ABSCESS
An abscess is an infection that turns into a swollen, painful lump filled with pus. It happens because your body is trying to trap the infection and keep it from spreading.
Think of it like this:
The Invasion: Germs (usually bacteria) get into your body where they shouldn’t be.
The Alarm: Your immune system sends “fighter cells” (white blood cells) to attack the germs.
The Battle Zone: The fighter cells and germs fight. Dead cells and germs create pus.
Building the Wall: Your body builds a wall of tissue around the pus to keep it from spreading. This forms an abscess.
So, an abscess is like a quarantine zone in your body. However, because of this wall, it can be hard for your immune system and antibiotics to reach the infection. That’s why a doctor often needs to drain it so it can heal properly.
Where can abscesses form?
An abscess can happen anywhere in your body. Some are easy to see on your skin, while others are deep inside and not visible.
How is an abscess treated?
1. Numbing the area (Anesthesia):
The doctor will numb the area with a shot of local anesthetic so you won’t feel pain. For very large or deep abscesses, you may need to be asleep under general anesthesia, but this is rare for small skin abscesses.
2. Draining the pus (Incision and Drainage or I&D):
The doctor makes a small cut in the abscess to let the pus drain out. They may press gently around it to help remove all the pus and debris.
3. Cleaning the area (Irrigation and Debridement):
They will wash out the abscess with a sterile saltwater solution to clean it. If there is any dead or unhealthy tissue, the doctor will remove it to help healing.
4. Packing the wound (sometimes needed):
For larger or deeper abscesses, they may place sterile gauze or medicated strips inside to keep it open. This:
Absorbs extra drainage
Prevents the skin from closing too fast, which could cause another abscess
The packing is usually removed or changed within 24-48 hours. Usually by your home health care provider, or your doctor.
5. Bandaging:
The area will be covered with a clean bandage to protect it and absorb any drainage.
6. Antibiotics (if needed):
Not everyone needs antibiotics. You may need them if:
The infection is spreading (e.g. cellulitis)
You have a weakened immune system
The abscess is in a sensitive area (face, hands, near joints)
You have fever or chills (signs of infection in your bloodstream)
Your doctor will choose the right antibiotic for the bacteria causing your infection.
How do I care for my abscess after treatment?
✅ Keep the area clean and dry.
✅ Change dressings as your nurse or doctor tells you.
✅ Watch for signs of infection getting worse:
More redness, swelling, or pain
Pus that changes color or smells bad
Fever or chills
✅ You may be told to use warm compresses to help with swelling and drainage.
When should I call my home health nurse or doctor?
Call your home health nurse or primary care doctor if:
The redness or swelling gets a little worse but is not spreading quickly
You have a slight increase in pain managed with your usual pain medication
There is a small amount of drainage (clear or light yellow) that does not smell bad
The packing comes out
You have questions about your wound care, medications, or pain
The wound is not improving after a few days
You have a low fever (under 101°F / 38.3°C)
You notice changes in drainage color, odor, or thickness
Your nurse can check your wound, change dressings, and contact your doctor if needed. They can also arrange labs, x-rays, or treatments at home if appropriate.
When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) or call 911?
Seek emergency care if you have:
🚨 Rapidly spreading redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound
🚨 Red streaks going away from the wound
🚨 Severe pain that is not helped by medication
🚨 High fever (over 101°F / 38.3°C) or chills
🚨 Confusion, extreme tiredness, or weakness
🚨 Nausea, vomiting, or feeling very sick
🚨 Heavy bleeding that won’t stop with pressure
🚨 Abscess on your face, especially near your eyes or nose
🚨 Loss of feeling or numbness near the area
🚨 Weakened immune system (diabetes, chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, certain medications) with signs of infection
Final Reminder
If you are ever unsure, it is safer to call your home health nurse first. They can assess your symptoms and tell you if you need to see your doctor or go to the ER. If your symptoms are severe or worsening quickly, call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911
Patient Homework/Assessment
True or False: An abscess is your body’s way of trapping an infection inside a swollen lump filled with pus.
True or False: An abscess can only form on the skin and never inside the body.
True or False: Pus inside an abscess is made of dead cells, germs, and immune “fighter cells.”
True or False: Because of the wall of tissue around it, antibiotics alone may not always heal an abscess.
True or False: A doctor often needs to drain an abscess so it can heal properly.
True or False: Local anesthesia is usually used to numb the area before draining a skin abscess.
True or False: General anesthesia is commonly required for small skin abscesses.
True or False: Draining an abscess is called an “Incision and Drainage” or I&D.
True or False: After draining, the doctor may rinse the abscess with sterile saltwater.
True or False: If there is dead tissue, the doctor may remove it to help healing.
True or False: Packing is sometimes placed in the abscess to absorb drainage and prevent it from closing too quickly.
True or False: Packing is usually left inside for weeks at a time without being changed.
True or False: Not all abscesses require antibiotics.
True or False: You may need antibiotics if the infection is spreading, you have a weak immune system, or you develop fever/chills.
True or False: After treatment, you should keep the wound clean and dry and change dressings as instructed.
True or False: Signs of infection getting worse include increased redness, swelling, bad-smelling pus, or fever.
True or False: Warm compresses may be recommended to reduce swelling and help drainage.
True or False: You should call your nurse or doctor if the wound is not improving, the packing comes out, or drainage changes color/odor.
True or False: You should go to the ER if redness spreads quickly, you develop high fever, severe pain, or red streaks near the wound.
True or False: If you are unsure about your symptoms, it is safer to call your nurse or doctor first.
What can you do at home to reduce your risk of your abscess becoming infected again?
If your dressing becomes wet, dirty, or loose, what should you do?
When would you call your home health nurse instead of going to the emergency room?
What signs would tell you that you need to go to the ER right away?
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911