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Need a poultice for husband with infected chest tube holes

Posted By Trudy (Al) on 06/04/2015

The scab just came off from where my DH's chest tube was and there was a piece of stitch still left there. It was like a 'purse-string', so about an inch long woven in and out so they could cinch up the hole. We pulled it on out, easy enough, but now he has pus coming out of each of the holes. I swabbed it with peroxide and put antibiotic ointment over it, but I think a poultice to draw out the infection would be better. What should I use? I have charcoal, castor oil, neosporin, iodine and peroxide.

Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 06/04/2015

Dear Trudy, I would use a charcoal poultice. We have used them many times to draw out infection. ~Mama to Many~

Replied by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 06/04/2015

Trudy,

Re infection from stich holes...

Yes the Charcoal will help draw out infection but may not kill it all because even a little left will re start the infection. After using Charcoal poultice to draw out, consider applying a PENETRATING poultice made of DMSO and Echinacea. The DMSO is a solvent/penetrant and the Echinacea is great for surface styled and sub cutaneous infections. I'd apply four or five times in a two day period. If much improved I'd do the whole thing again including the Charcoal. (3 to 1 Echinacea to DMSO...enough to saturate a WHITE cloth and apply for 20 minutes per application.)

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