONG time, but I have one again and I haven't been using oily soap (Burt's Bees is what I've been using). It is so incredibly painful, and I would love to know what to do now (to "fix" this one) and what I can do in the future to prevent.

[CarolynnMarilynn]

You can sometimes bring them to a head by using a very hot water compress a few times a day. You might need to slough those areas when washes to keep the pores cleaned out. I've had boils - they are nasty!

[Jannah6]

I too am a boil sufferer. When I was pregnant someone on this board making an onion pultice and applying it to the area, it did help some. The hot compresses also help a little.

The boils in my crotch are overwhelming because I have the extra flappy stomach left over from my pregnancies. So, I constantly perspire and thereis no room for my area to breath. Plus I suffer from ingrown hairs. Sweaty and ingrown hairs, that's a boils heaven. I did find an all natural remedy online, but they don't suggest taking it while nursing or pregnant. It's a little expensive, but I'm willing to try it once I finish nursing.

BTW, I find that shaving (when I can), makes the boils worse.

[forestrymom]

Should I go back to the doctor for this one? I worry about infection.

[Jannah6]

Have you gotten an infection before? If you'd feel better having it lanced, than yes have it lanced.

[Dovesong]

Sounds painful. The following essential oils are recommended: bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, galbanum, lavender, lemon, leomongrass, melaleuca, ravensara, and Roman chamomile. In the areas you mentioned, I would start with lavender, clary sage, or frankincense. And I would use very high quality oils.