There are several types of boils which usually occur on the skin, they are

• Furuncle or carbuncle: abscesses in the skin caused by bacteria. Furuncles can have more than one openings onto the skin and is sometimes associated with a fever or chills.
• Cystic acne: is a type of abscess that is formed when oil ducts are clogged and infected. It affects deeper skin tissues than more superficial inflammation from other types of acne. Cystic acne is typically found on the face and occurs during adolescence.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa: is a condition where multiple abscesses are formed under the armpits and often in the groin area, as a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. This form of infection is difficult to treat with antibiotics alone and typically requires surgical procedure to remove the involved sweat glands to eradicate the inflammation.

Natural Home Remedies for Boils

1. Egg whites of hard boiled eggs can be used for treating boils; after boiling and peeling an egg, wet the white and apply it directly to the boil. Cover it with a clean cloth.
2. Milk heat a cup of milk and gradually add 3 teaspoons of salt; simmer the milk for ten minutes then add flour or breadcrumbs to thicken the mixture. Divide the mixture into 4 poultices and apply one to the boil every half an hour.
3. Nutmeg stimulates circulation in the body which helps it to fight bacterial infections in the boil. Stir ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg into a cup of hot water and drink.
4. Onion has antiseptic chemicals and acts as an antimicrobial and irritant to draw blood and heat out of the boil. Cut a thick slice of the onion and place it on the boil. Wrap the area with a clean cloth; ensure you change the poultice 3 to 4 hours daily until the boil comes to a head and drains.
5. Bacon has a high fat and salt content, and this is believed to promote the healing of boils. Roll some salted pork or bacon in salt and place the meat between two pieces of clean, dry cloth. Apply the cloth to the boil. Repeat throughout the day until the boil come to a head and drains. This will be messy so prepare to clean it properly with sterile instruments, and antibacterial substances.
6. Remember not to squeeze or break open the boil, no matter how tempting it is to do so. Allow the boil time to come to head and rupture on its own. If you squeeze it yourself, you risk spreading the infection and creating more painful problems.

The swelling associated with hives appear as a pinkish or red rash and have a round or oval shape ranging from a few millimetres in diameter to several inches. The swellings may also be ringed with a red flare, and are extremely itchy. They appear in batches and are commonly found on the face, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes. Usually, symptoms are present for not more than 8 to 12 hours, and rarely continue for more than 24 hours. Unfortunately, for some, the symptoms may continue for longer, lasting days or even months.

Remedies for Hives

1. Take an antihistamine; this is the most recommended remedy for hives. Antihistamines are available over the counter; they will cause drowsiness but since hives tend to be at their worst at nights, it is suitable to take the antihistamine nightly before you retire.
2. Wear gloves to bed; if you do not trust yourself to refrain from scratching in your sleep. Gloves or mittens will help to prevent damage if you do scratch while sleeping. Note that scratching with your fingers may feel good initially, but will only increase the local inflammation, or swelling, and even cause more hives to develop. It can tear the skin, creating a path for infection.
3. Use a milk compress; to cover the area affected with hives.
4. Wrap the infected area; with an elastic bandage.
5. Chill the itch; by holding an ice pack or some ice cubes in a thin towel on the skin’s affected areas for 5 minutes at a time, up to 4 times daily. Do not do this for longer as it can damage skin.
6. Identify the cause; to lessen your exposure to it. If it is a specific food, allergen or other external element, try to identify it so you will be able to avoid it and prevent the flare up of hives. Note that hives usually appear within half an hour of eating a food that causes it. So, if you break out in hives today, it is irrational to blame something you had for dinner the night before. If you already know what causes your hives, avoid it at all costs. Also, if you are prone to hives, stress will undoubtedly promote their flare up. So, it is ideal to develop ways of easing or managing stress.

Home Remedies for Heat Rash

If the condition is not too intense, the following home remedies maybe used to provide some relief from the discomfort caused by heat rashes.

