The abscess is a painful, inflamed, pus-filled swelling caused by bacterial infections. Also called apostema, it can form anywhere in the body. If it is small, you can treat it yourself, but you will need medical attention if it is large or does not heal on its own. You can get rid of it by using some home remedies or see your doctor for a drain and prescribe drug therapy.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Treating Abscess in the Home
Step 1. Don't tease him
Don't give in to the temptation to touch, pinch, or press it. This way, you risk spreading the bacteria, aggravating inflammation and infection.
- With a clean handkerchief or bandage, wipe off any pus or fluid that may leak out of the abscess. Avoid direct contact between your skin and fingers while removing the liquid. Then throw away the bandage and do not reuse it.
- Wash your hands before and after this operation so you don't spread an infection. For example, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections can enter the body through an abscess.
Step 2. Apply a warm compress
Wash your hands with soap and water. Put 1 cup of water on the stove to heat it up, but not so much that it burns you. Dip a clean bandage or soft cloth and place it over the abscess and surrounding area. The heat helps drain the abscess and reduce pain and discomfort.
- Apply the compress several times a day.
- Gently rub the cloth in circular motions to clear the abscess of pus. If you see some blood during this operation, it is normal.
Step 3. Use lukewarm water
Fill the bathtub or a small container with lukewarm water. Then, immerse yourself entirely or soak only the affected part of the abscess for 10-15 minutes. Soaking helps you drain the abscess naturally and relieves pain and discomfort.
- Thoroughly clean the tub or container before and after use.
- Consider pouring in a handful of baking soda, raw oatmeal, colloidal oat powder, or Epsom salts. They can soothe the skin and promote the natural drainage of pus.
Step 4. Clean the abscess and surrounding skin
Use a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Be sure to cleanse the area near the injury as well. Dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Choose an antiseptic cleanser if you prefer something more effective.
- To clean the abscess well, it is important to shower or bathe every day. Good personal hygiene promotes healing and reduces the risk of further infections.
Step 5. Protect it with a sterile bandage
Once the abscess is clean, cover it with a sterile gauze or bandage, without compressing it too much. Change it if pus leaks or the cover gets wet or dirty to prevent infections.
You can also apply Manuka honey with a cotton swab before bandaging it to prevent infections. Just make sure you don't put the used cotton swab back into the honey jar
Step 6. Take a pain reliever
You can use an over-the-counter one, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the dosage instructions carefully to relieve pain and discomfort. Ibuprofen can also relieve swelling.]
Step 7. Wash anything that comes into contact with the abscess
If you use the washing machine, choose a high temperature program. Insert clothing, linens, and even the cloth you use for the compress. Start the machine, then put everything in the dryer by selecting the high temperature again. This way, you will eliminate the more resistant bacteria that can further inflame or infect the abscess.
Step 8. Wear loose, soft clothing
Tight-fitting garments can irritate you and make the situation worse. Therefore, choose something loose, soft and light to help perspiration of the skin and heal faster.
Clothes made with soft-textured yarns, such as cotton or merino wool, prevent skin irritation and excessive sweating. The latter can further irritate the affected area
Method 2 of 2: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Notice the signs of a more serious infection
Continue to heal yourself until the abscess heals and shows symptoms of a worsening of the infectious process. Watch out for the following signs as they may indicate further complications. In these cases, you need to seek immediate medical attention:
- The skin becomes increasingly red or the pain more intense.
- You see red streaks starting from the abscess and surrounding area and heading towards the heart.
- The abscess and surrounding skin feel very hot to the touch.
- You notice a significant amount of pus or other liquid coming out of the abscess.
- You have the highest fever of 38.5 ° C.
- You have chills, nausea, vomiting, headache or muscle aches.
Step 2. See your doctor
If you are over 65, don't underestimate the situation as you may need assistance. Then, tell your doctor about the remedies you have used and any other information useful in establishing a treatment. Seek their help if:
- The abscess is localized on the spine, face, near the eyes or nose;
- The liquid does not come out naturally;
- The size of the abscess increases or is very large or painful;
- You have diabetes or another chronic health problem, such as kidney or liver disease.
Step 3. Undergo drainage
If necessary, allow the doctor to puncture and drain the abscess with a scalpel or small needle. With this maneuver he will go to remove the pus or the infected fluid and relieve the pressure. Keep any protection you apply to the wound site clean and dry.
- Do not attempt to drain the abscess on your own, or the infection risks spreading.
- Ask your doctor for local anesthesia if you feel a lot of pain.
- He will likely band the wound with an antiseptic dressing to absorb the secretions and prevent further infection.
- He may also take a sample of the drained fluid and submit it for a diagnostic test with an antibiogram.
Step 4. Get topical or oral antibiotic therapy
If the infection associated with the abscess is quite severe, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Follow the dosage instructions and do not stop taking it in order to completely eradicate the infection and reduce the risk of a recurrence.
