Treatment of a furuncle in the armpit

Boils do not always have to be presented to a doctor. Only in the case of boils in the head area (because of the proximity to the brain and spinal cord) or those that do not heal on their own after a few days, a doctor should be consulted. In the case of boils in the armpit, often only a local therapy is necessary.

There are various components. First, antimicrobial ointments or compresses should be applied. Moist compresses with polyhexanide or polyvidon iodine tinctures (Betaisodona) are a good therapeutic option.

Both the boils themselves and the surrounding tissue are treated. Solutions with marigold extract can also be used as a naturopathic alternative. Furthermore, the furuncle maturation, i.e. the time until the furuncle is emptied, can be accelerated by irradiation with an infrared heat lamp.

Additionally, so-called pulling ointments can be used, which also accelerate the maturation. Recommended are ichthyol ointments in 10.20 or 50% concentration. One should never try to open the boil manually!

Pressing or squeezing will in case of doubt only cause more injuries to the skin, which serve as further entry points for the bacteria and aggravate the infection. If the boil does not empty itself or is very painful, it can be opened surgically by the doctor with a small incision under sterile conditions. The cavity is then rinsed with Betaisodona and bandaged.In the case of more severe courses or furuncles on the face, an antibiotic in tablet form should always be given additionally over several days.

Penicillin is the standard for this; in case of intolerance, erythromycin or Roxythromycin can also be used. In general, physical protection also applies. Usually the boils heal without complications, but unfortunately often with the formation of a small scar.

A boil in the armpit should never be pricked, as this can lead to complications. Among other things, the improper pricking of a boil in the armpit can lead to the development of an abscess and in the worst case to sepsis. The latter is a spreading of the pathogens into the bloodstream.

Fever and a general impairment of the circulation, which is life-threatening, are the consequences of such sepsis. A boil in the armpit should only be opened by a competent doctor under sterile conditions. There are some home remedies that can be used in case of an axillary boil.

When using home remedies, however, it is important not to manipulate the boil. This means, for example, that the boil should not be expressed or otherwise mechanically stressed. Various household remedies are recommended for boils in the armpit.

These include the application of soothing compresses. These can be soaked with camomile tea, aloe vera or propolis tincture, for example. Especially the latter is said to have an antibacterial effect.

One should note however that propolis, just like tea tree oil, is not tolerated by everyone equally well and can also trigger allergies. At best, both household remedies should be tested on a healthy skin area before. Furthermore, the application of garlic compresses, thyme extract and black tea bags should have a calming effect on the boil in the armpit.