Home remedies for an abscess

introduction

An abscess is a newly formed cavity that is filled with pus and isolated from the rest of the tissue. An abscess can basically occur anywhere in the body.

It is often or most frequently noticed in a deeper layer of the skin. The corresponding area is particularly painful when there is pressure, and under certain circumstances a bump can also form at this point.

The formation of an abscess is favored by a weakened immune system, but can also occur in completely healthy people. Recurring abscesses should always be checked for symptoms such as acne inversa.

Even if an abscess invites you to do so: Under no circumstances may you prick the cavity yourself with a needle or knife! The cause, namely bacteria that have penetrated deeper layers from the surface of the skin, is usually only made worse.

If, in addition to the local inflammatory symptoms, fever, chills, nausea or other symptoms affecting the whole body occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Abscesses can also recur, so it is recommended to prevent abscesses in everyday life. You can find out how to prevent abscesses here: What is the best way to prevent an abscess?

The onion - a proven home remedy for the abscess ?!

One of the most tried and tested home remedies for an abscess is the onion.

Sliced ​​and placed on the abscess, it can have a positive effect on the abscess healing process. In contrast to some pull ointments, it can be used on both closed and open areas. The onion used should only be cut into slices or quarters shortly before use and then placed directly on the appropriate skin area in order to apply the escaping juice directly.

After a few minutes exposure time, the onion piece can be removed, the process can be repeated several times a day if necessary. The mode of action is most similar to that of pulling ointment, i.e. it stimulates blood circulation (and thus reduces itching) and has limited antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These effects are achieved through the sulphurous amino acid alliin (named after the botanical genus of the onion) as well as the onion's tear substance, propanthialoxide, which irritates the mucous membrane.

The latter only arises when cutting and is responsible for increasing blood circulation.

Special home remedies for the genital area

If you tend to have abscesses in the genital area, you can usually achieve a quick improvement by not shaving. However, this is not an option for some people nowadays - if you do not want to do without it, tea tree oil is recommended as an "after shave" (see below).

In general, all home remedies that are anti-inflammatory or especially suitable for abscesses can also be used in the genital area: In addition to the onion described above, this is, for example, the quark envelope, which also has a pleasantly cooling effect, as well as white cabbage.

The latter is warmed up slightly before use (not boiled!), Mashed a little and then placed on the affected area. The mode of action is similar to that of the onion. Healing earth can also be helpful, as it can usually free the skin of excess pus and also has a caring effect due to the moisture and the minerals it contains.

The tea tree oil deserves special mention: As an anti-inflammatory home remedy, it can also be used on abscesses in the genital area or added to another home remedy, such as a healing earth poultice. It also has a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect as an after-shave and thus prevents the development of new abscesses.

Please also read our topic: Abscess in the genital area

Special home remedies for the gums and mouth

For abscesses in the mouth area, home remedies are particularly suitable, which are also safe to eat, as some of them can always be swallowed. Since most home remedies are or are made from food, this is not really a limitation.

As mentioned above, the use of onions, steamed white cabbage or quark can be worthwhile.

Chamomile tea is particularly suitable, as it is safe to take orally and has a pleasant taste. It is best drunk hot, as the heat of the liquid can also soften the abscess. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing effect has a positive influence on the healing process of the abscess.

Caution is advised with tea tree oil, as it can lead to lung damage if large amounts are swallowed. Healing earth is also difficult to use, as the mixture of water and earth would have to be kept in the mouth for several minutes to be effective.

Read more on this topic at: Abscess on the tooth

Home remedies for the abscess on the neck

In the case of an abscess on the neck, you should specifically refrain from pushing and squeezing around, as opening up inwards can be dangerous due to the many ducts that run here Be consequence.

It is better to soften the abscess from the outside and treat it with a disinfectant. All anti-inflammatory and "pulling" household remedies are suitable, such as warm onion or cabbage slices, tea tree oil, quark or healing earth compresses.

Healing earth can of course also be applied to the affected skin area without a compress. Warm or ideally hot chamomile tea can soften the abscess and thus provoke it to open outwards (!) By soaking a cotton cloth with it and soaking the abscess for several minutes.

You can find more information on: Abscess on the neck

Home remedies for the abscess in the armpit

The armpit, like the groin area, is predestined for the recurring occurrence of abscesses:

On the one hand, it represents a fold of skin that is often moist and warm and can thus encourage bacterial growth; on the other hand, it is subject to constant shaving due to fashion, which means that the hair roots tend to become inflamed more quickly.

As in the genital area, it can be advised not to shave or to use some tea tree oil after shaving. Clothing that fits tightly in the armpits should also be avoided during the period of the abscess or if abscesses occur frequently.

More on this topic at: Abscess in the armpit