Bee propolis has a long history of traditional use in the treatment and management of skin infections, including abscesses. Historical records from various cultures, including Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, describe the topical application of propolis to wounds and ulcers, likely due to its observed antimicrobial and healing properties. Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees from plant materials, contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that have been shown in laboratory settings to exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties provide a rationale for its use against infections associated with abscesses, which are often caused by bacterial pathogens.

Despite its traditional use, modern scientific evidence specifically supporting bee propolis for the treatment or healing of abscesses in humans is limited. There are some in vitro studies indicating that propolis can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, a common causative agent of abscesses. However, robust clinical trials in humans with abscesses are lacking. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional practices rather than controlled studies. Therefore, while the traditional use is well documented and some laboratory studies are promising, the overall evidence for its efficacy in treating abscesses is modest and not yet convincingly validated by clinical research.