CAN I GET A MASSAGE IF I HAVE A SKIN BOIL? WHY?

One of the most common problems that everybody suffers from at some point or the other is skin infections. While there are hundreds of different types of skin infections, there are a few like skin boils that are a very common occurrence. Skin abscesses that grow from a small pimple to a larger cyst-like formation are known as boils. These boils could be due to various different reasons, some of which include infections in hair follicles and skin invasion by bacteria known as staphylococcus.

While pimples are usually infections that are caused on the epidermis, boils usually go deeper and have origins in the deeper layers of the skin. Boils are usually cyst-like formations that have a thin outer layer and are filled with pus and dead cell material. These boils are usually red in color and are often painful. Usually, when the pus begins to fill inside the boil, it comes to a head. This fluid should be drained out so that the healing of the boil can begin. However, it is recommended that you do not pick the boil because it can cause infection or leave a scar.

Since the boils are so sensitive, it is advised that you do not have a massage as long as you have any skin eruptions. Having a massage with a boil on the skin can puncture it or aggravate it causing even more redness and pain. The pus in the boil may contain bacteria. Puncturing it and releasing the fluid may cause the skin next to the boil to become infected. The affected skin can therefore break out in more boils. If the boils increase, you may experience flu like symptoms and fever.

As a result of the spread of the bacteria, one skin boil can soon turn into several boils. Thereafter, it gets worse and takes the form of a bigger lump. In this situation, you need immediate medical attention, because such lumps are followed by high fever. Fortunately, skin boils are not something you have to live with. You may treat the boils at home using soaks and warm compression. When you apply heat to the area, blood circulation is improved and more white cells reach the affected area. The white blood cells eliminate the infection that causes the boils. The heat may also provide temporary relief. Sometimes, if the boils are too big, it is best to go to a doctor to get the boil treated. The doctor may puncture the boil and drain out the infectious fluids. This way, you will be rid of the boil and the pain without having to worry about the scars that the boil may leave behind.

answered by G M

Your answer will largely depend on where the skin boil is and where you want to have a massage? If you want a massage on your face and have few minor boils you can go ahead and have a massage, however if you have many boils on the face then try to treat the boils first and then take massage. Try the following effective home remedies to get rid of boils:

• Apply warm water compress over the boils as this will help to ripen them and drain them on its own. When a boil gets ripe or when it is ready to burst squeeze it gently to drain the pus and clean the surrounding area. As this heals in a day or two you can go ahead and get a massage.
• For faster healing apply calamine lotion or vitamin E cream over the boils as this will also help minimize the chances of getting marks which are generally caused due to boils.
• Never scratch a boil, instead apply aloe vera gel over the boils; this also helps in faster recovery.
• Mix garlic juice and onion juice in equal proportions and dilute it adding water. Apply this on the affected region as this remedy will also help to ripen and drain the boil.
• Have a balanced meal and minimize the intake of refined/processed foods, coffee, tea, sugar, sweets, pickles, oily/fried foods and junk foods.

answered by Dr S