A skin abscess occurs as an inflamed, pus-filled mass under the epidermis. You might also experience other symptoms associated with an infection, including a fever and chills. It is harder to recognize an existing abscess in the body, however, as symptoms include:
When to See Your Doctor – As with most other skin infections, it is best to have a physician to confirm that you do have an abscess when they do not see any other signs or symptoms. You should always see your doctor for abscesses, even if you think that you might have another infection. Abscesses are contagious and are easily spread from one person to another.
What Are the Symptoms of an Abscess? As with all types of infection, the symptoms of an abscess differ from person to person. Some of these symptoms include severe pain and tenderness and can be combined with discharge. Abscesses can also be accompanied by fever and extreme fatigue. If left untreated, an abscess can lead to other complications including a blood clot in the lungs, brain abscess, or even death.
What is the Right Course of Action? Although there is no single treatment for abscessed skin, proper hygiene is always recommended. The following are some ways to prevent and treat abscesses:
Cleaning the Skin Regularly One of the best ways to avoid an infection in the first place is to ensure that your skin is clean and is free from buildup. In fact, regular bathing or hand washing is a good way to maintain healthy skin. Use gentle soap and water and be sure to use a good cleansing face wash after bathing. Be careful to avoid soap, perfumes and deodorants as they can irritate the skin and increase the risk of developing an infection.
Avoid Infection Protection Wear a pad or bandage on the affected area while sleeping or while exercising. Protect clothing with a pocket diaper so that it is easy to remove when needed.
Wear a small plastic bag instead of a large cloth diaper bag as this will make it easier to keep the diaper dry when the diaper is wet
If the condition does not improve over a period of time, you may want to look at applying a cold compress applied to the area with ice packs. This type of treatment works because it helps to reduce swelling and inflammation and decreases the chances of spreading the infection.
The benefits of using apple cider vinegar are not just limited to the prevention of an abscess. Applying vinegar to a wound and then applying an ice pack to it is effective in killing bacteria and helping to heal the wound.
In addition to using apple cider vinegar for treating an abscess, applying tea tree oil to the infected area is also effective. This product can also help to remove the smell caused by an abscess and will also help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
To help prevent an abscess, drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water to reduce the inflammation and bacteria that are present. This is beneficial especially if you have chronic pain in your stomach and lower back areas.
Apple cider vinegar can help to prevent this condition by encouraging the body to eliminate toxins that may lead to pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Apple cider vinegar can also be applied directly to the affected area for relief. A warm compress should be applied to the abdomen and held for 15 minutes.
When applied to the abdomen, apple cider vinegar will help to draw out the toxins, thus reducing any swelling and inflammation. You can also add a cup of water and two teaspoons of ground flax seed to the mixture to make a good laxative tea to help with this procedure.