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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > S > Skin abscess

Skin abscess   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection.Surgical incision and drainage of the abscess, with or without packing for 24 to 48 hours, cleans the area and allows infection to be controlled. Antibiotics such as dicloxacillin are given to control the infection.

Heat (such as warm compresses) may speed healing, reduce inflammation, and reduce discomfort. Elevate the affected part to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Prognosis

Most skin abscesses are curable with treatment.

Complications

  • Localized spread of infection
  • Impingement on the functioning of adjacent structures
  • Gangrene (tissue death)
  • Systemic spread of infection causing:
    • Endocarditis
    • Osteomyelitis
    • Multiple new abscesses ("seeding" of infection)
    • Abscess formation on the joints, pleura, or other locations

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if signs of superficial skin infection occur, including fever, pain, redness, localized swelling, or drainage of any kind.

Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if new symptoms develop during or after treatment for skin abscess.

Ency. home > Disease > S > Skin abscess

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