Struggling with the pain and discomfort of an abscess? Alamo City Urgent Care offers quick, effective abscess drainage procedures to provide relief and prevent serious complications.
Our team will evaluate your abscess and use minimally invasive techniques to help you feel better fast.
What Is an Abscess Drainage?
An abscess is a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection, that can form on any part of the body.
An abscess drainage is a minimally invasive medical procedure that involves removing the infected pus with a needle, syringe, and catheter. The exact method depends on the size and location of the abscess.
Abscess Causes
Abscesses are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and swallowed objects. They can result from complications of other conditions, like infections or injuries.
Why Abscess Drainage Is Necessary
If you or a loved one has an abscess that does not heal within a few weeks, seek urgent care for abscess drainage to prevent further complications. If left untreated, an abscess can spread, potentially leading to serious complications like sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the blood.
Abscess Drainage Procedure
The type of drainage procedure depends on the size and location of your abscess.
Types of Abscess Drainage Treatment Options
Incision and Drainage (I&D)
This is the most common method for external, superficial abscesses. During the procedure, your provider applies a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. Next, they make a tiny inclusion (cut) in the abscess, allowing for complete abscess pus drainage. Once drained, they remove any remaining pus, dead tissue, and debris. They may also pack the wound with sterile gauze before bandaging the area for larger abscesses.
Does Urgent Care Perform Abscess Drainage?
Alamo City Urgent Care can perform internal and external abscess drainage procedures to provide quick relief and healing.
When to Visit Urgent Care for an Abscess
Here’s a checklist to help you know when to visit urgent care for an abscess:
- The abscess continues to grow.
- The abscess is painful, swollen, and red.
- The abscess is warm to the touch.
- You have a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- You have a chronic medical condition, like diabetes.
Abscess Treatment Options
In addition to I&D and PAD procedures, Alamo City Urgent Care may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and prevent it from spreading. The type and dosage depend on the abscess and patient health history.
Some small skin abscesses may heal on their own without medical treatment. If you are unsure about the severity of your abscess, seek urgent medical care.
Recovery and Aftercare
What to Expect After the Procedure
Following an abscess drainage procedure, it is normal to experience swelling, discomfort, and additional drainage for a few days. You will need to change the dressing regularly to keep the area clean and dry and avoid infection.
You may also need to take antibiotics to prevent further spread of the bacteria. The Alamo City Urgent Care providers will also recommend a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider.
Signs of Infection or Complications
If you experience one or more of the following after your procedure, seek urgent medical care:
- Increased or new swelling, redness, or pain.
- A high fever.
- Worsening or excessive bleeding.
- Delayed or improper healing (e.g., longer than two weeks).
Book Your Abscess Drainage Visit With Alamo City Urgent Care Today
If you’re struggling with the pain and discomfort of an abscess, visit Alamo City Urgent Care for a wide range of urgent care services.
Walk into any location today for high-quality, same-day treatment. You can also check in ahead of time for shorter wait times and seamless service.
