Boils

"I have random pimples or more like boils appearing on my body. For example underneath the boob I know i sweat a lot when I work out at the gym...could this be causing boils?"                                                      -Anonymous 

     Thank you for your question. This could be one reason for the boils. According to PJ Hamel writer of Breast Boils: What They Are, How to Treat Them, "Hidradenitis suppurativa is an acne-related skin condition that can manifest as chronic infections (boils) or abscesses around and on the breast – particularly in the crease underneath....Plugged apocrine (sweat) glands and/or hair follicles trigger inflammation, pain, swelling, and the formation of pus. This is especially likely to happen in areas of the body subject to heat buildup, and thus the site of more sweat glands: your underarms, groin, buttocks, and the area under your breasts, particularly if you’re large-breasted."

     To find out if this may be what you are experiencing, or if the boils worsen or persist, you will want to talk to your health care professional. Though rare, boils can cause a serious systemic infection. WebMD gives these guidelines as to when you want to contact a doctor:
        The boil is on your face, near your spine, or near your anus.
        A boil is getting larger.
        You have any other lumps near the boil, especially if they hurt.
        You are in a lot of pain.
        You have a fever.
        The area around the boil is red or has red streaks leading from it.
        You have diabetes and you get a boil.
        The boil is as large as a ping-pong ball.
        The boil has not improved after 5 to 7 days of home treatment.
        You get many boils over several months.

     There are, however, home remedies you can try to help with the symptoms of boils before they reach this point. Herbs2000 states that the bacterial species that most commonly is linked to the cause of boils is Staphylococcus aureus. The first thing I would suggest to help with any type of bacteria infection would be a good probiotic. Simply put a probiotic puts the good bacteria back into the gut to fight off the bad bacteria. You can find a probiotic at your local health food store, I would suggest using a refrigerated probiotic if available. Currently, I am using Garden of Life's Raw Probiotic for Women.

     Secondly, trying adding a warm compress to the boils. I would suggest soaking the cloth in freshly brewed ginger tea, this will help to open the boil and allow it to drain. Use the compress for 20-30 minutes 4 times daily. Continue doing this for 3 days after the boil opens as it may take time to completely drain.  Use a bandage over the boil so that it does not spread, and change it every day. You can also add antiseptic herbs and essential oils to the compress. I would suggest tea tree, thyme, lavender, or clove. 

    Finally, skin irritations can often indicate that it is time for a good body cleanse. What we see on the outside always reflects what is going on inside of our bodies. Unfortunately, I am not making any herbal products until December, but there are many herbal cleanses available. You can learn more about my thoughts on cleansing here.