Abscess Drainage

An abscess is a pocket of pus under the skin: it looks like a red, warm, very painful lump that keeps growing. It often does not heal with antibiotics alone and needs to be drained. At Clínica Hispana Mangum we treat it with no appointment, using local anesthesia, to relieve pain and keep the infection from spreading.

How to recognize an abscess

• A red, warm, painful lump, sometimes with a white or yellow point in the center.
• It feels soft or fluid-filled when pressed gently.
• It often appears in the armpits, groin, buttocks, legs or where there was an ingrown hair.

Why not squeeze it at home?

Squeezing it or poking it with a needle can push the infection deeper, leave pus inside and spread the infection to the surrounding skin. On the way, apply warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.

What is drainage like?

1. Evaluation of the abscess and the surrounding skin.
2. Cleaning and local anesthesia.
3. A small incision to let the pus out and rinse the cavity.
4. In some cases gauze is left inside so it keeps draining.
5. A bandage and a follow-up visit.

Pain relief is usually noticeable soon after drainage. Antibiotics are prescribed only when needed, for example if there is surrounding cellulitis or fever.

Aftercare

• Change the bandage as instructed and keep it clean.
• Return for the follow-up, especially if gauze was left in.
• Wash clothes and towels separately while it drains.

Get urgent care if

There is fever, red streaks spreading from the abscess, the abscess is on the face near the eye or nose, or you have diabetes or a weak immune system and the area grows quickly.

We are at 2912 Mangum Rd, Suite A, in northwest Houston, open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM. No insurance needed; ask for the price before your visit. We accept cash, cards and Apple Pay.