Readers' health queries are answered by Dr Muiris Houston and herbalist Anna Naria Keaveney
Boils
I have a nasty boil under my arm. What is the best way to treat it?
Conventional remedy
Boils, or abscesses, are painful but for the most part easily treated and short-lived. Usually they appear as red lumps, pea-sized or larger, that eventually fill with pus. They often come to a head and burst, allowing the pus to drain away. Other times, they are reabsorbed by the surrounding tissue.
A boil usually becomes increasingly tender. There can be a throbbing sensation as the pus builds up inside the lump. A boil that develops in an awkward location, such as the armpit, can be very uncomfortable. A boil will develop when bacteria invade an opening in the skin, such as a hair follicle or a small cut. This can happen under the arm when shaving.
Try to keep the area around the boil clean and dry, and bandage it to prevent friction. To help bring the boil to a head, a warm, wet compress may help; use it for a few minutes several times a day. When the boil opens and drains, you should wash the area frequently and apply an antibiotic cream prescribed by your doctor to help prevent further infection.
The best way to prevent a recurrence is to wash frequently with an antibacterial soap and treat all skin irritations promptly. In some cases of deep infection, oral antibiotics may be required. Recurrent boils can be a sign of diabetes; if you have a problem with these, then you should see a doctor in order to be tested for diabetes mellitus.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy
Before considering any treatment, it is important to eliminate any underlying cause, such as diabetes, anaemia, kidney problems or additional infections, which should receive primary treatment.
Medical herbalists are trained to be aware of potential serious conditions and refer accordingly. Traditionally in herbal medicine, skin problems are seen as a wider disturbance of the body as a whole, with treatment directed from the inside out. The focus of herbal treatment is, first, to assess the general state of health, both physical and social. In the present case, particular attention is paid to assessing digestion, absorption and the immune system. This goes back to first principles: you are what you absorb from what you eat.
Echinacea, garlic and goldenseal - cautionary use for those with hypertension - can help to boost the immune system and fight infection. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antibiotic action. Goldenseal has been shown to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria found in boils. Centaury, dandelion root or meadowsweet can aid digestion and help prevent recurrence by improving the general state of health. Topically, a hot poultice of slippery elm and marsh mallow, preferably in powder form, can help to bring the boil to a head and help to discharge its contents. A drop or two of myrrh can be added to water to help keep the area clean.
Anna-Maria Keaveney BSc
Anna-Maria Keaveney is a qualified medical herbalist based in west Dublin and a member of the Irish Association of Medical Herbalists (01-6281362)
The advice in this column is not intended as a substitute for advice received directly from a medical doctor or alternative practitioner. You should receive a thorough diagnosis before embarking on treatment
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