• It is suggested that anyone with a heat rash, ought to cool off for a few days. This means reducing your contact with very hot, humid conditions. If you are able to stay in an environment with an air conditioner or one that is well ventilated to allow good circulation of cooler air, you should realize that there is a lessening of visible bumps associated with the rash. However, if you work outdoors or live in a hotter environment, then this option is less likely to be feasible.
• Wear cotton or other breathable fabrics this will keep your skin cooler and prevent the associated warm and moist conditions from triggering a heat rash. It is also wise to wear loose fitting clothing to increase the effect of the lighter, more skin friendly fabric(s).
• Do not bathe with a harsh soap as this will aggravate the heat rash and cause it to worsen. Use gentle soothing soaps that contain very little chemicals. Try using a glycerine bar that will have far less irritants.
• Do not use certain types of ointments or moisturizers that may block the pores and provide a suitable environment for the rash to spread. If you must use any moisturizer, be sure that they are noncomedogenic and do not clog the sweat ducts.
• You may also use calamine lotion or one that contains dimethicone, as these help in reducing itching. These lotions are fairly easy to obtain and will help lessen the associated symptoms.
• You could apply the gel of aloe vera on the affected areas. This will aid in soothing the rash and will also help to speed up the healing process.
• You may use powders to keep yourself more sweat resistant and cooler. Use a medicated powder that has been designed for this purpose.
• After any activity that induces sweating, wash yourself thoroughly with a mild soap and sufficient amount of water.
• You could try using ice to combat the discomfort caused by the rash. Put some ice inside a plastic bag and wrap it in a clean cloth. Apply it to the affects areas and keep it there for 5-10 minutes. This can be repeated every 4-6 hours.

The above mentioned home remedies can be used to help soothe your skin from the discomfort and irritation caused by heat rash. However, if the condition persists or worsens, it is best to consult a professional medical practitioner.

Home Remedies for Herpes

1. Baking soda; use a cotton ball to dab baking soda on the affected areas. This will dry out the sores and decrease the itching. Beware, to not double dip cotton balls, or you will only contaminate the unused baking soda.
2. Cornstarch works similarly to baking soda, it dries out the sore and reduces itching. Dust a cotton ball with cornstarch and duct it onto sores.
3. Peppermint tea will help to ease pain and fever associated with herpes.
4. Change in diet will positively affect herpes treatment if immunity boosting foods are added in large amounts to the diet.
5. Ice when applied to sores will reduce pain and itching. Fill a plastic bag with crushed ice; wrap the bag in material the thickness of a sheet and apply to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process several times daily, taking care not to give prolonged exposure as this can cause tissue damage.
6. Milk will provide pain relief and promote healing. Soak cotton balls in milk and apply to the affected areas.

Additional Advice for those Infected with Herpes

1. Do not depend on a condom to protect you or your partner–they may not provide sufficient coverage even though wearing a condom does help. Viral shedding may also occur in the infected area, allowing the disease to spread easily to a sexual partner whether protection is used or not. Use vinyl or latex condoms between outbreaks.
2. Refrain from using tight fitting pants or underwear.
3. Do not take baths where you soak in the water; take showers as shedding virus can escape into the water.

• blackheads that appear on the skin’s surface
• whiteheads that remain under the skin’s surface
• pustules that are red at the bottom and contain visible amounts of pus on top
• nodules that are large and painful and that are found deep in the skin, solid to the touch
• cysts that are painful and filled with pus and that are deeply seeded, causing scarring

Any of the listed pimples may appear on the face, neck, shoulder, back or chest. Some factors that are associated with the formation and increase of pimples include:

• hormones: Fluctuation of hormones may occur during adolescence, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The increase is responsible for higher incidence of clogged oil glands, which cause pimple outbreaks.
• medication: Some prescription medication and birth control pills can cause pimples to form on the face, neck and back as a side effect.
• cosmetic products: Cosmetic products clog pores and lead to acne breakout. So, it is best to select cosmetics that are hypoallergenic as well as non-greasy beauty products. Also, try to buy cosmetics with water listed as their first ingredient rather than some sort of oil.
• heredity factors: Heredity plays a major part in promoting the development of pimples. If your parents have severe cases of pimples and acne, chances are you will have them too.

