If you notice a pocket of pus underneath the surface of your skin, you may need abscess drainage. This treatment is usually done to clear the pus from the skin abscess and to promote healing. Patients with smaller skin abscesses might not require drainage. If you are wondering about the procedure and the healing process, you have clicked on the right article. Below, we’ve outlined and explained everything you need to know about draining abscesses so you can feel more confident and at ease at the doctor’s office. With that in mind, it is essential to remember that this blog is meant for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms in this article that do not resolve (or if they reoccur), seek medical attention immediately at your trusted primary care physician or our office. Individuals interested in abscess drainage should consult the best experts in the field. If you are in the area, we recommend incision and drainage treatment in Wellington, FL.

Here is everything you must know about incision and drainage of abscesses. Keep reading.

What Does the Abscess Drainage Procedure Refer To?

In the simplest terms, a skin abscess refers to a pus pocket underneath your skin. In some ways, a skin abscess may resemble a pimple – however, it is deeper and larger under your skin. An abscess usually forms when your body attempts to protect itself from bacterial infections. Two of the most frequent microorganisms that can cause the formation of abscesses are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.

In most cases, abscesses are located on the breast, buttocks, groin, extremities, and axilla. Nevertheless, you can get them anywhere. The primary way to treat an abscess is via incision and drainage. Before this procedure, patients might need to begin with antibiotic therapy to treat and prevent any other infections. 

That said, the incision and drainage procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. 

Patients who are dealing with a severe bacterial infection may be required to be in a hospital for added observation and treatment. Before making the first incision, the healthcare professional will ensure that the affected area is clean and sterilized. The abscess removal also typically includes a local anesthetic to keep the patient comfortable. The doctor will administer the anesthetic with a needle into your skin near the abscess’s roof, or where the incision for the drainage will be made. Some examples of anesthetics used for abscess removal include bupivacaine and lidocaine.

The entire procedure is simple. Here is what to expect from incision and drainage:

  1. The healthcare professional makes an incision via the skin over your abscess. Keep in mind the skin will often be numbed to avoid discomfort.
  2. The next step involves draining abscesses. The abscess pocket will be drained of pus.
  3. When the pus has completely drained out, the healthcare professional will use a sterile saline solution to clean the pocket.
  4. The doctor covers the abscess (that remains open) with a wound dressing. This way, additional pus can be absorbed.
  5. If you have a larger or deeper abscess, you may need a gauze “wick.” The doctor will put it inside to allow the abscess to remain open. Thanks to the gauze wick, the tissue will begin to heal correctly. Also, any additional blood or pus will be absorbed during the abscess healing stages. 
  6. Sometimes, the doctor will want to send samples of the pus to a laboratory for culture. By doing this, the bacterial infection cause will be determined.

If you are interested in the process of incision and drainage, or you have any additional questions or concerns related to your health, don’t hesitate and contact Advanced Surgical Physicians. Our team of experts will help answer all of your questions and prepare you for proper treatment.

Will I Require a Ride Home?

Woman Talking to Doctor

One of the most commonly asked questions related to abscess drainage is, “Can I drive home after the procedure, or will I need someone’s help?”. If the drainage is complicated and the use of local anesthetic is impossible, patients may require to be placed under general anesthesia or sedation. In more complex cases, the patient may need to get an abscess removal in the operating room. If this happens to you, you will want to get a ride home.

On the other hand, if you get an abscess removal with a local anesthetic, you could drive yourself back home. However, it is best to refrain from driving until the anesthetic completely wears off. This is especially true if the abscess is located on a body part that could affect your driving skills, such as the legs.

The Main Abscess Healing Stages: Recovery

How fast patients recover from the drainage procedure will depend on the infection’s severity and location. If you have a very deep or large abscess, you will want to keep the gauze dressing in place for up to a week. You will need to change the dressing if it is soaked with drainage. Sometimes, doctors will place the gauze wick packing inside the abscess cavity. In this case, the gauze wick packing must be removed and repacked within a couple of days.

During the abscess healing stages, patients may experience small amounts of pus drainage for a few days post-procedure. Sometimes, patients may need to use antibiotics to combat or prevent initial and subsequent infections. You may also need to use medications to relieve pain. 

As you go through the abscess healing stages, you may need to apply a dry and warm compress over your wound up to four times daily. By doing this, you can speed up recovery. The doctor may also recommend cleaning the area gently with mild soap and water. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about proper home care. If you have any other questions or concerns related to the abscess healing stages, ask your doctor for expert advice and guidance. 

Healing from abscess removal may take up to two weeks, and the exact time frame will depend on the abscess’s size. During the abscess healing stages, your skin will regenerate.

Are There Other Treatments for Draining Abscesses?

Sometimes, patients don’t need abscess drainage performed by a doctor. It is also possible that mild abscesses drain by themselves or with the help of simple, at-home remedies. To reduce swelling and promote healing, experts recommend applying a moist and hot compress to the abscess. You can also try a DIY treatment with a diluted mixture of olive, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. Dab the abscesses with this DIY treatment and see if it helps. 

Is the Abscess Removal Permanent?

Doctor With Patient in Medical Office

If you treat the infected area of the abscess, there is no reason why a new abscess would form in the same place. On the downside, if you don’t treat the infection adequately, an abscess may reform in the same area or somewhere else in your body. Make sure to take antibiotics based on your doctor’s recommendations.

Common Skin Abscess Signs and Symptoms

You may have an abscess if you notice a compressible and painful area of your skin that resembles an open sore or an abnormally large pimple. Sometimes, you may also notice pus draining from the abscess. Here are some other symptoms to keep in mind:

  • The hardened outer skin layer
  • Swelling
  • Chills or fever (if you are dealing with severe infection)

If you notice these signs or other concerning symptoms, contact a healthcare professional at a reliable clinic. You will want to receive an expert diagnosis and proper treatment. Fortunately, treating an abscess is pretty simple and complication-free.

Give Us a Call Today

It’s high time you started to think about your health. Book an appointment with us today to get started. Make sure to contact Advanced Surgical Physicians for the best treatment available.