Natural Health: What can my teen do about the painful boils on his neck?
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Boils are caused by bacterial infections in hair follicles or oil glands and usually appear as red, swollen, and painful lumps that eventually fill with pus.
While they can be managed at home, it’s essential to treat them carefully to prevent scarring or the spread of infection.
Diet is often linked to skin issues, including acne and boils. Limiting or eliminating highly processed foods can help reduce teenage acne.
Your son could try cutting back on dairy for a few weeks — choosing alternatives such as almond, coconut, or oat milk — to see if there is an improvement.
He could add calcium sources such as leafy greens, almonds, and chia seeds to ensure he gets enough calcium.
A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods — such as berries, leafy greens, and whole grains — can offer extra support in managing and preventing boils.
Before making any significant changes to your diet, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian.
A warm compress is one of the easiest ways to speed up the healing process. Apply a warm, moist cloth to the area for 10-15 minutes, three to four times daily, to help draw out the pus and relieve pain.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the compress for an extra boost. The essential oil has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it a good option for fighting infection.
Consider introducing a few supplements if your teen’s diet requires extra support. A daily probiotic can help balance gut bacteria, which plays a significant role in immune health.
Vitamin C supplements are also helpful for an immune boost and skin repair, while zinc supplements are recommended for skin issues that are slow to heal.
I suggest contacting your dental practice to let them know you are still experiencing pain and inflammation.
You may need a follow-up visit to ensure everything is healing as expected, without any rough areas on the tooth or residual debris lodged in the gum.
After consulting your dentist to rule out infection or other complications, you can use natural remedies to reduce gum pain and inflammation associated with a new filling.
A simple saltwater rinse is a highly effective way to manage inflammation and prevent bacterial growth.
Dissolve up to a half teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat this a few times daily until your gum pain eases.
Clove oil or tincture is another tried-and-true remedy for toothache and oral pain.
Clove buds have been used to relieve toothache for millennia due to their natural analgesic and antibacterial properties.
Dilute a drop of clove oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil, or use a pure clove bud tincture and apply it gently to the swollen gum with a cotton swab.
Avoid ingesting the oil, and be cautious if you have sensitive skin.
If you have external facial swelling, use a cold compress to help numb the pain and reduce swelling.
If the swelling is pronounced, you will need to visit your dentist or a doctor.
- NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
