Boils

Boils are painful, red, pus-filled swellings that are formed in any part of the body. These are caused by a type of bacterium that lives silently on the surface of the skin.
People who suffer from eczema or any problem that affects the structure of the skin's surface are more prone or susceptible to boils or carbuncles.
Carbuncles are simply large boils or a collection of boils joined together.
Causes
Boils are basically caused by bacteria, (staphylococcus) which enter the sweat glands or hair follicles.
They are sometimes caused by blood impurities.
The boil first appears when the bacteria start to multiply under the skin and produce toxic chemicals, which inflame the surrounding area.
In an effort to combat these chemicals, more and more white blood cells rush to the spot of infection until a pocket of pus is formed in the skin.
This pocket becomes the centre of the boil.
Signs & Symptoms
Boils usually develop on the legs, arms and trunk. The first symptom is a small, red, painful area of skin, which may be slightly swollen.
As the pus starts to form, the centre becomes yellow and the pain and swelling increase.
Herbal Medicines
Dry ginger and asafoetida (i.e., sonth and hing) paste should be made by adding a small quantity of water. This paste should be applied over the areas of boils twice a day as an external measure.
Turmeric powder paste should be made by adding tulsi leaves' juice. This should be applied over the boils.
The same combination can also be taken internally. These are proven anti-bacterials as well as good blood purifiers.
Betel leaves: A leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft and then coated with a layer of pure castor oil. This processed betel leaf should be spread over the inflamed part. This should be repeated thrice a day. After a few applications, the boil will rupture.
The root of Shobanjan (Sehjana) and Devdaru crushed is mixed with kanji and made in the form of a paste. This when applied over the inflamed part gives immediate results. This is also called Shobanjanadi Lepam.
A paste of mustard seeds also produces results at its earliest.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kanchanara Guggulu is the suitable remedy, in doses of 2 pills twice a day.
Maha Manjista Quatham an oral liquid, 20ml of which when given with equal quantity of water twice a day, provides great relief.
Triphalachurna: 10gms of this powder should be added to 50ml of hot water and kept for some time. This should be taken at bedtime. This relieves constipation, and makes bowel movements free.
Nityanand Ras 250mg mixed with a bit of honey can be given thrice a day.
Kaishora Guggulu in the dose of 1 to 2 pills 2 to 3 times daily is useful.
Shatavari Ghritam 5 to 10ml with milk given twice daily is a good remedy for boils.
Skinelle tablets (Charak) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily for 7 to 10 days can cure the boils.
Charmardadi Tailam is useful for external use.