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- Symptoms Of Abscesses
- What Causes Abscesses?
- Why Is Abscess Incision And Drainage Important?
- How Can I Promote Healing After The Incision And Drainage Of An Abscess?
- Who To Trust With Treatment
- When In Doubt
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Read MoreIncision and drainage of abscesses is a standard and effective procedure used to treat skin and soft tissue infections when pus collects under the skin. Whether it’s a small bump or a painful, swollen area, getting proper treatment helps the wound heal properly, reduces the risk of complications, and prevents the infection from spreading.
What Are Abscesses?
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often accompanied by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. Cutaneous abscesses occur in the skin, while subcutaneous abscesses and soft tissue abscesses form deeper under the skin’s surface. These pockets of pus, or the abscess cavity, need adequate drainage to heal.
How Are Abscesses Removed?
The most effective way to treat most abscesses is through abscess incision and drainage. After a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis, your provider will clean and numb the affected area. A small incision, typically a linear incision or stab incision, is made in the abscess pocket, allowing the pus to drain.
The wound is then flushed with a saline solution to reduce bacteria and debris. Cavity packing with sterile material may be done to promote further drainage and prevent the wound from closing prematurely. Antibiotic therapy or prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed, particularly if methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or beta-hemolytic streptococci are suspected.
Symptoms of Abscesses
Common symptoms include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Tenderness
- A raised bump that may feel soft in the center
Some patients may experience worsening pain or systemic symptoms like fever or chills, especially with larger abscesses or when the infection spreads to surrounding tissues (surrounding cellulitis).
What Causes Abscesses?
Abscesses form when the body’s immune system responds to an infection, sending white blood cells to fight bacteria. This process creates pus, which fills the abscess cavity. Common causes include:
- Cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Foreign bodies in the skin
- Blocked sweat or oil glands
- Ingrown hairs
IV drug use can also increase the risk of skin abscesses. Most patients with an abscess will require drainage to resolve the infection.
Why Is Abscess Incision and Drainage Important?
While smaller abscesses occasionally heal with warm compresses and antibiotics, most abscesses, especially large and deep abscesses, will not heal properly without drainage. Prompt treatment prevents complications, shortens the healing process, and helps avoid serious infections that could spread to other parts of the body.
How Can I Promote Healing After the Incision and Drainage of an Abscess?
After incision and drainage, follow your provider’s wound care instructions closely. Keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings as directed, and apply warm compresses to encourage continued drainage. If cavity packing was placed, we will schedule in-home follow-up visits for safe removal and wound culture review. Completing all antibiotic therapy, when prescribed, helps prevent recurrence.
Who to Trust with Treatment
At InMotion Health, our experienced medical providers offer comprehensive and convenient care for skin abscesses and other soft tissue infections. Using sterile techniques, adequate anesthesia, and evidence-based practices, we ensure adequate drainage and proper follow-up safely in your own home. Contact InMotion Health to schedule a same-day evaluation and treatment to stop infection, relieve pain, and support your healing process.
When in Doubt
If you or someone else is experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms and you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. It’s always safer to seek immediate care rather than delay treatment.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended to support your care by providing general education and information, but it should not replace guidance from a licensed medical professional. We recommend consulting with one of our trained clinicians—either virtually or through our in-home services—for an accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Meet Your In-Home Expert
Carly Oliveri, PA-C
Lead Provider & Founder
Carly Oliveri is a board-certified Physician Assistant with extensive experience in emergency medicine and urgent care. She earned her undergraduate degree in Health Science from the University of Florida and completed her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at the Pace University Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program in Manhattan, New York.
Absolutely amazing service! InMotion Health made getting care so easy and convenient. The provider was professional, compassionate, and thorough. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch care at home or virtually!
- Easy and Convenient
I was visiting from out of town and needed urgent care — InMotion Health was amazing! The provider came right to my hotel, handled everything on the spot, and made the process so easy. Professional, friendly, and convenient. Highly recommend for travelers!
- Professional, friendly, and convenient
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