If you have an unsightly and bothersome boil, you should know that boils are relatively harmless and can be easily treated at home. A good way to treat a boil, or furuncle, is with an egg yolk remedy. The inflamed, swollen area of skin infected with staphylococcus bacteria should respond well to this method.
How It Works
Boils begin as small red bumps but expand rapidly, filling with fluids and forming a “core” beneath the skin. It is the formation of this core that causes discomfort. Egg yolks contain a number of compounds, but are primarily composed of albumin. When applied directly to your skin, albumin causes the pores to constrict, tightening your skin and helping to draw the core of the boil toward the surface where it can be readily removed. To use this remedy, crack an egg and separate the yolk and the white. Beat the yolk with a fork for 30 seconds or until smooth. Dip a cotton swab into the beaten yolk and then apply the swab to the boil, spreading the yolk evenly over the affected area. Wait 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. For the best results, apply at least two times each day.
Extras
To bolster the effectiveness of the yolk, there are a few other ingredients you can consider mixing in. For example, you can add one teaspoon of salt to the yolk. Not only will the salt's abrasiveness help remove damaged skin cells, the salt creates an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth, helping to clear up the infection. A similar effect can be created by adding cornmeal and honey to the yolk. Mix ½ cup of cornmeal with enough boiling water to create a thick paste. Add the beaten egg yolk and stir until well blended. Then mix in one teaspoon of honey and apply to the boil. The cornmeal exfoliates and contains absorptive compounds that help draw off the fluid from the boil. Honey is a natural antibacterial and contains enzymes that stimulate new skin growth. Once the paste has been applied to the boil, cover it with a piece of sterile gauze. Repeat the application every two hours or until the boil begins to drain.
Warning
These treatments are intended for single boils. Boils that form in a large group are known as carbuncles and should be treated by a medical professional as they generally require prescription antibiotics to clear up. Also, if your boil does not show signs of improvement after five days of home care or appears to worsen at any point, please consult a health care professional.