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Something to draw an abscess out with??

Hi, I was wondering if anyone can help.

My friend has a abscess/boil type thing on her head. Is there anything she can use to try and draw it out that anyone knows of? I've just googled and there is something called black drawing ointment but we can't find anywhere to buy it over the counter from, it can only be purchased online.

Any good remedies please?
Thanks
Sometimes you have to go through
the rain to get to the
rainbow
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Comments

  • Mely
    Mely Posts: 4,121 Forumite
    Couldnt she go to the nurse at her drs, Im sure she could sort it out easily enough? Im sorry i dont know any home remedies.
  • ClaireLR
    ClaireLR Posts: 1,712 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I've told her to do that but she won't go, she works long hours and has a son to take care of and doesn't make time for herself to go to the docs unless she's dying!
    Sometimes you have to go through
    the rain to get to the
    rainbow
  • sharon59
    sharon59 Posts: 1,051 Forumite
    Agree with previous poster that she should go see nurse and get properly diagnosed-if it is abcess she may need antibiotics or special dressing.better safe than sorry!
    :j this money saving is such fun:T
  • My pharmacist gave me magnesium sulphate paste, can be bought over the counter. Wasn't terribly effective although it said it was a drawing paste.

    I found hot water brought it out quicker (I know its not really practical with her head). Toothpaste is also supposed to work!
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  • ClaireLR
    ClaireLR Posts: 1,712 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thank you. She has tried the toothpaste thing but no joy. Can you buy the magnesium sulphate paste from any pharamcist?
    Sometimes you have to go through
    the rain to get to the
    rainbow
  • Yes, I got mine from boots (own brand). Little 50g pot.
    Please do not quote spam as this enables it to 'live on' once the spam post is removed. ;)

    If you quote me, don't forget the capital 'M'

    Declutterers of the world - unite! :rotfl::rotfl:
  • ClaireLR
    ClaireLR Posts: 1,712 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Ewwwwwww Mely! I know it's gross but I keep telling her to let me squeeze it, I love things like that (yes I know it's a bit wrong!).

    I will tell her to try that and if it dont work to get the magnesium sulphate
    Thanks!
    Sometimes you have to go through
    the rain to get to the
    rainbow
  • Mely
    Mely Posts: 4,121 Forumite
    Claire... i think i remeber the lad also telling us that squeezing is bad (hence steaming it out) as it can go into the blood stream and then you get more - dont know if thats true though! Im terrible for squeezing spots too...lol.
  • Kandipandi
    Kandipandi Posts: 1,656 Forumite
    I know you should leave them but Magnesium Suplhate Paste has worked well for my family for years and I always have some in the first aid box. Its definately worth a try.
    You can stand there and agonize........
    Till your agony's your heaviest load. (Emily Saliers)
  • hethmar
    hethmar Posts: 10,678 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Car Insurance Carver!
    Cant say an abscess on the head sounds very common? I certainly think she should see her GP as it may be a symptom of something else - and yes, you could easily get an infection if you fiddle with it. What about ringing the NHS helpline?
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