Talk:Bob the Boil/@comment-24839263-20150312033115

In reality, having a boil can cause medical issues. People can get boils when they have diabetes, problems with the immune system, poor nutrition, or poor hygiene. I believe that the reason Elmer has a boil is because of poor nutrition. Also in reality, boils can be very painful, so in reality, Elmer must be suffering a lot of pain from his boil. The signs for a severe infection from a boil are the skin around the boil turns red, painful, warm, and swollen, more boils may appear along with the original one, a fever may develop, and lymph nodes may become swollen. Because he might get a fever because of the boil, Elmer might have to see a doctor. To treat a boil, you apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the surface. Once the boil comes to a head, it will burst by itself with repeated soakings. You can make a warm compress by soaking a washcloth in warm water and squeezing out the excess moisture. When the boil starts draining, wash it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and clean with rubbing alcohol. Apply a medicated ointment (topical antibiotic) and a bandage. Continue to wash the infected area two to three times a day and to use warm compresses until the wound heals. But, whatever you do, do NOT pop the boil with a needle. This could make the infection worse. When the boil is drained,you will need to clean the infected area two to three times a day until the wound is healed. Apply an antibiotic ointment after washing and cover with a bandage. A few ways to prevent boils are by carefully washing the clothing, bedding, and towels of a family member who is infected with boils, clean and treat minor skin wounds, practicing good personal hygiene, and staying as healthy as possible. And so, in conclusion, Elmer should get rid of his boil by soaking it in warm water, and then stay as healthy as possible so he won't get any more boils.