Home remedy against an abscess

Introduction

An abscess is a newly formed cavity filled with pus, which is encapsulated from the remaining tissue. An abscess can basically occur anywhere in the body. It is often or most often noticed in a deeper skin layer.

The corresponding area then hurts especially when pressure is applied, under certain circumstances a bump can also form at this point. The formation of an abscess is promoted by a weakened immune system, but can also occur in completely healthy people. Recurring abscesses should always be clarified for clinical pictures like acne inversa.

Even if an abscess is inviting: Under no circumstances should you prick the cavity yourself with a needle or knife! The cause, namely bacteria that have penetrated from the surface of the skin into deeper layers, is usually only made worse by this. If fever, chills, nausea or other symptoms affecting the whole body are added to the local inflammatory symptoms, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Abscesses can also occur repeatedly, 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 household remedy against abscesses?

One of the most proven household remedies against an abscess is probably the onion. Sliced and placed on the abscess, it can have a positive effect on the healing process of the abscess. In contrast to some pulling ointments, it can be applied to both closed and open areas.

The onion used should be sliced or quartered just before application and then placed directly on the corresponding skin area to apply the leaking juice directly. After a few minutes of application time, the onion piece can be removed, the procedure 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 by the sulfur-containing amonic acid alliin (named after the botanical genus of the onion) and the “tear substance” of the onion, propanthial oxide, which irritates the mucous membranes. The latter is only formed when cutting and is responsible for increasing the blood circulation.