The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by S (L, A) on 11/23/2011
★★★★★
My uncle soaks his feet in an ACV/water bath. The first time he tried it, his mrsa boils began to drain within the hour. He had them everwhere--shoulders, neck, around his waistline; he couldn't go to work, they were so bad. Temperature doesn't matter. I don't know how much ACV he adds to the water. I think he just glugged some in and soaked his feet while he watched television. A five year old would probably rather soak than swallow!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vivian (Cedar Rapids, Ia) on 08/19/2010
★★★★★
I soak a cotton ball in ACV and apply it to the boil with a bandaid. I replace it with a new one 2-3 times a day. It always brings the boil to a head and drains within a couple of days. It is a lifesaver! No more antibiotics and lancing!
Replied by E.j.
(Brevard, N.c., Usa)
08/19/2010
Replied by Vivian
(Cedar Rapids, Ia)
08/20/2010
Replied by Nikki
(Olivehurst, Ca, United States)
04/08/2011
Replied by R
(Denver, Co)
04/08/2011
Replied by Nikki
(Olivehurst, Ca, United States)
04/10/2011
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandy (Mebane, Nc) on 06/30/2010
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar has definitely helped my boils. I drink it at least 2 times a day with water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ada (Carthage, NY) on 01/02/2007
★★★★★
acv and a glass of water 8oz . with a teaspoon of honey cures boils. i drink it 3 time a day and in 3 day they're gone --it does work.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by KS (MA) on 09/05/2006
★★★★★
Drinking apple cider vinegar tonic ( 2 teaspoons with honey in 8 oz water or tea 2-3 times daily) has nearly eliminated my recurring cysts that dermatologists have been unable to cure in over a decade.
Replied by S
(Eureka Springs, AR)
02/10/2023
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anonymous (USA)
★★★★★
I have a history of having problems with boils and bear the scars of them. They are quite painful and at times have had to have them lanced. A few people in my family told me about vinegar tea. One tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar, one tablespoon honey mixed in a cup of hot water at least twice a day has dissolved more than one of my boils. Not only the vinegar tea but also: the recommended daily amount of water. Stay away from sodas and chocolate, as they seem to aggravate the infected area even more. If the boil does come to a head where it is going to open continue to drink the vinegar tea and the water. Use hot packs on the boil for 15-20 minutes three times a day. Doing this has more than once saved an unwanted visit to the doctor. What is also important is not to squeeze a boil. I hope this will help someone out there.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Franco08 (Albuquerque, New Mexico) on 02/01/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I got a boil on my elbow 4 days ago. I looked for remedies here and I found the ACV and baking soda paste treatment. I followed the procedure and applied the paste to the boil using a cotton swab and secure with a band-aid. When I removed the cotton at night I noticed that the boil started draining so I re-applied the paste before going to bed.
When I woke up the next morning, I checked the boil and was happy to see that it drained and started to dry out. I continued the application of the paste after taking a shower. However, that afternoon, I felt pain in my left knee and when I checked it, I saw 3 boils forming in a C pattern. I decided to apply the paste on them too. But the following day, a 4th boil formed on the same knee. So I have 4 boils now on my knee; 3 has pus in them and 1 is drying out. The one on my elbow did not fully dried out as I hoped and is now filled with pus on the edges. It grew even wider than before.
What am I to do now? Please help!
Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
02/02/2015
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Wmj (Vancouver Island, Canada) on 01/06/2012
★★★★★
I have been using baking soda and probiotics made into a paste, sometimes adding natural raw sea salt. I had been using water, but now I'm trying it with Apple Cider Vinegar. This is on a case of MRSA I've been struggling with for months and heavy antibiotic only made it worse. The natural remedy seems to be working, unfortunately I got two new boils recently in another area. I find that washing with antibacterial wash only spreads it. Hopefully this will clear up soon, I'll keep the site posted.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Dawn (Zachry, LA) on 12/06/2007
★★★★★
I found that baking soda and vinegar made into a paste applied to a boil helps draw the infection out
Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric
Posted by Vaisnava (Visalia, California) on 03/16/2012
★★★★★
I have had recurring mrsa boils for some time now. This works every time without fail.
Mix 3 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar & 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in half glass of water and drink 2 times a day.
Also, twice a day add 1 teaspoon turmeric in half glass of warm water and drink. The earlier this treatment is started the faster it works, but relief starts within a day. I also topically apply triple antibiotic ointment.
*** Also remember to always wash your hands frequently after washing affected area or applying ointment.
Aspirin
Posted by Elle (Austin, TX) on 06/12/2008
★★★★★
I find that taking an ASPIRIN at the first hint of a boil works for me. It must be aspirin and not tylenol or advil and such. Regarding diet, noticed outbreak after eating chocolate pudding (the cheap, unrefrigerated brand). Immediately took an aspirin before bed, awoke to less tenderness and less swelling. I took 1/2 tsp of Tumeric in three ounces of water as well. But, I get great relief from the aspirin. Blessings!
Avoid Gold Jewelry
Posted by Valiegirl (Fl) on 03/06/2021
★★★★★
I had constant boils for 15 years in all the usual places - armpit, groin, bra line, etc. Got tested for allergic contact dermatitis because of another malady and found out I was allergic to gold. Took off my gold jewelry and never had another boil unless I accidently come into contact with gold again. I can't even touch gold paint. This includes white gold and rose gold also because it is a salt in the gold that I am allergic to. After some thought, I realized I never had a boil before I was gifted with diamond studs and pendant set in yellow gold from my husband, before that I was a sterling silver girl. And now I am again.
Bacon
Posted by Trillz (Dallas, Texas) on 07/03/2015
★★★★★
Omgsh so I just came across this interesting thread, for about a week I've had this boil on my butt at first it was just itchy and slightly uncomfortable. I called my grandma who is usually the queen of home remedies but she just told me to sit in a warm bath, instead I put a wet cloth in a baggy and put that on it every night with absolutely no results.
So this weekend while visiting my mom I mentioned it to get she bought me some salt pork (bacon cured in salty, saltier than the damn pacific) so I cut a piece and duct tape it to my butt, lol this sounds so ridiculous) I left it on for a few hours and took it off and it was draining, lots of blood and some pus. But it actually worked. Initially I thought she was joking but it does work, or it did for me. Is actually on right now. The pain had gotten so bad and the boil was so deep that it was actually putting pressure on a nerve and my entire leg had this numb dead feeling pain, super uncomfortable. It's still kind of hard, and painful to sit on, but the pressure is leaving. I'll leave it on for the rest of the night and see how it does in the morning.
Bacon
Posted by Melissa (East Liverpool, Oh) on 02/13/2012
★★★★★
I have to say that for me Bacon really worked! I had a boil in a very sensitive area from shaving, it hurt to even walk. I was debating on going to the emergency room but I knew that it would be painful to have it lanced. I found this site yesterday afternoon and saw the post about bacon, I was willing to try anything at this point! I placed the raw back over the boil and left it there all night. I woke up this morning and it was still sore so I took a bath in epsom salt. A couple hours later I went to the restroom and low and behold the pus pocket came out on its own! If I ever get another I know I will use bacon!
Bacon
Posted by Da Mith (Brisbane, Qld, Australia) on 02/05/2012
★★★★★
Out of desperation tried a piece of bacon fat on my boil. Had trouble getting bandaid to hold because of location of boil. Did manage to have bacon in place for a couple of hours. Awoke next morning and boil had started to discharge small and scab began to form. Pain almost completely gone. Next day boil incredibily itchy. Put some betadine ointment on and this eased itching. Day 4 and boil is healing well. Still a little redness and swelling but definately... this boil has been defeated.
