Abscess Treatment in Laredo, TX
An abscess, or boil, is a painful skin infection that develops when a sweat gland or oil-producing gland becomes blocked and traps harmful bacteria. As the body’s immune system attempts to fight off the infection, pus (a thick fluid containing white blood cells) may build up and form a pocket inside the abscess.
Boils often form in areas of friction, such as the inner thighs, and around hair follicles in the armpits and pubic region, although they can potentially occur anywhere on the body. Boil-causing bacteria can also enter the skin through a small cut, blemish or insect bite.
To prevent scarring and sepsis, it is important not to touch an abscess or attempt to drain it. Because the infection will not resolve on its own, it is important to seek professional abscess treatment.
How Is an Abscess Treated?
Usually, abscess treatment involves a relatively simple, in-office procedure called an abscess incision and drainage. A medical practitioner will clean the surrounding area and numb it with a local anesthetic, then use a small scalpel or needle to rupture the skin over the abscess and drain the pus. Afterward, the practitioner will thoroughly rinse the wound with a saline solution and apply a gauze bandage to absorb any remaining discharge. Typically, the entire procedure takes less than an hour.
After completing the abscess incision and drainage procedure, the practitioner may prescribe a course of antibiotics to help resolve the infection. He or she will also provide detailed home-care instructions, explaining how to change the bandage, clean the wound and watch for signs of infection, such as worsening pain, swelling, redness, bleeding and fever.
If you have an abscess, you can receive fast and effective treatment from an experienced medical provider at VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, TX. Contact us or stop by one of our convenient locations today.