Beta carotene is supposed to prevent boils and acne.  You can increase beta carotene-rich foods in your diet...or "cheat" like me and take supplements (I also eat a lot of beta carotene foods like sweet potatoes and kale)...I occasionally take a high dose of beta carotene (NOT vitamin A, which is toxic) when I have a bad break out and it clears it up quick.  Not sure if it will shrink away boils, it might.  Here's an article (2nd to last paragraph talks about preventing boils, etc): http://www.homehighlight.org/home-and-family/health/beta-carotene-s-benefits-in-human-health-1.html

I just read it more carefully, and it says when applied to the skin, so maybe it does help!  I've never opened a capsule, but it makes sense there's liquid inside!  Maybe if you ingest AND apply topically, it can help!  A double whammy.

Thank you GreenFish!  I got it to go away with this cream I have, and hot baths.  It worked!

Melissa.