An abscess is a swollen area containing pus. Pus is a thick, yellow or green liquid. It develops as your body combats an infection. An abscess can be painful. It can grow bigger if it is not treated.
At Honeycomb Clinic, we help you feel better fast. We see many people with abscesses. We offer same-day urgent care and abscess incision and drainage when needed. We care for your body and your feelings.
What Is an Abscess?
An abscess is an infected area. It can develop beneath the skin or within the body. The skin around it looks red and may feel warm. The center is soft and may be full of pus.
Some abscesses are small and may go away with medicine. Other abscesses need a small procedure to drain the pus.
What Causes an Abscess?
An abscess is frequently caused by bacteria. Bacteria can penetrate the skin through cuts, scratches, or insect bites. An abscess may develop from a clogged oil gland or hair follicle. In other instances, the infection may begin with an injury or a foreign object. People with weak immune systems or poor skin care are more likely to get abscesses.
Signs You Have an Abscess
An abscess might be present if you see:
- A painful, red lump on your skin.
- The lump feels warm to the touch.
- The lump gets bigger over a few days.
- You have fever, chills, or feel tired.
- The skin over the lump becomes thin and may leak pus.
If the abscess is inside the body, you may have fever and deep pain. Internal abscesses need prompt medical care.
Why Does an Abscess Need to Be Drained?
Draining an abscess helps your body heal faster. Medicine alone often cannot reach the pus. The pus blocks blood flow and keeps healing from starting.
When we drain the pus, the pressure drops. The pain often lessens right away. Cleaning the area removes the germs. This lowers the chance that the infection will spread.
If you leave an abscess alone, it can get worse. The infection can spread to nearby skin , to deeper tissue, or into the bloodstream. In rare cases, this can be very serious.
Related:Why Timely Abscess Treatment Matters for Your Health
How We Drain an Abscess at Honeycomb Clinic
We make the procedure quick and gentle. Here are the usual steps:
- We check the area and talk with you.
- We clean the skin around the abscess.
- We give local numbing medicine so you do not feel pain.
- We make a small cut and let the pus drain out.
- We gently wash the inside of the pocket.
- We may place a small dressing to keep it open to drain.
- We give you instructions for care at home.
Most people feel much better after the drain. You may have some soreness for a day or two. We can give pain medicine if you need it.
Sometimes we send a small sample of the pus to the lab. This helps us know which germ caused the infection. Then we can choose the best medicine, if needed.
Aftercare And Recovery
After the procedure, it is important to keep the area clean. Follow these simple steps:
- Change the dressing as we show you.
- Wash your hands before and after you touch the area.
- Gently clean the wound with warm water.
- Do not squeeze or try to close the wound early.
- Take medicines as we tell you.
- Rest and drink fluids.
If you follow care steps, the wound will heal and the pain will fade. You may need one or two follow-up visits so we can check the healing.
When To Seek Help
Call us or go to the clinic if you have:
- Increasing pain or more swelling.
- Red streaks near the wound.
- New fever or chills.
- Pus coming back after drainage.
- Trouble breathing or a fast heartbeat.
If you feel very sick, go to the emergency room right away.
How To Help Prevent Abscesses
You can lower the chance of an abscess with simple habits:
- Wash cuts and scrapes right away.
- Keep wounds covered and clean.
- Avoid sharing razors or towels.
- Treat acne gently and avoid picking at the skin.
- Manage chronic health problems like diabetes.
- See a clinician quickly for infected-looking skin.
Why You Can Trust Honeycomb Clinic
We respect and care for everyone. We take time to listen to you. We take precautionary measures to debride abscesses and heal you. We provide urgent care services on the same day, thus, you will not have to wait.
We can assist you today in case you have a painful lump or indications of infection. You don’t have to struggle. We’ll assist you at every turn so you feel secure.
Schedule your appointment today.
FAQs
Q. Will I need antibiotics?
Some people do and some do not. We decide based on your infection.
Q. How long does the procedure take?
It usually takes a short time. Many people are done in under 30 minutes.