Incision and Drainage of a Skin Abscess

(Skin Abscess, Incision and Drainage)

Definition

Definition

An abscess is an inflamed and infected pocket of pus in the skin. It is often called a boil. Incision (cut) and drainage is a procedure to drain pus from an abscess.

Incision and Drainage

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Reasons for Procedure

Reasons for Procedure

Drainage of an abscess is the preferred treatment to clear an abscess. It is often used if the abscess is large, growing, painful, or not improving on its own.

Do not pop or cut an abscess yourself. This can spread infection and make it worse.

Possible Complications

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Scarring

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system

What to Expect

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

  • Your doctor will examine the abscess.
  • An ultrasound or other imaging method may be used if the abscess is large or deep. Blood tests may also be used to find out how severe the infection is.
  • Your doctor may make sure your tetanus immunizations are current.

Anesthesia

A local anesthesia will be applied to your skin. This will make the area numb.

Description of Procedure

Most of the time, this procedure can be done in your doctor’s office. Large, deep abscesses, or abscesses in sensitive areas (such as near the anus) may require treatment in the hospital.

The area will be wiped with a special cleansing fluid. Anesthesia will be applied. A small incision will be made. A syringe or catheter may be used to drain the pus from the abscess or the pus may be squeezed out. Gauze may be used to soak up the fluid. A clean water mixture will be used to flush the area.

A tool may be used to explore inside the cut. It can also help break down the abscess. A sample of the bacteria may be taken with a cotton swab for testing. Sometimes, the doctor will decide to pack the wound with clean gauze. This will help make sure the abscess does not form again. If this happens, you will come back in a day or two to remove or replace the packing. Gauze and dressing tape will be used to cover the wound.

How Long Will It Take?

30-45 minutes

Will It Hurt?

The procedure should not hurt. You may feel a slight pinch and burning when the local anesthetic is injected.

Post-procedure Care

At Home

The skin should heal completely in about 14 days. Home care will focus on pain and infection control. You may need to limit movement of the affected area to give it time to heal. Follow instructions on how to clean and replace bandages.

Call Your Doctor

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

  • Worsening pain, redness, swelling, and bleeding
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Changes in discharge, such as pus

If you think you an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org/for-the-public

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons http://www.plasticsurgery.ca/

Wound Care Canada http://www.woundcarecanada.ca

References:

Abscess incision and drainage. University at Buffalo—The State University of New York website. Available at:
http://apps.med.buffalo.edu/procedures/abscess.asp?p=1
Accessed December 11, 2012.

Fitch M, Manthey D, et al. Abscess incision and drainage. NEJM. 2007;357:319

Skin abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated February 12, 2012. Accessed December 11, 2012.

Surgical site infection—prevention. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated November 9, 2012. Accessed December 11, 2012.

6/3/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.

Last reviewed December 2014 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 12/20/2014

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