Boils can be painful and may you feel uncomfortable. In this article, we are looking at the use of Epsom salt for boils. Epsom salt is an effective home remedy for boils.
Boils are caused by bacterial infections that affect hair follicles or sweat glands. Most often, boils appear on the face, armpits, inner thighs, and buttocks. A buildup of dead skin and other debris blocks pores or follicles of the skin.

During the fight against bacterial infection, many white blood cells die, causing swelling, redness, and mild to severe pain. The result is an acute boil on the skin. The body releases toxins when it produces boils on its skin, which manifest as hard, red, and painful lumps.
Those whose immune systems are suppressed are more likely to develop boils.
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How Epsom Salt for Boils Speeds Up Healing?
Epsom salt isn’t salt even though it looks like it. It is a naturally occurring, pure mineral compound of magnesium sulfate.
Many of its medicinal properties are beneficial to the skin and nerves. This includes decreasing inflammation, improving muscle function, and improving the nerves. Epsom salt is a widely used ingredient for a relaxing bath. Boils can be treated externally with Epsom salts. This speeds up healing and eliminates pus.
Epsom salt has several characteristics that are beneficial for boils, including:
- It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
- It acts as a drying agent, which draws out toxins and relieves pain by drawing them out of the boil.
- Essentially, it absorbs moisture from a boil-infected area and helps the boils to dry out quickly.
- Prevents the recurrence and the occurrence of skin abscesses by enhancing the immune system.
- Astringent in nature, it draws out pus and other impurities from boils.
- By generating heat in the boil, Epsom salt stimulates blood circulation and draws pus to the surface.
- Increased perspiration facilitates the release of toxins and other metabolic wastes from the body.
- The antibacterial properties of Epsom salt protect the skin area from secondary infections.
In general Epsom salt provides a wide range of health benefits from either taking a bath or soaking your feet. It relieves chronic pain and fights off colds and flu to treat sore, callused feet, bunions, cystic acne, and a wide array of skin conditions.
Uses of Epsom Salt for Boils
1. Epsom Salt Compress for Boils

Dissolve two teaspoons of Epsom salt in 2 cups of warm water. Thoroughly stir the mixture until the Epsom salt has completely dissolved. Soak the compress and squeeze out the excess water. Apply the compress over the boils for about 20 minutes. Do it three times a day. Apply the compress every day until it disappears.
2. Epsom Salt Bath for Boils
A bath containing Epsom salts is effective for reaching boils in the buttocks, thighs, and neck. Additionally, Epsom salt also is used by people to get relaxation and clear chest congestion to treat the common cold.
In a bathtub filled with hot water, place 2 cups of Epsom salt. Stir until the Epsom salt is completely dissolved. Soak yourself in this bathtub for about 20 minutes. Wrap a cool, wet towel around the neck then have a cold shower. Avoid using soaps. Repeat 3 times a week. ss
3. Epsom Salt and Vaseline for Boils

Vaseline assists in dissolving and sticking Epsom salt directly over the boils. In addition, Vaseline has wound-healing properties that improve the healing process.
One large tablespoon of Vaseline should be mixed with Epsom salt until it looks like a smooth ointment. Cover the boils with this ointment and secure them with a bandage or plaster. Rinse it off with lukewarm water after letting it sit overnight. Then repeat the process regularly until the boil is gone.
4. Epsom Salt Poultice for Boils

To make a poultice mix Epsom salt with baking soda. Baking soda also like Epsom salt helps to draw the pus out and dries out the boil. In addition, it is antibacterial. So the combination of Epsom salt and baking soda provides a double effect.
In a bowl, mix the Epsom salt with the baking soda. Put this poultice in between layers of gauze as a poultice. Place it over the boil.
Secure it with a bandage and leave it overnight. In order to prevent the spread of infection, throw away the gauze and bandage.
Repeat this process every day until the boil is gone.
Tips for Prevention:
Several steps can be taken to decrease the possibility of getting boils. There is, however, no way to eliminate the possibility completely.
The following tips can help prevent boils:
- A mild soap or antibacterial rinse should be used regularly on the skin.
- You can exfoliate the skin once a week by using a textured cloth, brush, glove, or loofah. This includes the armpits, groin, face, and shoulders.
- To improve immune function, drink plenty of fluids and consume a healthy diet.
- Regular exercise.
- Use sterile dressings to cover damaged or broken skin, such as bandages or gauze.
- When you touch a boil or someone with a boil, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap or wash.
Avoid popping or squeezing boils since this can cause severe pain and spread the infection. Large or complicated boils should be treated by a physician. After a week of basic home care and no improvement with a boil, it is important to speak to a doctor to rule out infection.
Takeaway
Small boils respond well to Epsom salt remedies. Make sure you use them as necessary to achieve the best results. Make an appointment with your doctor if you observe any of the following even after using Epsom salt remedies.
- The boils are not going away for more than 6 days
- Boils are getting bigger and bigger every day
- Growing more painful
- Infection-related symptoms
There are other types of home remedies for boils. Yet, the Epsom salt for boils was found to be far more effective.
Let us look at some frequently asked questions:
How do you get rid of a boil overnight?
Boils do not disappear overnight. They usually disappear within 6 days of treatment. Your boil’s severity will determine how long it takes them to disappear. You should consult a doctor if they don’t disappear within 6 days.
How do you bring a boil to a head quickly?
In this article, we have covered the most effective method using Epsom salt. There are other methods also to use a warm compress and so on.
What to put in the bath for boils?
Epson salt is the best remedy for boils. Dissolve Epsom salt in the bathtub with warm water. Soak yourself for about 20 minutes. Then take a quick cold shower. Avoid using soaps.
Does ACV help heal boils?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is also effective in healing boils. Learn more about how to use apple cider vinegar for boils.
5 Sources
Noble Home Remedies relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations for accuracy and reliability while avoiding tertiary references. Our editorial policy provides more information about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date.
- Boils – by Health Direct
- Boils and carbuncles: Overview – Published in NCBI
- Carbuncle and its treatment by magnesium sulfate – Published in PMC
- Boils and carbuncles – Mayo Clinic
- Epsom Salt: Everything you need to know – Epsom Salt Council