10 Home Remedies for Abscesses

An abscess occurs when bacteria cause an infection at the surface level of your skin, causing a soft mass to form. Usually, they will be pink or red in color and will feel warm to the touch. Abscesses are very painful because they are filled with pus, and they often need to be drained by a medical professional. If your abscess is severe, you should not attempt to drain it yourself, since doing so could cause the infection to spread. For minor instances, however, home remedies for abscesses can reduce symptoms and may even allow the abscess to heal on its own.

Warm Compresses

One of the most common remedies for abscesses is the use of a warm compress. Even if you are prescribed antibiotics or have the abscess drained, your physician will likely recommend that you apply a warm compress at least once a day. This can help to cleanse the area and draw the bacteria out. It may also help to relieve symptoms like pain and discomfort. For best results, moisten a clean washcloth with hot water. Allow the cloth to cool until it is comfortable to the touch, then apply to the affected area for twenty minutes.

Turmeric

One popular herbal remedy for mild abscesses is the use of turmeric. Turmeric is often used as a seasoning in Middle Eastern dishes, but it has healing properties that can make it a good choice for those seeking to relieve their abscesses. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve pain, and its anti-bacterial nature makes it the perfect remedy. To use it, chop the turmeric root into thin slices and mash with water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to the abscess and let dry. After five minutes, it should be rinsed off and dried.

Potatoes

Potatoes have many important nutrients, like potassium and vitamin C, which promote healing. Consequently, they can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in minor abscesses. To try this remedy, cut a whole potato into thick slices. Hold or tape a slice onto the abscess area, allowing the potato’s nutrients to be directly absorbed. For best results, you should use a raw potato. Always remember to carefully peel or wash it first, in order to prevent worsening the infection.

Garlic

Garlic is another common home remedy for abscesses. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it a useful tool in fighting infections, which are the root cause of abscesses. There are many ways to use a garlic-based remedy. First, you can simply cut a clove of garlic in half and apply the fresh garlic to the abscess. Gently rub the clove on the area for five minutes. You can also make a paste out of crushed garlic and water. Do not use garlic oil, which may burn the skin if applied. This use of garlic should reduce inflammation and pain, allowing the abscess to heal.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat abscesses as well. Three percent hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at most drug and grocery stores and is very inexpensive. This compound is made of water and oxygen and can be used to treat both external abscesses and tooth abscesses. You can treat external abscesses by rinsing the area with hydrogen peroxide and then water. A sterile cotton pad can be used to wipe the area with hydrogen peroxide as well. For tooth abscesses, you should carefully swish the liquid around without swallowing it, then rinse with water after spitting it out. This will help to kill bacteria, reducing the infection.

Cold Compresses

Some abscesses may not be large, but their location may make them painful. If you have a minor abscess that is causing pain due to friction or pressure on the mass, you can use cold compresses to dull the pain. Although it will not relieve the underlying infection and should not be used as an exclusive treatment, cold compresses can help to reduce swelling and pain. To avoid damaging your skin, always wrap cold compresses and ice packs in a thin towel or wrap prior to use. This will prevent frostbite while still allowing the compress to cool the abscess and reduce pain.

Onion

There are many inexpensive vegetable home remedies for abscesses, and onions are another popular option. Just like with potatoes, a thick slice of onion can be taped to the affected area in order to promote healing. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antifungal and analgesic properties, which makes it a good choice for fighting infections. Red onions are more effective than other types of onions and can help to absorb the toxins in the abscess. These should be changed regularly. If you notice any negative side effects, stop use and contact your doctor immediately.

Epsom Salt

Many people who suffer from abscesses find that old-fashioned remedies are best. Epsom salt has always been a popular way to cure these infections. Add Epsom salt to hot water and soak the affected area for 20 minutes twice a day. The Epsom salt will encourage healing, and the hot water will help to reduce pain and inflammation as well. If you do not have Epsom salt, which is commonly sold at pharmacies, you can also just soak the abscessed area in clean, hot water. Do not add soaps or fragrances, which can irritate the area further.

Triple-antibiotic Cream

Oral antibiotics are not typically helpful for small abscesses, but a topical ointment can be beneficial. One of the best treatments for abscesses is a triple-antibiotic cream. These creams are sold in pharmacies and grocery stores at a very low cost. It contains three antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B, which help to kill surface bacteria. Applying this similar treatment can help to speed healing time since it directly treats infections.

Oil of Oregano

For those who prefer to stay away from pharmacy cures, oil of oregano is a good home remedy to try. Oregano is another herb with antibacterial properties, so applying it to the abscess can help to resolve the infection. Patients with abscesses can also take oil of oregano orally, but the most efficient way to treat an abscess with this essential oil is by applying it directly to the skin. Be vigilant for any adverse effects, as not all essential oils are the same quality and some may cause reactions. It is best to buy pure oil of oregano from a reputable company.