Raw Potato Application

• Skin abscesses begin to form underneath the skin. In order to bring the boil to a head, or to draw the infection to the surface, heat and other topical applications are commonly used. By applying a raw potato directly to an abscess that has been drawn, essential vitamins and nutrients will begin to soften and safely drain the abscess.
  
  Drench a washcloth in warm water until the cloth is warm to the touch. Wrap the heated cloth around the abscess and apply slight pressure by hand for 10 minutes. If the washcloth cools off, simply repeat the process. The warmth of the water will soothe the pain that is associated with boils and help draw the infection to the surface.
  
  After the heat compress, apply an inch-thick raw potato slice directly on the boil. Secure the potato with an Ace bandage and leave on for two hours. Gently unwrap the bandage and rinse the area with warm water. Repeat this process every day until the abscess has healed.
  
  

Sea Salt and Baking Soda

• An abscessed tooth is not only painful, but when left untreated can lead to more serious conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, an untreated tooth abscess can spread infections throughout the neck and into the head, which may become life-threatening. Sea salt and baking soda will draw the infection out of the tooth and aid in draining pus, which needs to be removed for the abscess to heal as well as to relieve severe pain.
  
  Combine 1 tbsp of baking soda with an equal amount of sea salt in a container. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and place between the cheek and the abscess. Continue this application for two hours using a new cotton ball every 10 minutes.
  
  The properties of the salt and baking soda will help to drain the abscess. Thus, during the course of this treatment, the abscess may leak. When this happens, spit out the pus; do not swallow it.