Carbuncles

Description

Carbuncles are a group of interconnecting boils that cause an infection underneath the skin. The actual infectious organism is usually Staphyloccus aureus. Carbuncles are similar to corns, but develop more slowly and are spread over a larger area. Carbuncles occur more frequently in men than women, and are typically seen on the neck, thighs and buttocks.

Signs and symptoms

They are very painful, inflamed, and red, and may cause fatigue, debilitation, and a fever. Carbuncles are typically filled with pus but are hard to break. Squeezing can trigger scarring.

Carbuncles are very contagious, and should be cultured to identify the infectious organism. Antibiotics are typically used to rid the body of carbuncles. This is especially true with carbuncles in the nasal area, as the infection can easily spread to the brain.

Cause

Despite the fact that they can happen to very healthy people, carbuncles are often related to diabetes mellitus and other debilitating chronic disease conditions. Carbuncles are more common in the elderly.

Natural Cures

Diet: Drink plenty of filtered water, and consume a diet with a variety of green leafy vegetables, and whole grains such as buckwheat.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® can be applied (a minimum of four times a day) on unbroken skin close to, but not directly on, carbuncles. Crab Apple may be used to help alleviate stress, and depression associated with low body image caused by the condition.

Herbs: A teaspoon of equal parts Echinacea, cleavers, and yellowdock, three times each day can help speed recovery time. Drinking a mug of an infusion of nettle, preferably clean herb, twice daily, can be helpful.

Homeopathy: Ledum, Belladonna, Arsen alb., and/or Lachesis are all useful homeopathic treatments.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Juice Treatment: The following liquid combinations are recommended: Carrot, beet, celery, and garlic; wheat grass liquid; and cucumber juice.

Nutritional Supplementation: To prevent carbuncles and speed healing times, supplement with vitamin A, ascorbic acid, acidophilus, chlorophyll, garlic pills, and proteolytic enzymes (taken on an empty stomach away from meals).

Topical ointment Treatment: Spread a mixture of honey, vitamin E oil, vitamin A, and zinc oxide on infected areas. Do this several times per day; every hour if need be. Other effective topical remedies include a poultice of goldenseal root powder paste, warm Epsom salt pack, tea sapling oil, or a poultice of one part sesame oil and one part limejuice combined and used externally.

Alternative Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of the qualified health professional. The following professional therapies have all demonstrated an ability to be useful for treating and relieving the symptoms of carbuncles: Detoxification Treatment, Energy Treatments, Guided Symbolism, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Treatment (external ozone or air applications), as well as traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)