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Incision and Drainage of a Skin Abscess
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
Answers

What are Incision and Drainage of a Skin Abscess?

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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Drainage of an abscess is the preferred treatment to clear an abscess. It is often used if abscesses are large, growing, infected, painful, or not resolving on their own.

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

Possible Complications

Possible complications may include:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Scar formation

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Worsening Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Fever and chills
  • Rash or hives

In case of an emergency, CALL 911immediately.

 
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