Carbuncles
Carbuncles is the name given to a cluster of interconnecting
boils that cause an infection that spreads underneath
the skin. The infectious organism is usually Staphyloccus
aureus.
Carbuncles are similar to boils, but develop more slowly
and are localized over a larger area. They are extremely
painful, swollen, and red, and may be accompanied by
general feelings of fatigue, debilitation, and fever.
A great amount of pus is usually also associated with
carbuncles, which can be slow to heal and can cause
scarring.
What To Consider
Carbuncles occur more frequently in men than in women,
primarily at the nape of the neck, buttocks, or thighs.
Even though they can occur in very healthy people, they
are often associated with diabetes mellitus and other
debilitating chronic disease conditions, and are also
occur more frequently in the elderly.
Carbuncles are very contagious, and should be cultured
to identify the infectious organism. Antibiotics may
be needed to achieve complete healing. This is especially
true of both carbuncles and boils in the nose, as the
infection can easily spread to the brain.
Self-Care Tips
Diet
Drink
plenty of filtered water, and eat a diet of whole foods
with lots of green, leafy vegetables, and grains such
as buckwheat.
Nutritional Supplementation
To help prevent and speed the healing time of carbuncles,
supplement with vitamin A, vitamin C, acidophilus, chlorophyll,
garlic capsules, and proteolytic enzymes (taken on an
empty stomach away from meals).
Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream can be applied (a
minimum of four times a day) on unbroken skin around,
but not directly on, carbuncles. Crab Apple can be used
to help alleviate stress and for low self-esteem and
negative body image caused by the condition.
Herbs
A
blend of the tinctures of echinacea, cleavers, and yellowdock
in equal parts, taken one teaspoonful three times a
day can help speed the healing time for boils. Additionally,
drinking a cup of an infusion of nettle, preferably
fresh herb, twice a day, can be helpful.
Homeopathy
Ledum, Belladonna, Arsen alb., and/or Lachesis
are all useful homeopathic remedies.
Hydrotherapy
Contrast application (hot and cold water packs applied at least once daily).
Juice Therapy
The following juice combinations can be helpful: Carrot, beet, celery,
and garlic; wheat grass juice; and/or cucumber juice.
Topical Treatment
Apply a mixture of honey, the oil from vitamins E and A, and zinc oxide
to the infected areas. Do this several times a day,
up to once per hour. Other effective topical treatments
include a poultice of goldenseal root powder paste,
hot Epsom salt pack (two tablespoons in one cup water),
tea tree oil, or a poultice of one part sesame oil and
one part lime juice mixed and applied externally.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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