Simple Home Remedies for Pimples

The following simple home remedies can be employed to try and tackle pimples.

1. Vitamins: Pimples will positively react to niacin, vitamins A and E, when taken as supplements, once daily.
2. Lemon: Apply lemon juice to pimples to reduce their size and intensity.
3. Garlic: Rubbing raw garlic on problem areas several times daily can help in clearing up of skin. In addition, eat three pods of raw garlic, once daily for a month, and take note of the positive results.
4. Orange peel: Pound orange peels and combine them with water to create an effective mixture for pimple treatment. Apply the mixture to the affected areas to experience positive results.
5. Fenugreek: Make a paste with fenugreek leaves and apply it to the entire face every night, before retiring to bed. Each morning, wash the paste away with warm water. This remedy is especially effectively for blackheads.
6. Coriander juice and turmeric: Mix a teaspoon of coriander juice, combined with a pinch of turmeric powder. After washing the face thoroughly with water, apply the mixture to the face for effective treatment. Mint juice may replace coriander in this remedy.
7. Cucumber: Grate cucumber and rub it all over the affected areas on neck, face and over eyes for the treatment of pimples and blackheads. Leave it for up to 20 minutes and then, wash with warm water. Next, splash with cold water to close pores.
8. Epsom salts: Hot Epsom salt baths taken twice weekly should ease all cases of acne.

The above mentioned simple home remedies can be used to tackle the bothersome problems posed by pimples.

Remedies for Bee Sting

Natural Remedies

1. Basil is one of the most effective bee sting remedies. Crush up fresh basil leaves and apply them directly on the bee sting.
2. The skin of the papaya is a good external treatment for skin wounds and places that do not heal quickly, the pulp can also be used. Papain the compound found in papaya is said to be able to break down the proteins found in the bee venom. Take fresh papaya, and slice off a slice. Apply it to the bee stings for about 1 hour.
3. One of the most widespread “weeds” in the world, plantain is a first-choice remedy for many skin ailments. It is commonly found in lawns and can be identified by its parallel-veined leaves. For bee sting remedy chew plantain leave (mixed with enough saliva) to form a poultice which is then applied to the area.

Home Remedies

1. Take an onion and slice it. Apply the slice to the bee sting and either hold it there or tape it in place for about 1 hour.
2. Baking soda is a soothing bee sting remedy. Use baking soda and water to create a paste that is applied to the area of the sting. Another solution is to place baking soda on the bee sting then pour vinegar on it until the baking soda dissolves away. This is said to help in removing both the venom and the stinger.
3. Apply ice to the bee sting after ensuring the stinger is completely removed. Ice cools the skin numbs the pain and reduces blood flow to the cold area which reduces swelling. Apply for 20 minutes at a time with 15 minute intervals.
4. Apply toothpastes containing glycerin to the stung area. The glycerin dries out the venom and alkaline substance found in toothpaste will neutralize acidic venom.
5. Essential oils have healing and rejuvenating properties that can help to reduce the pain and swelling caused by bee sting. Lavender or castor oils are good choices.

Homeopathic Remedy

1. Apis Mellifica is a common homeopathic bee sting remedy. The venom of the honeybee is used as a unique alternative form of healing and is a known bee sting therapy.

