Introduction
A boil is a deep bacterial inflammation that originates from the hair follicle. This means that a boil can only develop on hairy parts of the body. The duration of the healing process of a boil depends on various factors.
Uncomplicated boils are harmless and heal after a few days. However, this requires a well-functioning immune system and the observance of hygiene measures. If these conditions are not met, the healing of a furuncle can be protracted.
The boils can also recur, which can result in a relapsing-like course. Here the expert speaks of a furunculosis. If several hair follicles standing next to each other are affected, individual furuncles can merge into one carbuncle. The healing time is correspondingly longer.
Slide Duration of treatment
Smaller, uncomplicated boils usually require no treatment at all. They heal independently after a few days. In the case of medium-sized boils, local treatment with a pulling ointment is usually sufficient.
The ointment ensures that the pus is pulled out of the furuncle and can empty itself through the skin. The duration of the treatment can last from a few days to a few weeks. If there is no improvement or even deterioration, a doctor should be contacted.
If necessary, the concentration and dosage of the ointment must be adjusted or a surgical procedure must be performed. To what extent the additional use of home remedies will accelerate the treatment process cannot be assessed generally and objectively at this time. Surgical removal is not generally recommended and performed.
This measure is only necessary in the case of very strongly inflamed and large furuncles. Should blood poisoning occur in the course of a furuncle, quick action must be taken. Even in these cases the follow-up treatment can last for weeks.
In case of recurring furuncles, a furunculosis, the cause must be found out and treated. Consequently, the treatment of the causal underlying disease can take weeks and months. In some cases, a continuous treatment is necessary.
The procedure itself usually does not take longer than half an hour. The duration depends on the size of the furuncle to be removed and on individual factors and accompanying circumstances. Normally, however, the surgical procedure is not very time-consuming.
But the subsequent follow-up treatment can take a few weeks and sometimes months. . The total healing time depends on the size and location of the furuncle, the immune system of the affected person and his or her adherence to hygiene measures.
In the case of small furuncles, good immune system and good hygiene, it is possible that the healing process is complete after a few days. If the immune system is weakened, the healing process can take weeks, even with small furuncles. The same applies if no appropriate care measures are (can be) taken. In addition, the healing process is prolonged if complications occur. This means that if, for example, a carbuncle develops, the lymph channels become inflamed or if blood poisoning occurs, the complete healing process takes weeks to months.