The boil is a skin infection that begins in an oil gland or hair follicle. A skin spot begins with the irritation that turns red, then a tender lump appears with the pus in the middle. Boils are highly contagious and they appear along with the fever mostly. Most boils are caused by staphylococcal bacteria that enter the body through tiny cuts and nicks. The boils may appear on the armpits, face, shoulders, neck and buttocks normally.

Normally, treatment of the boils is done by draining out pus from the lumps and taking anti-biotics. Applying some topical ointment on the boil is usually done by people. There are more quick result fetching methods through effective home remedies that can provide an early relief to the boils.
15 Ways to Get Rid of Boils Overnight
1. Onions
Onion has immense properties that heal pain and effects early cure of the boil. It contains 25 active compounds including potassium, essential oils, salts and flavonoids which have antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and analgesic properties which effectively prevent boils. Red onions, in particular, detoxify, disinfect wounds, and relieve skin inflammation. Onions regulate blood circulation and force pus to come out to ooze from the boils.
How to use it
- Cut thin slice of onion and put it on the infected area and tie it up
- Let it be there for 3-4 hours then change with a fresh onion slice. Repeat it for few days.
- Repeat for 3-4 times in a day.
- Another way is to put some onion slices in water and boil it to half
- Apply this residual after it becomes normal in temperature, to rinse the boil.
2. Garlic
The usage of garlic is prevalent for food as well as medicinal purposes. Garlic has high deposits of sulfur compounds such as allicin and ajoene, that’s helpful in curing boils. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties that make it one of the best home remedies for treating boils. Increase garlic quantity in your daily diet for added results.
How to use it
- Apply its paste on the affected portion; you can also add few drops of olive oil to get a paste consistency.
- After applying a layer, cover it with some gauze or medical tape, so it gives full benefit to the suffering boil.
- Leave it for 2-3 hours, then change the garlic paste, apply for 3-4 times in a day, till the boil bursts and cured.
- For added benefits, take fresh garlic internally, raw or along with the diet supplement.
3. Warm Water Compresses
Warm water is the first thing that should be tried on boils for reducing pain and preparing the pus to ooze out soon.
How to do it
- Take warm water and soak compress and apply on the boils with soft hands. Idea is to draw out the pus fast and provide relief from itchiness and pain.
- Once the boil gets whiter in color it means it is ready to burst, the soaking helps to achieve that stage fast.
- When it begins to ooze out use antibacterial soap to wash off the pus and then apply alcohol by rubbing or any topical antibiotic ointment.
- Continue to wash till it loses its intensity and pus.
- Do not pop or needle the boil, the infection can get worse.
Read: How to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast
4. Neem
Neem is antibiotic and anti-fungal in properties; it’s an ancient Ayurvedic treatment for most of the skin ailments. Its oil is one handy way to reap its benefits. It can be safely and effectively applied on the boil-affected area. It can provide relief from itch, irritation, and pain. It helps to draw out pus on top, thus speeding up its recovery.
How to use it
- The paste made with grinding neem leaves with water is also very effective, if applied thrice a day on the affected part.
- Dab neem oil on the boil 3-4 times a day
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has all round health properties, as it is rich in acetic, citric and malic acids, vitamins, enzymes, mineral salts and various amino acids. It’s an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal tonic, the potent remedy for the skin ailments. In the case of boils, ACV is effective to the boot, and it should be among the first of the home remedies one should look for.
How to use it
- Try using diluted ACV first. Warm the ACV first to about lukewarm temperature, then take a gauze or cotton ball and soak it with the ACV warm liquid.
- Apply that on the boil and let it absorb for some time.
- Do it thrice a day for helping the boil to ooze out fast. This has a tremendous effect, will be noticeable within a few days.
- When the pus is cleared off, mix apple cider vinegar with equal amount of honey and apply the cloth dipped with the mix on the infected spot. Twice a day will suffice, the spot will go away soon.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric has inherent antibiotic properties that are found to be very impressive in curing skin ailments such as Boil. The studies have found turmeric to be useful in most of the ailments. It contains volatile oil containing anti-inflammatory properties which effectively treats boils. It helps boils to ripen fast and subside. Turmeric is a spice obtained from the Curcuma longa roots and used by Indian and Chinese medicinal systems to treat skin issues. It’s the essential part of Indian food, especially curries. Turmeric is one of the best remedies to treat boils.
How to use it
- Mix turmeric powder with water and make a paste, apply this paste with help of gauze on the infected area.
- Cover it with a bandage or tape for 30 minutes, then rinse it with water, repeat few times a day for best results. You can mix with the curd too for making the paste.
