Abscesses are painful, raised areas of skin that are usually caused by bacterial infections. Treatment of an abscess without surgery is possible in some cases, but it is important to seek medical advice before attempting any kind of treatment.
Antibacterial Treatments
Antibacterial treatments such as oral antibiotics or topical creams may be used to treat an abscess. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection, while topical creams can be used to reduce inflammation and help the abscess to heal. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor when using these treatments.
Hot Compresses
Hot compresses can be used to help reduce the size of an abscess. To use this method, soak a clean cloth in hot water and apply it to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. This should be done several times a day until the abscess has started to shrink.
Drainage
If the abscess has not responded to other treatments, then it may need to be drained. This is usually done by a doctor or nurse who will make a small incision in the abscess and use gentle pressure to help expel any pus or fluid. This procedure should be done under sterile conditions in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Home Remedies
There are also some home remedies that can be used to help treat an abscess. Applying a mixture of honey and turmeric to the affected area can help to reduce the size of the abscess, as well as providing some relief from the pain. Garlic is also thought to have antibacterial properties, so adding a few cloves to food each day can help to fight the infection.
It is important to remember that these home remedies should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and it is best to seek professional help if the abscess does not respond to treatments.