Skin abscess drainage
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2009.
This factsheet is for people who are planning to have an abscess drained, or who would like information about it.
An abscess is a localised collection of pus that usually forms because of an infection. Abscesses can occur in almost any part of the body.
Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So it's important that you follow your doctor's advice.
- About a skin abscess
- Diagnosis of a skin abscess
- What are the alternatives?
- Preparing for your procedure
- About the procedure
- What to expect afterwards
- Recovering from skin abscess drainage
- What are the risks?
- Questions and answers
- Related topics
- Further information
- Sources
About a skin abscess
A skin abscess is a pus-filled area of infection below the skin. A boil is an example of a skin abscess. It can vary in size from one to several inches. A skin abscess is painful and tender to touch.
A skin abscess may burst through the skin or gradually settle without bursting. The infection can spread to the surrounding areas of your skin. You may feel unwell and have a fever.
Skin abscesses are commonly found on areas where there is hair including the face, neck, groin, armpit and bottom. People who are obese, have skin conditions or diabetes are more likely to get a skin abscess.
Diagnosis of a skin abscess
A skin abscess is usually easy to see on your skin. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. He or she will also ask you about your medical history. It's important that he or she excludes diabetes.
What are the alternatives?
Depending on how severe your abscess is, your doctor may recommend a non-surgical treatment for you. If the abscess is small then applying moist heat to the abscess three to four times a day can help with drainage. Painkillers and antibiotics can help if you have a fever or the abscess is large. However, incision and drainage of the abscess under local or general anaesthesia is usually required.
Your doctor will advise you on which treatment is most suitable for you.
Preparing for your procedure
Your doctor will explain how to prepare for your procedure. For example, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop as smoking increases your risk of getting a chest and wound infection, which can slow your recovery.
Abscess drainage is routinely done as an out-patient procedure either in hospital or by your GP in your surgery. This means you have the procedure and go home the same day.
It's usually done under local anaesthesia, however this will depend on the size and the severity of the abscess.
At the hospital or GP clinic, your nurse may check your heart rate and blood pressure, and test your urine.
Your doctor will usually ask you to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.
About the procedure
Abscess drainage usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes. If a general anaesthetic is required it may take slightly longer.
Your doctor will make a small incision in your abscess. This will allow all of the pus to drain out. He or she will make sure that the pus drains properly to prevent the abscess coming back, or the infection spreading. Your doctor will take a sample of the pus to test what bacteria caused the abscess. This can sometimes help with after-treatment. Once the pus has been drained, your doctor will clean out the abscess with saline solution. He or she may then pack the abscess with gauze. This will allow further drainage of pus and is usually removed one to two days after the procedure.
Your wound will be covered with a sterile dressing.
What to expect afterwards
Your nurse will give you some advice about caring for your healing wounds before you go home. You may be given a date for a follow-up appointment. This is usually with your GP but if the procedure was carried out in hospital and the abscess was large, your surgeon may want to review you. The appointment is usually between two and three days after the procedure. You may notice some pus escaping from the wound and soiling the dressing.
Recovering from skin abscess drainage
If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the abscess is on the middle or upper part of your face. You will also need to take antibiotics if the infection has spread, if you have a weakened immune system, or a fever.
Once the pus is removed, the abscess will heal within two weeks. You can often return to work if the dressing can be managed without difficulty. This will also depend on the site of the abscess.
What are the risks?
Skin abscess drainage is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure.
Side-effects
These are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful procedure.
Possible side-effects of skin abscess drainage are minimal.
Complications
This is when problems occur during or after the procedure. Most people aren't affected.
Possible complications of skin abscess drainage include scarring from the abscess. The earlier the abscess is incised and drained, the better the result.
If you notice redness and swelling or you have a fever, you should contact your doctor. Your abscess may need to be drained again.
The exact risks are specific to you and differ for every person, so we have not included statistics here. Ask your doctor to explain how these risks apply to you.
Related topics
Further information
- The British Association of Dermatologists
0207 383 0266
www.bad.org.uk
Sources
- Fitzpatrick TB, Johnson RA, Wolff K, et al. Color atlas and synopsis of clinical dermatology - common and serious diseases. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997:12-14
- Boils and carbuncles. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 7 May 2009
- Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, Jones TV, et al. The Merck manual of medical information. 2nd ed. New York: Pocket Books, 2003:1224
- Boils. The British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 7 May 2009
- Fitch MT, Manthey DE, McGinnis HD, et al. Abscess incision and drainage. N Engl J Med. 2007; 357:e20. www.nejm.org
- Folliculitis and skin abscesses. MERK. www.merck.com, accessed 13 May 2009
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2009
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