Abscess Treatment Doctor Q&A

Most often, abscesses form because of a bacterial infection. Less common causes of skin abscesses are blocked sweat glands, fungal infections, parasites, and anaerobic organisms.

Once bacteria enter the body, whether it be through a cut, a blocked gland, or another form of injury, your immune system sends white blood cells to fight the infection in the affected area. As your immune system fights the bacteria, pus (a mixture of dead cells, bacteria, and tissue debris) begins to accumulate, forming a pocket under the skin or within tissue.

Once an abscess forms, it often requires treatment to resolve. Without treatment, the abscess can become very painful as the infection spreads and causes more serious health issues. For these reasons, it’s extremely important to have any suspected abscesses assessed by a healthcare professional.

An abscess is generally easy to spot when it forms under the skin. Skin abscesses appear as swollen, red, and tender lumps that are filled with pus. The skin over and near the abscess may feel warm to the touch, and as the infection progresses, the lump may grow larger and more painful. Sometimes, you can see a white or yellow center, indicating that pus is near the surface and ready to drain.

While less common, abscesses can also form internally. Abscesses that form on or inside the organs (such as the liver, lungs, or pancreas) are not visible from the outside but often cause symptoms like fever, fatigue, and localized pain. If you suspect an abscess has formed, it’s important to seek medical attention to have your symptoms assessed.

Abscesses go through several stages as they develop. In the beginning, the area may feel tender or itchy. As white blood cells rush to the infected area, pus begins to collect. At this stage, the abscess will become more swollen, painful, and warm to the touch. A visible lump may appear, and the area will be red and inflamed.

As the abscess matures, the lump will become more prominent. At this stage, you may see a white or yellow head form on the surface. The pain may intensify during this time, and the abscess may start to feel “full” or tight.

If left untreated, the abscess may burst on its own, releasing pus. While this can relieve some pressure, it doesn’t mean the infection is gone.
Medical treatment is still needed to ensure proper healing and prevent further infection. After the abscess is properly drained, the swelling and redness will gradually subside. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a round of antibiotics to prevent the abscess from reforming or the infection from spreading.

The most effective treatment for a skin abscess involves both draining the pus and using medication to clear up the infection. Most commonly, doctors use antibiotics to address abscesses. In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may advise you to take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to minimize discomfort while the abscess heals. It’s important to complete the full course of medication, even if the symptoms are going away, as stopping antibiotics too early can lead to reinfection or complications.

The amount of time it will take to fully resolve a skin abscess depends on its size, location, and how quickly you start treatment. A small, uncomplicated abscess may start to improve within a few days of forming, especially if it drains on its own or is treated promptly.

Larger or deeper abscesses usually take 1 to 2 weeks to heal, especially if they need to be surgically drained. With large abscesses, the wound will need to be cleaned and packed daily to ensure proper healing. If you are prescribed antibiotics, you should begin to see improvement in the pain and swelling within 48 hours.

By seeking treatment promptly and following the doctor’s instructions carefully, you can successfully heal skin abscesses in a matter of weeks. If you need comprehensive care for a skin abscess, the team at Nova Patient Care can help! For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Bethel VA, Dale City VA, Falls Church VA, Fort Hunt VA, Franconia VA, Huntington VA, Richmond Hwy Alexandria VA, Idylwood VA, Kingstowne Center Alexandria VA, Lake Barcroft VA, Mclean VA, Newington VA, Old Town Alexandria VA, Pentagon City Arlington VA, Seven Corners VA, Tysons VA, Woodbridge, VA and surrounding areas.