Remedies for Sunburn

1. Cold water: use cold water straight from the faucet or add a few ice cubes to it. Soak a cloth with the cold water and lay it over the burn. Repeat every few minutes as the cloth becomes warm. Apply several times daily, for up to 15 minutes each time.
2. Aspirin: take a 650 mg dose of aspirin if you’ve been in the sun for a prolonged period. Anticipate the burn and the pain that will result, and treat it to prevent the redness and pain to result. Repeat every 4 hours for up to six doses.
3. Skim milk: milk protein is very soothing. Mix 1 cup skim milk with 4 cups water and add a few ice cubes to make a cool and refreshing liquid for the skin. Soak compress in the mixture and apply the compress to the burn for up to 20 minutes. Repeat the process every 2 to 4 hours.
4. Oatmeal: wrap dry oatmeal in gaze material or cheesecloth. Run cool water through it and then discard the oatmeal. Soak the compress in the liquid and apply every 2-4 hours for up to 20 minutes.
5. Witch hazel: moisten a cloth with witch hazel and apply to the affected areas for temporary relief. For smaller areas, use a cotton ball to dip into the witch hazel and gently stroke the mixture onto skin.
6. For larger areas, like the whole body, an alternative to compresses, as listed above is a cool bath. Add enough liquid as usually needed for a bath keeping the water at room temperature. Put any of the following ingredients into the water, and soak yourself in it. When you finish, pat your skin dry with a clean towel–this should reduce pain, itching and inflammation.
7. Vinegar: mix 1 cup of vinegar into a tub of cool water.
8. Aveeno powder: use pre measured packets or add ½ cup of Aveeno Bath Treatment, which is made from oatmeal, to a tub of cool water. Soak for up to 20 minutes.
9. Minimise the use of bath soaps with fragrance as they can dry out skin and irritate burned skin. If you must use soap, use one that is mild and rinse it off well with cool water. Never soak in soap water, and stay away from bubble baths.

Plant and Herb Wart Remedies

1. Aloe Vera Gel: apply the natural gel from the plant to the wart, cover with a cotton ball and secure with band aid. Repeat this treatment twice daily until the wart is removed.
2. Basil leaves: use a band aid to secure fresh, finely crushed basil leaves over the wart.
3. Dandelions: obtain dandelion milk from the stem of a dandelion. Apply the milk to the wart and cover it directly with band aid. Repeat this procedure twice daily until the wart is removed.
4. Milkweed: rub the milk from a milkweed plant several times daily to a wart, until it has been removed.
5. Marigolds: apply plant juice from marigold leaves directly to wart. Repeat daily till wart is no longer there.

Fruit and Vegetable Treatments

1. Potatoes: half a potato; rub the juice from the exposed part over the wart.
2. Lemons: use a lemon slice to rub the wart for approximately 5 minutes, twice daily. Lemon juice can also be dabbed directly onto the wart.
3. Limes: use a piece of freshly cut lime to rub over the wart for 5 minutes, twice daily. The lime juice can also be dabbed directly onto the wart.
4. Bananas: cut a piece of ripe banana skin, just a bit bigger than the wart. Place the peel, white side down onto the wart and cover it with a band aid to hold it in place. Alternatively, tape can be used if no band aid is available. Use clean tape. Repeat daily with fresh banana skin until the wart is gone.
5. Onion: for two times daily, rub a freshly cut piece of onion over the wart. As another option, you may sprinkle the onion slice with salt first, then apply to the wart. Alternatively, you may drizzle lemon juice over the wart then cover with a freshly cut piece of onion.
6. Garlic: for one variation of the garlic treatment, you may cover the wart completely with garlic, and secure it in place with band aid. Repeat this process nightly before bed. Alternatively, you may add garlic juice to the wart twice daily and then, apply a garlic slice to the wart and secure in place with a band aid, at nights.
7. Pineapple: add pineapple slices to the wart, mornings, afternoons and nights until the wart is gone.
8. Figs: mash figs and mix it with olive oil. Apply the mixture to the wart and cover with band aid. Repeat daily till wart is gone.

• Yeast infections
• The use of soaps and shampoos with high alkaline content
• Zinc deficiency and
• Malnutrition.

Dandruff can be treated professionally by dermatologists, or with products marketed specifically for dandruff alleviation purposes. However, dandruff can be efficiently treated with natural, home remedies that will also contribute to the long term health of the hair and scalp.
Natural Remedies
Specific natural ingredients can be combined to procure effective dandruff relief; the following natural remedies can all be made and applied at home with the right ingredients.

Apple Juice Remedy

• Mix 2 tablespoons of fresh apple juice with 2 tablespoons of warm water.
• Apply the mixture liberally, all over hair and leave for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
• Repeat process 2-3 times a week if dandruff persists.