- Mix half spoon of turmeric with warm milk and drink, it will heal from inside, because of its antibiotic properties.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, extracted from tea tree, Melaleuca Alternifolia contains antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that help cure boils effectively. Traditionally used for various hair and skin diseases like psoriasis, ringworm, and dry or itchy scalp, it is found to be very helpful in treating boils.
How to use it
- Wash the boil area with medicated soap and warm water
- Use a cotton ball with few drops of tea tree oil and apply on the boil.
- For better result cover it up with a bandage for couple of hours
- Use 3-4 times in a day for better result.
8. ECHINACEA
ECHINACEA is a herb that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Echinacoside is an active compound present in Echinacea, that fights boil and other skin infections. Available in the extract, powder, tea, capsule, or ointment for oral or topical application, Echinacea is directly responsible for the staphylococcus aureus that inhibits in there, a bacterium contributes to the formation of boils.
How to use it
- Mix a teaspoon of Echinacea in a cup of warm water for 10 – 15 minutes, then strain and drink tea twice a day.
- Boil 1 part Echinacea, 1 part Pasque flower and 2 parts of wild indigo to hot water.
- Strain and drink thrice a day.
- You can apply this tea on boil affected area, after this cool down.
- Watch your allergies, before you try.
9. Black Cumin Seeds or black seeds
Commonly known as black cumin, it is obtained from the Nigella Sativa plant, has been used in food especially in Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, it has immense medicinal value also. Black seed has many nutrients and same is with its oil that comprises of antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen the immune system of the body. The black seeds contain an active component called Thymoquinone that effectively treats boils and other skin related issues.
How to use it
- Use black cumin seeds for food seasoning
- Make hot or cold beverage by using cumin oil mixed well with them
- Drink twice a day for speedier recovery from boils.
10. Milk and bread
Though this sounds more like breakfast option, in fact, this combo is used to treat the boils. From ages, milk is being used to soothe skin related ailments. The modern studies have also found the combination of bread and milk lethal for boils. This can draw out pus and cure of all pains and itching.
- Heat a cup of milk and add 3 tsp. of salt in it, add few pieces of bread crumbs to make it thick mix, stir them well.
- Apply thick mixture directly on the boils, to achieve quick results, apply few times in a day.
- You can also use milk cream, mixed with turmeric powder and vinegar to directly apply on boils.
11. Japanese Honeysuckle
Japanese honeysuckle or Lonicera japonica, has always been used in traditional Chinese medicine for curing various health issues of fever, cold, swelling, inflammation, sores to boils, primarily because of its antiviral and antibiotic properties. This herb is useful all the way as it really cures. Its compound Luteolin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that treats boils and relieves pain. You can use honeysuckle flowers, its stems, and leaves in various forms like tea and another form for infusion.
How to use it
- Place the honeysuckle stems in a vessel, merge in water and let it stay there for overnight.
- Use the residual to apply on the affected area, until dry. Pat dry with a cloth after rinsing it off.
- Repeat for the best results.
- Drink tea made with plant’s parts.
12. Bacon Fat
Bacon is being used for curing boils for a long time. Just place a small piece of bacon, preferably the fat part and tie with a bandage or adhesive tape, next morning the pus oozes out. The pain and irritation also go away in 2-3 days.
How to use it
- Place the fat portion of the bacon on the boil.
- Just cover it with the gauze and strap it or fix a medical adhesive tape, let it stay for overnight there, the boil will heal sooner than you anticipated.
13. Castor Oil
Widely used by Ayurveda, Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor plant, Ricinus Communis. It is used for treating various skin, chronic pains, and stomach ailments. In boils, castor oil is found to be very effective. It contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The castor oil stands as powerful and effective home remedy for the boil.
How to use
- Apply few drops of castor oil with the help of a gauze or cotton ball.
- Cover it with a bandage for its full absorption.
- Leave for 3 hours or for overnight.
- Repetition of this process will get good and quick results
14. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known to have antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It is fragrant, soothing to the skin and helps to reduce itchiness, irritation, and pain. Slippery elm too is recognized for treating boils effectively. Together they work wonders for early disposal of boils.
How to use
- Mix 25 grams of powdered slippery elm with 3 drops of eucalyptus oil and make a thick paste by adding hot water.
- Apply the mixture on the boil, repeat several times in a day. Soon the pus will be off, recuperating boils fully.
15. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt chemically called magnesium sulfate is a well-tried remedy for the boils. Epsom salt helps to bring pus to the surface and burst open from the boil. Once the toxin is gone, pain and boils recover fast.
How to use it
- Take 2 cups of Epsom salt and add to a small warm water filled tub
- Soak the infected area with water for 10 minutes
- Let it dry on its own, and repeat so the boil gets cured fast.
Few points to ponder for Care
- Boils are known to be highly contagious
- It may affect other areas of the body or people around you, so take extra care.
