SI Question - How do you clear an infection up without antibiotics?

[Emmabob.]

Its purple & sore.. I don't want to go to doctors over it

[whatwentwrong]

I just googled it and it says you can try soaking it in really warm salt water...
I understand how you feel about going to the docs but I think its probably best you dont want the infection to get any worse. Maybe a friend or someone could go with you.
Hope your ok x

[I.Heart.And]

If it's not severe then yeah cleaning it thoroughly with salt water twice a day and keeping it covered may clear it up on it's own. You could try doing that for a couple of days and if it's worse then go to the doctor regardless.
Take care x

[whirlpools]

I agree with the above, if it's infected it's probably going to be hard to get rid of the infection without antibiotics. It's better to go to the doctor and get it sorted in case it gets worse.

[Animad]

If it's just sore and reddened then keeping it clean with a wound cleaner/ luke warm plain water would be a good idea and then put some antibacterial cream on the back of a dressing and put this onto your skin. Change the dressing twice daily. If there are any signs of a pussy discharge or you start to feel ill or it is not improving after 2-3 days then you need to see a doctor about it as it is likely you will need antibiotics for it.

Also, being sore and reddened does not always = infection, it depends how long it has been done and other factors.

Salt water is not a very good idea. This dries up the wound and irritates the tissue. It not only damages bacterial cells but also the ones needed for healing, the healthy tissues and the ones that are battling the infection. By using this the wound dries up (and a moist environment is the best one for wound healing) and will take longer to heal leaving it open for longer and more susceptible to infection. Yes, salt water does have antibacterial properties but that's only at the right concentration and really that is pharmacy bought Saline solution, but normal salt water is an 'out-of-date' advice really now a days; following what is said in the articles in the FA section on the Advice tab is the best idea.

[in-a-pickle]

i have a supply of TCP in my room to just dab on with some cotton wool.
But i'm not sure if you can get tcp where you are...
there should be other anitceptic gels or lotions on the market.

http://www.google.co.uk/products?hl=...tle&resnu m=5

thats the link for TCP anticeptic.

Otherwise, keep it covered and clean.

Hope i helped and get it sorted soon :)