How to Remove Abscess

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An abscess is a painful and often irritating condition that can develop in various parts of the body. It is commonly caused by a bacterial infection which results in a localized collection of pus. Abscesses can occur in different areas such as the skin, gums, or internal organs. While small abscesses may resolve on their own, larger or persistent abscesses may require medical intervention. In this article, we will delve into the different methods and techniques involved in removing an abscess, focusing on both at-home remedies and medical treatments. Whether you are experiencing discomfort from a small abscess or seeking information on how to assist someone in need, this guide will provide you with essential knowledge on how to effectively remove an abscess and promote a quicker recovery.

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This article was co-written by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Licensed Nurse and Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing intravenous and intravenous (IV) surgical therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapy License from the Amarillo Institute of Massage Therapy in 2008 and her MSc. College of Nursing at the University of Phoenix in 2013.

There are 15 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 179,232 times.

Abscesses are painful, inflamed, and pus-filled spots caused by bacterial infection. You can get an abscess (also called a boil) on any part of your body. ^{[1] X Source of Research} Some small skin abscesses may heal without medical treatment, but large or non-healing abscesses require medical attention. ^{[2] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source} You can treat an abscess with home care or see your doctor for treatment with drainage and medication.

Table of Contents

Steps

Treatment of abscess at home

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Do not touch the abscess with your hands. Try not to touch, pick, or squeeze the abscess. This action can spread bacteria, causing more inflammation and a worse infection. ^{[3] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

• Use a clean bandage or tissue to absorb any pus or drainage from the abscess. Avoid touching your skin with your fingers while instilling the fluid. Discard the absorbent pad immediately and do not reuse it.
• Always wash your hands before and after caring for an abscess to prevent the infection from spreading. Serious infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can enter the body through an abscess.

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Apply warmth to the abscessed area. Wash hands with soap and water. Heat a cup of water to warm or hot but do not burn the skin, then dip a clean bandage or soft cloth in the water, covering the abscess and surrounding skin. Warm or hot compress therapy can help drain the abscess and reduce pain and discomfort. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

• Apply warm compresses several times a day.
• Use a cloth to gently rub the abscess in a circular motion to allow the pus to drain. A little bleeding at this point is normal.

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Soak in warm water. Fill a tub or smaller container with warm water, then soak the entire person or skin with the abscess for about 10-15 minutes. Warm bath therapy can help the abscess drain naturally, reducing pain and discomfort. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

• Rinse the tub or water container before and after soaking.
• Consider sprinkling baking soda, raw oatmeal, colloidal oatmeal, or Epsom salt into the water. These substances can soothe the skin and help drain the boil naturally. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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Wash the abscess and surrounding skin. You need to wash the abscess with mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Be sure to wash the skin around the abscess as well. Use a clean, soft cloth to pat dry. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

• Wash the abscess with an antiseptic solution if you prefer something stronger than soap. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
• Daily showers or baths also help to wash away the abscess. Good personal hygiene can heal an abscess and reduce the risk of a more serious infection. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Cover the abscess with a sterile dressing. Once the abscess is clear, cover the wound with a sterile gauze or bandage. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the source} To prevent infection, you need to change the dressing if the fluid inside the abscess seeps through the dressing, or the dressing becomes wet or dirty. ^{[11] X Research Source}

• You can also use a cotton swab to apply honey to the abscess area before applying a bandage to prevent infection. Remember not to dip the used cotton swab in the honey. ^{[12] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}

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Take pain relievers. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the dosage instructions on the medication label to reduce pain and discomfort. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen also work to reduce swelling. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Wash all items that have come in contact with the abscess. Set the washing machine to the hottest setting. Throw all clothing, including the towel you used to apply the abscess, to the washing machine. Run the washer and dryer on high heat. This will help get rid of any leftover bacteria that can cause inflammation or a worse infection. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Wear loose and soft clothing. Tight clothing can irritate the skin and make boils worse. You should wear light, loose, smooth clothing to allow the skin to breathe and heal faster. ^{[15] X Research Source}

• Soft fabrics such as cotton or Merino wool can help keep the skin from itching and prevent excessive sweating that irritates the skin of the abscess.

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Seek medical attention

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Watch for signs of a more severe infection. Continue care if the abscess is healing and there are no signs of a worsening infection. Pay attention to the following signs that an abscess and an infection are worsening to seek immediate medical treatment: ^{[16] X Research Source}

• The skin is redder and more painful.
• There are red streaks radiating from the abscess and surrounding area toward the heart.
• The abscess and the surrounding skin are very warm or hot to the touch.
• Lots of pus or fluid draining from the abscess.
• Fever over 38.6 degrees Celsius ^{. [17] X Trusted Source MedlinePlus Go to source}
• Chills, nausea, vomiting, headache or muscle aches.

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See you doctor. Some abscesses may require medical attention, such as those in people over 65 years of age. ^{[18] X Research Source} Tell your doctor how you treated your abscess at home and any other information to help your doctor treat it. See your doctor if: ^{[19] X Research Source}

• Abscess in the spine or in the middle of the face, near the eyes or nose.
• Abscesses do not drain on their own. ^{[20] X Research Source}
• Abscesses grow larger or become very large or very painful.
• You have diabetes or other chronic diseases such as kidney or liver disease.

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Drain the abscess. Let the doctor extract and drain the abscess with a scalpel or fine needle if necessary. The procedure to open and drain an abscess can remove pus or infected fluid and relieve pressure. Keep the dressing clean and dry by the doctor after the procedure. ^{[21] X Research Source}

• Do not attempt to self-drain the abscess at home to prevent the infection from spreading. ^{[22] X Research Source}
• Ask your doctor about a topical anesthetic if you have a lot of pain. ^{[23] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}
• Your doctor may bandage the drained abscess with an antibacterial bandage to drain any remaining pus and prevent a more serious infection. ^{[24] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}
• Your doctor may also take a sample of the drainage to test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. ^{[25] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

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Receive treatment with topical or oral antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics in cases of particularly severe abscesses. Follow the dosage your doctor recommends and make sure you take the full course of antibiotics. Taking and completing a course of antibiotics can help reverse the infection and reduce the risk of another abscess forming or re-infection. ^{[26] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

• If you have a healthy immune system and the abscess is small or near the surface of the skin, antibiotics are most likely not needed. ^{[27] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to Source}

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Advice

• Always wash your hands before and after touching an abscess. ^{[28] X Research Sources}

Warning

• Never make an incision or open an abscess yourself. This procedure needs to be done by a doctor or healthcare professional.

X

This article was co-written by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Licensed Nurse and Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing intravenous and intravenous (IV) surgical therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapy License from the Amarillo Institute of Massage Therapy in 2008 and her MSc. College of Nursing at the University of Phoenix in 2013.

There are 15 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 179,232 times.

Abscesses are painful, inflamed, and pus-filled spots caused by bacterial infection. You can get an abscess (also called a boil) on any part of your body. ^{[1] X Source of Research} Some small skin abscesses may heal without medical treatment, but large or non-healing abscesses require medical attention. ^{[2] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source} You can treat an abscess with home care or see your doctor for treatment with drainage and medication.

In conclusion, removing an abscess requires careful and proper treatment to ensure complete healing and prevent complications. The process may involve seeking professional medical assistance, which can include draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, and providing aftercare instructions. Alternatively, natural remedies such as warm compresses and saltwater rinses can also be effective in some cases. It is important to remember that attempting to remove an abscess at home without adequate knowledge or tools can lead to further infection and complications. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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