Does Bacon Fat Draw Out Infection? A Closer Look at This Unconventional Remedy

Bacon has become an iconic food in recent years, with people finding creative ways to add it to everything from breakfast sandwiches to chocolate bars. Some even claim it has medicinal properties One of the most intriguing supposed remedies is using bacon fat to draw out infections from the skin But does this folk cure actually work? Let’s take a closer look.

The Theory Behind Using Bacon Fat on Infections

The notion of using bacon fat to treat skin infections has been around for centuries. The basic idea is that the salt and fat content helps draw out infection from boils, blisters, and other skin lesions. Here’s a quick rundown of the proposed mechanisms behind this home remedy:

• Salt – Bacon contains a high concentration of sodium. When applied topically, the salt may help draw fluid out of an infection site through osmosis. This can help it drain and heal faster.

• Fat – The fatty acids in bacon may help soften and loosen infected skin and pus. This makes it easier for the infection to rupture and drain on its own.

• Heat – Bacon fat is sometimes applied warm to increase circulation to the area. This may bring more white blood cells and antibodies to help fight off the infection.

• Irritation – Bacon fat may mildly irritate the skin, causing inflammation. This could make the boil “ripe” faster.

So in theory, the salt, fat, and irritation from bacon fat could help move an infection along to a head, soften the area, and allow it to drain. But is there any scientific evidence to back this up?

Evidence Behind the Bacon Fat Remedy

There are a few scientific studies that provide some support for using bacon fat to treat skin infections:

• A 1991 study found that a topical cream made with bacon fat and sulfur was 88% effective at treating scabies, compared to 100% for a more modern formulation. However, the bacon fat version was much cheaper.

• A case report described successfully treating a young girl’s bloody nosebleeds by applying a nasal tampon coated in bacon fat and other substances. The fat may have had a vasoconstrictive effect to reduce bleeding.

• A few medical texts mention historically using bacon fat in topical treatments for furuncular myiasis – an infection caused by botfly larvae. The grease can help suffocate and draw out the larvae.

However, there are no high quality clinical trials examining just bacon fat. The evidence is limited to anecdotes, small studies, and historical accounts. More research is needed to truly prove its efficacy.

Potential Benefits of Using Bacon Fat on Boils and Infections

While the science is still inconclusive, using bacon fat as a home remedy for skin infections may offer a few potential benefits:

• It provides a natural treatment option with ingredients you may already have at home.

• It is very inexpensive compared to antibiotics and wound care products.

• It is versatile – the fat can be applied directly or made into ointments.

• It may help speed healing by bringing infections to a head faster.

• The salt may help draw out fluid and pus from the wound.

• It may be soothing thanks to the fat content moisturizing the skin.

However, there are also some possible downsides to consider.

Potential Risks and Downsides of Using Bacon Fat

While bacon fat remedies may have some benefits, there are also some potential risks:

• It could spread bacteria deeper into the skin or to other areas.

• May not be appropriate for people avoiding pork products for religious/dietary reasons.

• The high fat content could clog pores if applied to acne.

• It requires close monitoring to know when to reapply or stop treatment.

• The salt can dry out and irritate skin if overused.

• Allergic reactions or contact dermatitis are possible.

• There is a lack of evidence on proper dosage and procedure.

• It is messy and can stain clothing.

For these reasons, most health professionals recommend seeking conventional medical care for serious infections like MRSA. But for minor boils or blisters, bacon fat remedies may be acceptable to try at home – with caution.

How to Use Bacon Fat to Help Draw Out Infection

If you want to test out this folk cure, here are some tips:

• Start by sterilizing the skin with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

• Cook the bacon first to render out the fat. Let it cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot.

• Apply a layer about 1/4 inch thick directly to the infection site. Cover with a bandage or gauze.

• Repeat 2-3 times per day, replacing each time the fat is absorbed or becomes dirty.

• Monitor for increased redness, swelling, oozing, or pain, which may indicate a worsening infection.

• Never squeeze, pierce, or scratch the skin – let the infection drain naturally.

• Stop using if you develop severe irritation or allergic reaction.

• See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a few days or seem to be getting worse.

While not extensively studied, some people do seem to find success with using bacon fat to help draw out minor skin infections. It may be worth exploring as an alternative remedy when conventional treatments fail or are unavailable. However, we still need more research to truly determine if it works. Proceed carefully and consult your physician if in doubt.

The Bottom Line on Bacon Fat as Treatment

To sum up, here’s a quick overview of the key points:

• Using bacon fat to treat skin infections has been done for centuries but is not well studied.

• In theory, the salt, fat, and warmth may help draw out fluid, soften skin, and speed healing.

• Evidence is limited to individual reports – rigorous clinical trials are lacking.

• Potential benefits include being natural, fast-acting, and inexpensive.

• However, risks include irritation, spreading infection, and improper treatment.

• Applying a layer of rendered bacon fat and covering it may help some minor boils and blisters.

• See a doctor for serious infections. Overall effects are unproven and monitoring is needed.

While the idea of smearing bacon fat on skin issues may seem weird, this folk remedy persists because anecdotally it seems to help some people. More research is still needed, but it may have potential for minor skin infections with proper precautions. Always use your best judgment!