I have a boil on my upper thigh. What medicine or ointment should I use to treat it?
For a boil on your upper thigh, the best initial treatment is applying a warm, moist compress for 10-15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. This promotes natural drainage. Never squeeze or pop the boil, as this can spread the infection deeper. You can apply an over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin or Bacitracin) and cover it with a clean bandage. For pain, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the boil becomes extremely painful, grows rapidly, does not drain within a few days, or is accompanied by a fever, please see a doctor for prescription oral antibiotics or professional drainage.