Beetroot and Vinegar Remedy

• Mix beetroot juice in vinegar and apply to the scalp.
• Leave for approximately 15 minutes before rinsing out.
• A beetroot and ginger juice combination, used on the scalp, is also beneficial for alleviating dandruff.

Olive oil and almond oil

• Mix olive and almond oil together.
• Massage the oil mixture onto the scalp, thoroughly, and leave it on for approximately 5 minutes.
• When a burning sensation is felt, rinse the hair properly, ensuring to remove all the oil and hair should be dandruff free.

Egg Remedy

• Beat 2 eggs and add 2 tablespoons of water to it.
• Wet hair with water. Apply the egg mixture liberally, all over hair, then massage it into the scalp and let it remain for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse the hair with lukewarm water to achieve dandruff free hair.
• This remedy is also useful for those with shedding hair.

Fenugreek Seed Remedy

• Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
• In the morning, grind and soften the seeds, then apply the resulting paste to the scalp.
• Leave the paste on the scalp for approximately half an hour (30 minutes).
• After about 30 minutes, wash out hair with ritha solution or shikakai.

Coconut oil and Black Pepper Remedy

• Get 300 grams of coconut oil and warm it with 3 grams of black pepper.
• When the oil comes to a boil, turn off the heat and sieve the oil and black pepper mixture with a fine cloth in a bottle.
• Allow it to cool down, then massage it onto the scalp gently with fingertips nightly before going to bed.

Cosmetic Vinegar Remedy

• Mix 2 tablespoons of cosmetic vinegar and with 6 tablespoons of hot water.
• Dab a piece of cotton into the water, and use it to apply the mixture to the scalp in all the infected places.
• Leave the mixture in hair overnight; in the following morning, wash out hair with suitable shampoo.

Natural Skin Remedies

Some of the most common skin conditions, that can be treated with inexpensive natural remedies include

Oily Skin

1. Mix ½ cup cooked oatmeal, 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ cup mashed apple into a smooth paste. Apply it to face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then with cold water to close the pores.

Dry Skin

1. Alder buckthorn (Frangular alnus), available from herbalists as a tincture or in syrup can be used as to make a lotion for dry skin. Steep 100 grams of the twig bark in 1 litre of boiling water. Allow it to cool, then apply as a lotion or compress.
2. Use scented vegetable oils, like sesame oil, to massage the skin. The oil softens the skin by preventing perspiration or other moisture from washing away natural oils.

Acne

1. Obtain 2-3 teaspoons dried basil leaves and 1 cup boiling water. Steep basil leaves in water for 10 – 20 minutes. Cool and then apply to face with a cotton ball.
2. Create a skin scrub with

• ½ cup oats
• ½ cup brown rice
• ¼ cup dried comfrey
• ¼ cup dried oregano
• 1/8 cup anise seed
• ½ cup calendula
• 1 ½ cups clay
• ¼ cup myrrh
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil, and
• 1 drop lavender essential oil.
• Grind and sift all ingredients, except oils, until powdery. Add oils and stir well. Store in a jar. To use, add a small amount of water to approximately one teaspoon of scrub and massage it all over face. Leave for a few minutes then rinse with warm water; follow with a splash of cold water to close pores.

Freckles and Age Spots

1. Make freckle lotion from 1 oz. Of powdered alum and 1 oz. Of lemon juice in a pint of rose water. Shake well and apply.
2. Brown spots can be treated with a paste made from mashing 1/3 cup of chickpeas in a little water. Smear on paste and leave until dry to cracking. Wash off completely. Use mixture daily or as needed.
3. Papaya juice helps remove skin blemishes and lighten freckles. Squeeze the juice straight from the papaya and rub it into the skin. An enzyme in the juice removes dead skin cells resulting in smooth skin.

Warts

1. Mix ground flaxseed with flaxseed oil and a bit of raw honey. Apply to wart, and if the wart is on the foot, put on a cotton sock. Change the poultice daily and the wart should dry up in two or three days.
2. Coat warts several times daily with spirits of camphor. In a few weeks, the warts will be gone leaving no marks behind.
3. Massage warts with castor oil twice daily. They will peel off in layers leaving smooth soft skin.