A boil is a pus-filled, painful lump that forms under your skin when one or more of your hair follicles are irritated and inflamed by bacteria. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils under the skin that form a related area of infection.
In general, boils (furuncles) start as red, tender bumps. The bumps quickly fill with pus until they rupture and drain, becoming larger and more painful. The face, back of the neck, armpits, thighs and buttocks are the areas most likely to be affected.
Usually, at home, you should look after a single boil. But do not try to prick it or squeeze it, which may spread the infection.
Treat boils with essential oils:
Bathe the area with 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of thyme linalol diluted in a small bowl of hot water. If the inflammation is severe, add 1 drop of chamomile roman. Then put 1 drop of either undiluted lavender or undiluted chamomile roman directly onto the boil. If the boil has burst and is open, apply 1 drop each of lavender and thyme linalol around the boil. Alternatively, use 1 drop of thyme linalol combined with 1 drop of lemon and apply as above. Hot compresses can be applied to draw out the pus from a boil. Put 1 drop of thyme linalol and 1 drop of lavender onto a hot compress and apply twice a day. After the pus has been dispelled, apply a little of the following oil around the affected area, twice a day:
Basic boils blend:
| Lavender | 3 drops |
| Thyme linalol | 2 drops |
| Tea tree | 2 drops |
Blend together and then dilute by adding 4–5 drops to 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of aloe vera gel.
Other Essential Oils That Could Be Used to Treat This Condition: *chamomile german (Matricaria recutita), *oregano (Origanum vulgare), *frankincense (Boswellia carterii), *fragonia (Agonis fragrans)