Abscess – Natural Remedies for Abscess

An abscess is a tender, easily pressed mass generally surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red. The middle of an abscess is full of pus and debris. Painful and warm to touch, abscesses can show up any place on your body. The most common sites are in your armpits (axillae), areas around your anus and vagina (Bartholin gland abscess), the base of your spine (pilonidal abscess), around a tooth (dental abscess), and in your groin. Inflammation around a hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess, which is called a boil (furuncle).

An abscess is a collection of pus. Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria (germs). The usual cause of an abscess is an infection with bacteria. Certain bacteria are more likely to be 'pus forming' as they make toxins (chemicals) that can damage the body's tissues. These include: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The infection causes the immune system to activate white blood cells and chemicals to fight the bacteria. In this 'battle' some tissue dies. A cavity forms and fills with pus. The cavity becomes bigger if the infection continues. 

Abscess is seldom effective due to antibiotics often being unable to get into the abscess and their ineffectiveness at low pH levels. Whilst most medical texts advocate surgical incision some medical doctors will treat small abscesses conservatively with antibiotics.

Natural Remedies for Abscess

• Take a slice of peeled potato and place it over the abcess or boil and secure it there with tape. Leave it on there for a couple hours and it will pull the poison out. You can see the poisons on the potato.

• Use heat, the number one home remedy to treat abscesses, to bring the abscess to a head. Place a clean, warm face cloth over the boil for 20 minutes at least three times a day. Rotate face cloths to maintain consistent heat. Warm compresses will bring the abscess to a head.

• The best home remedy for mouth abscess is prevention. Understand the importance of oral hygiene. Don't be in a hurry to brush and floss. Don't postpone your visit to the doctor. And for an unforeseen situation dental insurance proves to be God sent.

• Apply a cloth soaked in one part lobelia and three parts mullein in warm water to bring the affected area to a head. Puncture lightly with a sterilized needle, and wash gently. Garlic oil will help defend against infection. Apply vitamin E oil twice a day to speed the healing process.

• Continue using warm compresses a couple of times a day for at least three days to ensure all the pus drains from the abscess. Apply a clean bandage each time you finish using a compress.

• Apply a dry (make sure it is dry, not wet) Lipton Cold Brew tea bag between tooth and gum for 45 to 60 minutes. For better effect, lay down on non-swollen side with head slightly raised so the tea can soak over the gum and tooth (keep your mouth closed also). I tried both the dry and wet bag technique -- the dry bag technique worked the best for me. I used cold brew teabags, since I felt that the effect would be enhanced over hot brew teabags.

Keeping the skin clean, eating a proper diet, and getting regular exercise can also help treat and prevent skin abscesses. Each of these actions helps keep the immune system strong, improving its ability to fend off infections or illnesses that may lead to skin abscesses!