What are Home Remedies for Skin Abscesses? - Abscesses

While severe skin abscesses may require surgical treatment, the majority can be treated at home. When treating skin abscesses at home, however, it is important to begin treatment as early as possible in order to prevent complications.

The first course of action when treating skin abscesses is to apply heat to the area. This can be accomplished with hot packs or by taking a hot bath. By heating the area, the circulation is increased. This helps improve the bodyâ€™s ability to fight off the infection causing skin abscesses, because it attracts white blood cells to the area.

While skin abscesses are still small and hard, they should not be opened and drained. In some cases, skin abscesses drain on their own after being properly soaked. If not, they can be drained once they have softened and a small pustule has formed. The pustule can then be removed and the abscess can be drained. Skin abscesses that have been drained are typically far less painful than those that have not. Skin abscesses that cannot be successfully drained at home should be treated by a medical professional.

Keeping the skin clean, eating a proper diet, and getting regular exercise can also help treat and prevent skin abscesses. Each of these actions helps keep the immune system strong, improving its ability to fend off infections or illnesses that may lead to skin abscesses