High blood sugar levels, caused by diabetes. There is usually a local tenderness and hardness which later manifests as a dark red, hot and painful swelling. It ultimately begins to suppurate or discharge. There may be low-grade fever. There is some evidence to suggest that diabetics are more prone to boils.
Prevention Eat a good, wholefood diet with as little sugar and fatty foods as possible.
Take regular exercise. Treatment Take 25,000-50,000 IU of vitamin A and 1 g vitamin C per day for a week or until the boil has healed. A three to seven day fast on fruit juice or vegetable juice is highly recommended. This may need to be extended or repeated. It should be followed for a few days by a fruit only diet.