Abscesses

An abscess is a collection of pus that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials (eg: splinters or bullet wounds).

About Abscesses
It is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to other parts of the body. The organisms or foreign materials kill the local cells, resulting in the release of toxins. The toxins trigger an inflammatory response, which draws large numbers of white blood cells to the area and increases the regional blood flow.

The final structure of the abscess is an abscess wall, or capsule, that is formed by the adjacent healthy cells in an attempt to keep the pus from infecting neighbouring structures. However, such encapsulation tends to prevent immune cells from attacking bacteria in the pus, or from reaching the causative organism or foreign object.

Abscesses must be differentiated from emphysemas, which are accumulations of pus in a pre-existing rather than a newly formed anatomical cavity. The cardinal symptoms and signs of any kind of inflammatory process are redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function. Abscesses may occur in any kind of solid tissue but most frequently on skin surface (where they may be superficial pustules (boils) or deep skin abscesses ), in the lungs, brain, kidneys and tonsils.

Major complications are spreading of the abscess material to adjacent or remote tissues and extensive regional tissue death (gangrene). Abscesses in most parts of the body rarely heal themselves, so prompt medical attention is indicated at the first suspicion of an abscess .

Treatments
Treatments include: Antibiotics, Incision and drainage, Surgery may be used but normally as a last resort, Primary closure Abscesses are caused by obstruction of oil (sebaceous) glands or sweat glands, inflammation of hair follicles, or from minor breaks and punctures of the skin. Germs get under the skin or into these glands, which causes an inflammatory response as your body's defenses try to kill these germs. The middle of the abscess liquefies and contains dead cells, bacteria, and other debris. This area begins to grow, creating tension under the skin and further inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Pressure and inflammation cause the pain. People with weakened immune system s get certain abscesses more often. Those with any of the following are all at risk for having more severe abscesses . This is because the body has a decreased ability to ward off infections . There are a number of ways in which we can help our body to resist getting abscesses Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your skin with soap and water regularly. Take care to avoid nicking yourself when shaving your underarms or pubic area. Seek immediate medical attention for any puncture wounds. Especially if you think there may be some debris in the wound If you have one of the listed medical conditions.

Alternative Therapies
The use of aromatherapy or complementary treatments can sometimes be beneficial. Essential oils diluted in carrier oils and used in a hot compress over the affected area or essential oils placed in the bath can sometimes help to relieve the symptoms. For dental abscesses then a hot compress applied to the face using Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils can sometimes help to relieve the symptoms whilst waiting to visit a dentist.  The most effective oils for treating abscesses are Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Lavender , Tea Tree and Thyme Oils

Read more about abscesses

Grapeseed Carrier Aromatherapy Oil 50ml

Light coloured odourless oil. Suitable for all skin types and can be used as a cleanser or toner. Easily absorbed into the skin. Contains vitamins, proteins and minerals. Excellent to use for diluting essential oils.

£4.00

Sweet Almond Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Sweet Almond is one of the most popular and versatile of all the carrier oils

£4.00

Aloe Vera Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Aloe Vera is considered to have many properties of its own and can be used neat on the skin without the use of essential oils or in massage or the bath.

£6.00

Aloe Vera Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 1 litre

Aloe Vera is considered to have many properties of its own and can be used neat on the skin without the use of essential oils or in massage or the bath.

£72.00

Jojoba Carrier Aromatherapy Oil 50ml

Golden colour and the oil which is most rapidly absorbed into the skin and is not sticky. Good for hair care and all skin types and can be used on its own.

£6.00

Evening Primrose Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Suitable for diluting essential oils. Evening Primrose also has many of its own properties and is an excellent carrier for essential oils to treat chest problems.

£6.00

Chamomile German 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Matricaria Recutica

Fantastic oil for so many purposes including skin care, inflammed tendons and swollen joints, digestive prolems especially where related to stress.

£4.25

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£5.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£14.50

High Alpine Lavender Essential Oil -Lavandula Angustifolia (10ml)

The most versatile and diverse of all the essential oils this High Alpine Lavender comes from the higher regions and is fiercer and more piercing and therefore needs to be used more sparingly.

£6.25

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia (10ml)

Tea Tree - the ultimate antiseptic which is a truly wonderful oil to keep in. Use it for veruccaes, thrush and warts, acne, rashes and dandruff. Try it for resipratory problems such as coughs and catarrh and use it to help with viral infections and increase the boxes immune system.

£4.00

Sweet Almond Carrier Oil 1 litre

Sweet Almond carrier oil is one of the most popular and useful of all carrier oils.

£36.00

Grapeseed Carrier Oil 1 litre

Light coloured odourless oil. Suitable for all skin types and can be used as a cleanser or toner. Easily absorbed into the skin. Contains vitamins, proteins and minerals. Use for diluting essential oils.

£36.00

Jojoba Carrier Oil 1 litre

Golden colour and the oil which is most rapidly absorbed into the skin and is not sticky. Good for hair care and all skin types and can be used on its own.

£72.00

Evening Primrose Carrier Oil 1 litre

Suitable for diluting essential oils. Evening Primrose also has many of its own properties.

£72.00