Does Bacon Really Draw Out Infections? Examining an Age-Old Remedy

As an avid home remedy enthusiast, I was fascinated to learn that raw bacon has a long history of being used to draw out infections But does laying a slab of raw pork on your skin really have medicinal effects? I decided to dig into this unusual folk cure and separate fact from fiction.

The Origins of Bacon as an Infection Treatment

Using bacon to treat infections is an old-timey tradition that has been passed down for generations There are a few origins of this folkloric remedy

• Farmhouse medicine – Rural farmers would use whatever food items they had on hand as improvised treatments Raw bacon was pressed into service as a bandage

• People used salt to keep bacon fresh, which led to the idea that the saltiness of bacon could help heal wounds.

• Scarcity – In eras before antibiotics, bacon may have been a last resort to treat persistent infections.

Even though it hasn’t been proven scientifically, the idea that bacon can fight infections has stuck around as a folk cure. But is there any merit to this notion?.

Potential Mechanisms for Bacon Battling Infection

There are a few components of raw bacon that in theory could have mild antimicrobial effects:

Salt – The high sodium levels in cured bacon act as a desiccant, absorbing moisture from wounds. This may inhibit bacterial growth to some degree.

Nitrates – Bacon is cured with nitrates that prevent botulism. Some studies show nitrates have mild antibacterial properties.

Protein – Bacon protein may theoretically draw out toxins and provide nutrients for wound healing.

Fat – The oil in raw bacon may block wounds from airborne bacteria.

However, these potential antimicrobial mechanisms are not conclusively proven. And bacon is far from an optimal wound treatment compared to medical-grade options.

Anecdotal Claims of Bacon Drawing Out Infections

While clinical evidence is lacking, many people swear by bacon’s infection-fighting abilities. Some stories of bacon remedying infections include:

• Using raw bacon to reportedly draw out splinters and embedded debris in the skin.

• Placing raw bacon on boils, pimples or small abscesses to allegedly draw pus and moisture out.

• Wrapping minor cuts or wounds in bacon to purportedly prevent infection from taking hold.

• Seeing redness, heat, and swelling from minor skin infections improve after applying bacon.

Again, these are unverified anecdotes. And bacon should never replace proper medical treatment. But the persistent popularity of this folk cure speaks to its widespread traditional use.

Expert Warnings About Using Bacon on Infections

While the appeal of bacon as a home infection remedy endures, medical experts urge caution about using it:

• Lacking evidence that bacon treats infection better than medical options.

• Raw bacon risks further contaminating wounds with bacteria.

• Salt and fat may cause irritation or inflammation.

• Nitrates in large amounts could be toxic.

• Any pork allergy or sensitivity may cause adverse reactions.

• Infections need proper diagnosis and care, not unproven home cures.

Overall, medical professionals prefer sterile wound dressings to raw bacon. At best, bacon does little for infection – and at worst, it may introduce new risks.

Potential Risks of Bacon as an Infection Treatment

While limited use of bacon on superficial skin issues is generally not dangerous, some potential risks include:

• Introducing new bacteria into wounds from uncooked pork.

• Causing irritation or inflammation from bacon fat, salt, and preservatives.

• Interfering with proper medical treatment of infections.

• Absorbing medication creams applied under the bacon.

• Delaying healing by blocking air circulation and moisture.

So while bacon therapy may sound like a quirky cure, it does come with some risks to weigh.

Guidelines for Safe Usage of Bacon for Infection

For those who still wish to experiment with bacon’s infection-fighting potential, some safe usage tips include:

• Use only for minor wounds like splinters, not serious infections.

• Never apply to open or oozing wounds.

• Use cooked bacon to reduce infection transmission risk.

• Do a skin patch test for any pork allergies first.

• Apply for only 1-2 hours before swapping out fresh bacon.

• Avoid direct contact with medications or creams.

• Seek medical care if infection worsens with bacon treatment.

While not medically recommended, these tips may help mitigate risks if you choose to test bacon’s effects.

When to Avoid Bacon as an Infection Remedy

Absolutely avoid using raw bacon as an infection treatment if:

• You have an allergy or sensitivity to pork.

• You have diabetes or circulation issues that inhibit healing.

• Your wound is deep, bleeding, or oozing pus.

• You have symptoms of a systemic infection like fever or flu symptoms.

• You have an implant like a pacemaker that raw meat juices could infect.

In such cases, seek professional medical care and avoid homemade bacon cures.

Weighing the Evidence on Bacon and Infection

In my opinion, bacon is not worth relying on as an infection cure-all. But I believe it poses little harm in LIMITED use for MINOR wounds if proper precautions are taken. It may offer a placebo effect if nothing else.

However, it should never replace proper medical treatment, especially for serious infections. And as with any home remedy, individual results may vary. While generations have passed down bacon cures, modern science remains skeptical.

I’d love to hear your experiences on this topic! Have you ever tried using bacon to draw out infection? Did you observe any benefits or risks? Share your stories in the comments below!