Inflammation of the skin and tissues under the skin, forming hard, painful swelling and suppuration, ending in the expulsion of a “core,” which is really a piece of dead tissue. Some people have a constitutional tendency to boils; they often follow acute illnesses and are generally due to the presence of micro-organisms in the blood.
General Treatment.-Attention to the general health, avoidance of alcoholic drinks, abstemiousness in eating, open-air exercise. During the maturing period, if there is much pain, hot linseed poultices or hot Calendula compresses may be applied; afterwards, Calendula lotion and compresses.
Medicines.-(Every two hours.)
Belladonna 3.-
When just beginning to form.
Hepar 6.-
When suppuration is too slow and scanty.
Mercurius 6.-
If the suppuration is profuse and the swelling remains.
Arnica 3.-
To prevent the recurrence. (Three times a day for several weeks.)
Sulph. 6.-
A few doses after the boil is healed. A course of Sulphur should be given when they recur frequently.