Abscess Incision And Drainage

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An abscess incision and drainage is a procedure to cut open the skin and drain pus from the abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus in a warm, red, tender, and swollen lesion (wound). It is most commonly caused by bacteria (germs). An abscess may occur anywhere in or on the body, including the skin. An abscess that needs incision and drainage is usually located deep in soft tissues, such as the thigh.
  
  
• During an abscess incision and drainage, pus that is collected from the abscess may be sent to a lab for tests. A culture or examination of the pus may help your caregiver know what kind of bacteria is causing the infection. A culture will also help your caregiver know what medicines to give you to kill the bacteria.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Ask your caregiver when you should return to have your wound checked, and the packing and bandage changed.

Wearing a splint: Caregivers may want you to limit the movement of the affected area for some time. A splint may be placed on your arm, hand, or leg to do this. Keep the part of the body with the wound above the level of your heart if possible. This will help decrease the pain and swelling, and help your wound to heal.

Wound care:

• Do not remove the bandage over your wound unless your caregiver says it is OK. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
  
  
• Clean the wound as often as ordered by your caregiver. If you cannot reach the wound, have someone help you.
  
  
• Make sure all the gauze used to pack the cavity is taken out and changed. Keep track of how many gauze dressings are placed inside the cavity whenever you do your wound care.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after taking care of your wound to prevent spreading an infection.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have more swelling, redness, drainage, or bleeding.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have muscle, joint, or body aches, sweating, or a fever.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing or chest pain all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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