Daily Column

February 28th, 2009

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My son developed a boil on his heel from his shoes rubbing. My 80-year-old mother was visiting at the time and told me to put a small piece of raw bacon on the sore and cover it with a four by four piece of gauze. Within a few days, the head of the boil lifted, leaving a large hole. This then started to heal from the inside out. It cost nothing, unless you count having to smell bacon day and night for a few days!

DEAR READER:
This is a new treatment to me. I am not sure how sanitary it is because raw meat can harbor several organisms, such as E. coli. I cannot argue with results though. However, I recommend anyone who tries this remedy be prepared to face any consequences that may develop. Eating raw or undercooked meat can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and several potentially serious conditions. In much the same way, these organisms may be able to enter the body through an open wound.