A poultice is a soft, moist mass of material, traditionally made from plant matter or other substances, applied directly to the body. This ancient practice has been used for millennia as a folk remedy for various skin issues, including minor infections. Poultices, sometimes called cataplasms, were a common treatment for localizing and relieving discomfort associated with skin afflictions like abscesses, boils, and embedded splinters.
How Poultices Work to Relieve Infection
The effectiveness of a poultice in relation to infection, often described as “drawing out” the pus, is primarily a physical and physiological process. Applying a warm, moist poultice causes localized vasodilation, which is the widening of the blood vessels. This increased blood flow rushes immune cells and oxygen to the infection site, accelerating the body’s natural inflammatory response and helping to contain the problem.
The combination of sustained heat and moisture softens the skin and the underlying tissue of the boil or abscess. This softening helps the localized collection of pus, the body’s waste product from fighting the infection, to move toward the surface. The heat and moisture also contribute to pain relief, a secondary benefit of the application.
Specific ingredients in the poultice can also exert an osmotic action, a physical property that contributes to the “drawing” effect. When a poultice contains a highly concentrated substance, such as salt, it creates an osmotic gradient across the skin. This gradient naturally pulls fluid from the less concentrated environment within the body toward the more concentrated poultice material. This action encourages the abscess to rupture and drain.
Specific Ingredients Used to Draw Out Pus
One of the most effective and commonly used substances for its “drawing” property is Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). When mixed with a small amount of water to form a thick paste, the high concentration of the salt creates a strong osmotic pull. This actively works to draw fluid and pus to the skin’s surface, helping an abscess to dry out and drain naturally.
Another category of materials relies on absorption rather than osmosis to achieve the desired effect. Activated charcoal and clays, such as bentonite clay, are frequently used for their large surface areas and porous structures. These materials are thought to absorb impurities and toxins from the skin, including the fluid and debris associated with a localized infection.
More traditional ingredients, such as bread soaked in milk or grated potato, are effective primarily because they retain heat and moisture. When heated, these soft materials hold warmth for an extended period, which helps soften the skin overlying an abscess and promote the natural inflammatory process. Linseed meal, made from ground flaxseed, is also a traditional choice because it mixes into a hot, adhesive paste that retains heat well.
Safe Preparation and Application
Proper preparation is necessary to ensure the poultice is both effective and safe. Before applying any material, the affected area should be thoroughly cleansed to prevent the introduction of new bacteria. A thick paste should be created using the chosen ingredient and a liquid. Ensure the consistency is moist enough to transfer ingredients but not so wet that it drips.
The poultice should be warmed, but never to the point of being scalding, as the goal is to sustain warmth, not cause a burn. Once prepared, the material can be placed directly onto the skin or spread onto a clean piece of gauze or thin cloth. Covering the poultice with a clean cloth, plastic wrap, or a bandage helps to retain the heat and moisture, sustaining the therapeutic effect.
The poultice should be left in place until it cools, typically for about 20 to 30 minutes, and then removed. Discard the used poultice immediately after removal. If reapplication is needed, a completely fresh batch must be prepared to maintain sanitation. The treated area should be gently washed after removal to clear any residue.
Recognizing When Medical Attention is Necessary
While a poultice can assist with minor, superficial skin issues like boils, it is not a substitute for professional medical care for serious infections. Any infection that shows signs of spreading beyond the localized area requires immediate attention. This includes the development of red streaks extending away from the infection site, which can indicate cellulitis or systemic spread of the bacteria.
Systemic symptoms, such as fever or chills, indicate that the infection has entered the bloodstream and is no longer confined to the local area. A rapid increase in pain, excessive swelling, or a foul-smelling discharge suggests a complication that necessitates medical evaluation. Poultices should never be applied to deep puncture wounds or open, actively draining lacerations, as they are not sterile and could worsen the condition.