Post Abscess

Post-abscess care is crucial after an abscess drainage procedure. Monitoring and daily care are essential because these wounds are susceptible to infection. At Restore Wound Healing in Rockwall, Texas, wound care specialist Lince Varughese, MD, and his team provide high-quality post-abscess care, using an integrative and minimally invasive approach. While the office is based in Rockwall, the practice also sees patients from surrounding areas. Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule post-abscess treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is post-abscess wound care?

The term “post-abscess” refers to a wound care subspecialty focused on abscess drainage and recovery.

A skin abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms under an area of inflamed skin. Draining the abscess clears your skin of bacteria and germs and promotes healing, but regular monitoring is crucial because drained abscesses increase your risk of infection.

What does post-abscess wound care involve?

At Restore Wound Healing, Dr. Varughese tailors post-abscess wound care to each person’s needs. Treatment and monitoring vary depending on the size and location of the abscess and whether or not it was infected.

Even so, most patients benefit from the following:

Professional wound dressing

After Dr. Varughese drains an abscess, he cleans and sterilizes the wound and covers it in a dressing. Several wound dressings exist, including gauze, foam, alginate, hydrocolloid, and antimicrobial dressings. Once placed, the dressing protects the wound site, helps maintain a moist environment, and absorbs drainage.

Oral antibiotics

About 30% of people with skin abscesses experience a recurrence and/or infection. To reduce this risk, Dr. Varughese often prescribes oral antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria and prevent them from spreading, promoting healing and reducing the risk of complications. Make sure to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed. 

At-home care

Post-abscess care doesn’t end at Restore Wound Healing. You must continue treating your wound at home.

Dr. Varughese provides personalized care instructions. Often, this includes applying a warm, dry compress, or a heating pad set on low to the wound several times a day to promote healing. You might also need to clean the site daily with antibacterial soap and warm water and apply a new dressing.

How long does post-abscess wound care take?

The time post-abscess wound care takes depends on the size, location, and severity of the abscess. Most people’s skin heals within 2-3 weeks, but it may take longer if there’s an infection. During this time, new skin grows from under the abscess, closing the wound on all sides.

Can skin abscesses be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent skin abscesses entirely, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. Dr. Varughese recommends washing your hands frequently with soap and water, keeping your skin clean and dry, and avoiding nicks and scratches when shaving. 

Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule post-abscess wound care, or book your visit online.