Use a fresh compress each time to prevent any contamination. Always use warm water instead of hot—you don’t want to burn yourself! The warm compress boosts circulation around the boil, which directs more white blood cells to the area. This helps the boil to come to a head, rupture, and drain more quickly. [2] X Research source This remedy works for all types of boils, including ones on your groin and buttocks. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Try not to rub the boil too much as you wash and dry the infected skin. Always use antibacterial soap to clean your boil. [5] X Research source

Replace the bandage as soon as you can if it gets wet. [8] X Research source Sterile gauze is a great bandage for boils, as it helps the wound continue to drain. [9] X Research source

Acetaminophen: Take 325 mg to 1 g every 4 hours (up to 4 g per day) [11] X Research source Ibuprofen: Take 200-400 mg every 4 hours (up to 1200 mg per day)[12] X Research source

If you’re ever tempted to pop your boil, apply a warm compress instead.

Your doctor will bandage the drained boil for you and will tell you how to replace the dressings over the next few days and weeks. [15] X Research source

Your doctor might also recommend antibiotics if a second infection develops besides the original boil (like cellulitis), or if the boil in question forms on your face. Be sure to take all of the antibiotics your doctor prescribes, even if they start working early on.

Your skin might feel a little dry after you hop out of the shower, so feel free to apply some moisturizer.

Boils can form anywhere on your skin, but they’re most likely to develop on your face, armpits, thighs, buttocks, and along the back of your neck. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source People with diabetes, anemia, eczema, or a compromised immune system have a greater chance of developing boils. [20] X Research source

Boils may feel itchy or extra sensitive when they’re first starting to form. [23] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Especially large boils might feel spongy on the surface—this is a sign that your doctor needs to manually drain the boil. Call your doctor right away if you come down with a fever while your boil is developing/healing. Let your doctor know if you have diabetes, anemia, eczema, or a compromised immune system—these are all risk factors that boost your chances of developing boils. [25] X Research source

For extra protection, use your own towels and clothes instead of sharing with others.

If you have any children at home, remind them not to pick their noses since a lot of staph bacteria hangs out there.

You can also rub a little bit of antibiotic ointment in your nose. Staph bacteria often pops up there, and an antibiotic ointment can help clear it away. [31] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source

It takes at least 2 weeks to treat and heal from carbuncles, typically with the help of your doctor.