How does an internal abscess heal on its own?

Question

I’m seeing heat compresses and antibiotics are both used to heal internal abscesses. How does the heat know to drain the abscess?

In: Biology

Answer 1

1. Heat applied to a site will usually:
1. soothe inflammation, which in turn usually alleviates the pain of an abscess caused by swelling and pressure
2. improve blood flow to the site, which improves the immune systems ability to respond to the infection

Answer 2

Heat doesn’t “know” how to do anything. Heat is just heat. But heat will make your capillaries (the tiny vessels that deliver blood and nutrients to your cells, smaller than your veins and arteries) expand. Meaning more fluid can flow through them.

This does two things. First, it makes it easier for the fluid in the abscess to drain away because now there’s extra room. Second, it also brings more fluid into the area including immune system cells that will help fight whatever infection is causing the abscess.