Blot away any pus or liquid draining from the abscess with a clean tissue or bandage. Avoid direct contact between your skin and the fingers blotting away the liquid. Throw away the bandage immediately and don’t reuse it. Always wash your hands before and after you tend to your abscess so you don’t spread an infection. Dangerous infections like MRSA can get into your body through an abscess.
Apply the compresses several times a day. Rub the abscess with the cloth in a gentle circular motion, which can release pus from it. Seeing a little blood when you do this is normal.
Clean the tub or small container thoroughly before and after you use it. Consider sprinkling the water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal, or Epsom salt. These may calm your skin and help to drain the boil naturally.
Wash the abscess with an antiseptic cleanser if you prefer to use something stronger than soap. [5] X Research source Part of washing your abscess is showering or bathing daily. Maintaining good personal hygiene can heal the abscess and minimize the risk of further infections. [6] X Research source
You can also apply Manuka honey to your abscess with a cotton swab before you cover it to help prevent infection. Make sure you don’t dip the used cotton swab back into the honey. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Smooth textured clothing such as cotton or merino wool can keep your skin from getting irritated and can prevent excess sweating that may irritate the affected area.
Your skin is getting more red or more painful. There are red streaks running from the abscess and surrounding area towards your heart. The abscess and surrounding skin feels very warm or hot to the touch. Significant pus or other fluid is running from the abscess. You have a fever higher than 101. 5 °F (38. 6 °C). [12] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source You have chills, nausea, vomiting, headache or muscle aches.
The abscess is on your spine or in the middle of your face, near your eyes or nose. The abscess does not drain on its own. [15] X Research source The abscess gets bigger or is very large or painful. You have diabetes or another chronic health problem such as kidney or liver disease.
Don’t try to drain your abscess at home or you could cause the infection to spread. [17] X Research source Ask your doctor for a local anesthetic if you have a lot of pain. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Your doctor may pack the drained abscess with an antiseptic dressing to absorb extra pus and prevent further infection. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Your doctor may also take a sample of the drained fluid and test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you have a good immune system and your abscess is small or located near the surface of your skin, you most likely won’t need antibiotics. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
