Appointment Helpline
Overview:
A skin abscess is a pocket of pus that appears within or below the skin’s surface. This bump is usually full of pus or translucent fluid. It is typically due to a bacterial infection. It may appear on any part of the body.
Pre Procedure:
There are no specific instructions to be followed before the procedure.
During Procedure:
This is an invasive procedure that usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and type of skin abscess. It is performed by the treating doctor with a nurse assisting at all times.
You will be asked to sign a consent form.
You are settled comfortably in an area where your privacy is respected throughout the procedure.
The site of the abscess is exposed and the rest of the body is covered with a bed sheet / blanket.
The site is cleaned with Betadine solution.
Local anaesthesia is administered via injection by a doctor.
The doctor then makes a stab / cruciate incision on the abscess, drains purulent collection to relieve discomfort and aid healing and collects a pus culture swab.
The swab is sent to the laboratory for examination.
The site of abscess is dressed by the nurse.
Post Procedure:
Post-procedure, you may be advised painkillers & antibiotics.
You may need to come for dressings daily based on the condition of the abscess and incision or as instructed by the doctor. Regular dressing helps faster healing and prevents infection.
The site has to be kept dry and not wetted till the area has healed. You may sponge bathe.
Please wear loose clothing so as not to disturb the dressing and the abscess site.
In case you observe soakage or bleeding from the site, contact your doctor immediately.
There are no dietary restrictions after the procedure and you may resume normal activities.
Post the procedure, culture reports are issued after three days.
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