Abscess Drainage

An abscess is a pocket of pus under the skin caused by an infection, and it turns into a red, hot, painful lump. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Hammerly in Spring Branch, we open and empty it under local anesthesia during the visit itself, no appointment needed, so the infection can drain and the pain eases.

How can you tell it's an abscess?

It often starts as a pimple or an ingrown hair and grows over a few days. It feels tight, throbs and hurts when anything brushes it. Sometimes a white or yellow dot appears in the middle. Armpits, groin, buttocks, back and the beard area are common spots.

Get seen today if you also have a fever, if the redness is spreading like a stain, or if the lump is on your face.

What happens during drainage?

1. The medical team checks the abscess's size and depth.
2. The skin is disinfected and local anesthetic is injected around it.
3. A small opening is made so the pus can come out.
4. The inside of the pocket is rinsed.
5. If it's large, gauze is left inside so it keeps draining.
6. It's covered, and the team decides whether you need an antibiotic.

If medicine is ordered, we send an e-prescription to the pharmacy you choose and you pick it up whenever it suits you.

Is it safe to pop it yourself?

Squeezing can push the infection deeper or into your bloodstream, and it rarely empties the whole pocket, so it fills up again. Don't poke it with needles or blades either. What you can do on the way in is apply warm compresses.

What care comes afterward?

• Keep the wound covered and change the gauze when you're told.
• If gauze was left inside, return to have it removed or replaced through wound care.
• Finish the antibiotic if one was ordered.
• Wash towels and clothing separately.
• Come back if the fever rises or the redness grows.

If a painful lump keeps you from sitting or moving your arm, come to 8538 Hammerly Blvd Suite B; Monday through Saturday we're open until 9 PM.