One has seen as pus, a yellowish or greenish opaque fluid that is produced in an infected tissue. It consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, tissue debris, and serum. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for pus.
Causes
Pus is due to the response of the body’s immune system to an infection, according to Medical News Today. As per the publication, pus results from bacterial or fungal infection, where the immune system reacts to resolve the condition and prevent further damage to cells and tissues. It is added that neutrophils, a specific kind of white blood cell, act within the infected area with an hour following the onset; this accumulation of neutrophils result to pus formation.
Signs and Symptoms
A pus looks like a thick, whitish to yellowish material, as it consists of dead cells formed as by-product of bacterial infections. According to Health Grades, localized symptoms may accompany pus and they include a lump or mass felt beneath the skin, oozing or leakage of fluid, pain or tenderness, skin redness or presence of red streaks on the skin, skin warmth, and swelling. Then, systemic symptoms that may accompany a pus include body aches, coughing up yellow or green mucus, difficulty breathing, eye discharge, fainting, change in level of consciousness, fatigue, fever, chils, frequent infections, headache, and high fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Home Remedies
While antibiotics or antibacterial agents can be prescribed by the doctor to treat pus, home remedies can also be done to manage the condition.
Cotton
A pus can be cleared with cotton if it bursts on its own. As per The Health Site, it can be pressed from all the sides to ensure that the area is pus-free. Then, the area is cleaned with sterile water; an antibiotic ointment may follow to prevent further infection.
Onion
Another remedy for pus is onion. According to Organic Facts, onions promote heat production in the body and it can help squeeze pus out of the wound. As per the publication, the person chops the onions or makes an onion paste, applies it on the wound, and leaves it there for around five to six hours. In addition, onion leaves the affected area dry and promotes faster healing.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is another remedy for pus. According to Natural Herb Remedies, olive oil moisturizes the drainage in the pus pocket. If the oil is in a bottle, it should not touch the pus or boil; otherwise, it will be contaminated. As per the publication, the correct method is to pour a tiny amount of oil in the cap and drop it on the pus, without touching the cap to the emptied skin pus pocket. A clean bandaid may be applied until the person resumes soaking.
Honey and Flour
Another remedy fro pus is honey, along with flour. According to My Lifestyle, honey is applied directly on the wound or consumed orally. As per the publication, honey contains antioxidants, which help the body get rid of harmful agents like microorganisms, toxins, and free radicals.
Handwashing
One of the best way to manage pus is handwashing, since it is the universal method to prevent infection and its spread. This is essential, since a pus is a result of white blood cell accumulation secondary to infection.
A pus is the immune system’s response to an infection, such as one caused by bacteria or fungi. If the pus does not heal and make someone feel bothered or anxious, it is best to seek medial consult from a doctor for proper assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, health education, and evaluation.