- Try to keep bedding and clothes clean and isolated from other people.
- Do not needle or manhandle boils, as they might spread further.
- Boils are not dangerous, but they can be harmful if due care is not taken.
Denise says
I didn’t even know what boils were, so thank you for teaching it to me! I always know that you give the best natural tips, and onions, garlic, tea tree, apple cider vinegar – that seems to be really a wonderful medicine for so many things – the tips are really great! Hope you have a very bright day!
DenisesPlanet.com
Brooke says
I am trying the apple cider vinegar hope you are right
Janet says
Did it work?
Ken says
Did it work
Tayla says
I hate boils I have on right the pain is horrible I just want to get rid of it fast ?
April says
I tried the acv and it not only works but works fast…took about 3 days from the time I began to apply it until it burst..its still healing..but no more pain and awkward walking
hira khan says
oh really its really very nice, thanks now you finally get rid of boils and thank you for telling and sharing your story with all of us.
Kinsey says
I tried that, but it is not working!!
suli says
am trying the water
hope it works
Chelle says
I’m trying the onions hope it works
Integra says
Hi,
I need some advice on what i have.. i actually don’t know if it’s a boil or not. It actually started like a little pimple near my groin. I poped and i thought it would all be okay but right now its all swollen and tender. The head is dry with scab, (what you usually see when a pimple is healin). There is no white/yellow head.. just swollen area and tender and very painfull.. it’s been 3days an still no visual difference..
Progue says
Bacon salt is what my grandma should me, but bacon fat works just as well.
hira khan says
thanks for your feedback
Jay says
Great article, for your reader called Integra may i suggest that you use some Vitamin E oil on that scab area. Sounds like its trying to heal so in order to help that process along you will find Vitamin E oil works great to help the healing.
hira khan says
yes Vitamin E is good for all types of skin problems.
viwe says
Tjo turmeric do wonders,I applied nd also drank it. I was healed within 2 days. Hey thanks a lot , my medical funds are gone because of the boils nd now will be able to treat them @ home.
hira khan says
thanks for your feedback turmeric has antibacterial properties that’s why it works.
Staci R Savala says
I have one on my nose…so embarassing it gets smaller but wont go away. What is the fastest way to cure this??
Mark says
Habe them take your nose off.
Tom says
I get these often because of a depressed immune system. I use a q-tip to apply benzoyl peroxide in 5% concentration to the inside and it works well. In a couple days it goes away.
Lizzie McGuire says
What about boils in the nose
Pls I really need an advice for boils in the nose
Wendy says
I was told by my husband’s Dr that boils in the nose are related to MRSA and not to pop them…..idk I’m not a Dr but in that area of your face you should be careful
Blue Tundra says
Can I use 4 remedy in just one day? Please reply
Hannah says
i have boil in my private area and it is so painful, also it’s getting bigger and bigger. What’s the best remedy for this and how to make it burst much faster?
Trina says
I think what you have is a bartholean wart, when our bodies can’t secrete especially women there is blockage and it forms a wart or boil is what some may call it
Sonja says
Hello All….I ended up with MRSA for almost 3 years, sepis was part of it. I’m in recovery now and my skin issues have never been worse! I used to have, extremely gratefully, flawless skin. I used Essential Oils to save my life and found THE best oil for: Boils, Eczema, Acne and pretty much name it I now have it. Ravensara Essential Oil. Great for skin! It’s Madagascar’s Verizon of Tea Tree oil, basically. It even smells similar! The biggest difference is that unlike Tea Tree, Ravensara also helps lock moisture into the skin. It dries it, for me, 3-4x as quickly and the results are visible after 20-30 min. My biggest most recent boil turned me into a unicorn in the middle of my forehead and was 3/4 of my forehead over night! The puss hadn’t even started to surface at this size! I babied it all day and the next morning my entire face, now cover in eczema and other bacterial and viral skin immune issues. Ravensara has also been proven in studies to help rid and prevent MRSA infections and sepsis. I hope this helps!
janejustine says
i have a heat boil near my buttocks, its being a week now since i have it, it hurts like hell,i can barely walk or sit or sleep,i cant even concentrate on my work which is beyond annoying. and the pain is like hell,
i just came across this article and i am going to try the ACV, hope it works in my benefit…
Youlunda Haygood says
I have been getting boils for over 25 years. What works 100% every time is using “fat back meat” or “salt pork”. It’s the same thing. You can use it at any temperature. Just cut a thin layer of it and slap it on the boil and cover it up with gauze or bandaids. You can wear the meat overnight. It will take away lots of the pain and bring the boil to a head and make it burst.
Zandile Pinkie Xulu says
do you mix it with cold or warm water.
Sara Woodard says
Can garlic powder work as a paste