Other names for Abscesses

Boils
Carbuncles
Furuncles
Pus-filled sores
Skin abscess

Synopsis of Abscesses

An abscess is a confined pocket of pus that collects in tissues, organs, or spaces within the body as a result of infection. It forms when the immune system tries to wall off bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens, leading to localized inflammation, swelling, warmth, pain, and pus accumulation. Abscesses can occur on the skin's surface (cutaneous abscess) or internally, affecting organs like the liver, lungs, or brain. Most superficial abscesses resolve with proper drainage and care, but deeper abscesses may require medical treatment.

Types:

• Cutaneous (skin) abscesses: Most common, occur near the skin's surface, often from infected hair follicles or blocked sweat glands.

• Internal abscesses: Found deeper in the body (e.g., liver, lungs, brain, peritoneal cavity); these are more serious and may present with systemic symptoms.

• Dental abscesses: Occur at the root of a tooth or between the gum and tooth due to bacterial infection.

• Perianal abscesses: Near the rectum, often resulting from blocked anal glands.

Common Causes:

• Bacterial infection: The most frequent cause, especially Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains.

• Infected hair follicles (folliculitis): Can progress to boils or abscesses if not treated early.

• Blocked sebaceous glands or sweat glands: Lead to localized infection and pus formation.

• Trauma to the skin: Cuts, scrapes, or punctures allow bacteria to enter.

• Weakened immune system: Conditions like diabetes, HIV, or chemotherapy treatment make abscess formation more likely.

• Poor hygiene: Increases the risk of skin infections leading to abscesses.

• Dental decay: Leads to bacterial infections in the gums or tooth root (dental abscesses).

• Post-surgical infections: Can lead to abscess formation at or near surgical sites.

More Severe Causes (Complications):

• Spread of infection (cellulitis): Infection can extend into surrounding tissues.

• Sepsis: When the infection spreads into the bloodstream, it can cause life-threatening systemic inflammation.

• Fistula formation: Abnormal connection between an abscess and another body structure (commonly in perianal abscesses).

• Recurrent abscesses: Especially in individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes.

When to See a Doctor:

• Abscess is large, painful, or continues to grow

• Redness spreads beyond the abscess (sign of cellulitis)

• Fever or chills accompany the abscess

• Abscess is located near sensitive areas (face, groin, rectum, spine)

• Recurrent abscesses occur

• Abscess does not drain on its own within a few days

Natural remedies for Abscesses

Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress helps increase blood flow, encouraging the abscess to come to a head and drain naturally. Use 20-minute sessions, 3–4 times daily.

Tea Tree Oil (Diluted): Tea tree oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, helping reduce infection and swelling. Apply diluted oil (with a carrier like coconut oil) to the abscess area 1–2 times daily.

Turmeric Paste: Turmeric’s curcumin offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix turmeric powder with water or coconut oil to make a paste and apply to the abscess area.

Epsom Salt Soak: Epsom salts draw out toxins and reduce swelling. Add Epsom salt to warm water and soak the affected area (if feasible) for 15–20 minutes daily.

Garlic Compress: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong antimicrobial properties. Crush fresh garlic cloves, wrap in gauze, and apply briefly to the abscess (avoid prolonged skin contact to prevent irritation).

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera soothes inflammation and supports skin healing. Apply directly to the abscess area 2–3 times daily.

Honey Dressing: Raw honey provides antibacterial action and promotes healing. Apply a small amount under a bandage and change daily.

Castor Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory and drawing properties. Apply castor oil and cover with a warm compress to help bring the abscess to a head.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Abscesses

Abrus
Abuta
Acacia
Achyranthes
Activated charcoal
Agave
Alchornea
Alkanet
Alkanna
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alstonia scholaris
amber
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
Ampelopsis
anamu
Andrographis
Antirrhinum majus
Aquilegia formosa
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
Arisaema
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
ash
assam indigo
Asteraceae
aucubin
bai ji
balsam
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
Bassia scoparia
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
bentonite
berberine
bergamot
Bidens pilosa
bindweed
black nightshade
black root
black walnut
black-eyed Susan
blackboard tree
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Bombax
borassus palm
boxthorne
boxwood
Brazilian peppertree
bromelain
bur-reed
burdock
Butea monosperma
Calendula
California pitcher plant
Calotropis gigantea
capillary artemisia
carrapichinho
Casearia sylvestris
castor oil
catlaw buttercup
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cedrus libani
celandine
Centipeda
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
Chiococca alba
chrysophanics
cinquefoil
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum indicum
cocklebur
coconut
colloidal silver
copaiba oil
cowage seed
cowherb
croton seeds
curcumin
Cymbidium goeringii
Cynanchum
Cynodon dactylon
Cynoglossum grande
Davilla rugosa
Didymocarpus
divi-divi
dragon\'s blood
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elephant vine
elephant\'s head
Erigeron
Erodium cicutarium
eucalyptus
Euphorbia
Eupolyphaga sinensis
European Elder
European five-finger grass
Ficus simplicissima
figwort
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fomes fomentarius
gallotannin
garlic
garlic bulb
genipap
geranium
giant blazingstar
ginger
Gnaphalium
golden shower tree
goldenseal
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
Gugambilla
Gumweed
heal-all
Hedyotis
Helicteres isora
Hellebore
henna
Herb Robert
honey
hound\'s tongue
Houttuynia
Huang hua
Hyaluronidase
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
Jessica\'s sticktight
Kachnar
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Kamala
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
lac resin
lacquertree
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
lavender
Lebbek
Lesser speargrass
Levant cotton
Lewis's monkey flower
licorice root
little ironweed
lodhtree
Lophira lanceolata
luffa
Macaranga indica
magnesium
Mahonia
mallow
Malva sylvestris
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Matapalo Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Microcos
Milkweed
Morning glory
Myrrh
Naphthoquinones
Nasturtium
Nimbidin
nut grass
Oak
Oldenlandia diffusa
oregano
Oxystelma
paederia foetida
papaya
Paris polyphylla
Patrinia
pau d'arco
paw paw
Pellitory
Pentatropis capensis
Petiveria
Peucedanum
Physalis angulata
Pink Root
Plantago
plantain
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
Plumbago zeylanica
Pokeweed
privet
Propolis
protein
punarnava
purple Tephrosia
red alder
red root
red spiderling
resin
Rhus glabra
Rubia yunnanensis
Sandy Everlasting
Sangre de Grado
Sanguisorba
Sanicle
Sarcandra glabra
Sargentodoxa
scrophularia root
Self-Heal
Serrapeptase
Sesbania
sheep's sorrel
shen-chu
Shikonin
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Sicklepod
siler root
Simaruba
Skunkvine
Smartweed
Smoketree
Smooth Alder
Solanum indicum
Spanish Needle
Speedwell
Spilanthes
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Stillingia
Tagetes
Tannins
Tayuya
Tea Tree Oil
Thuja
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Thymus
Tree of heaven
Trichosanthes
Trypsin
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
White oak
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yerba Mansa
Zingiberene