Abscess Drainage

An abscess is a pocket of pus under the skin that hurts, feels hot and grows every day. Antibiotics alone do not cure it: it must be drained. At Clínica Hispana Corazón y Vida in Pasadena we do it under local anesthesia during the same visit, without an appointment and in Spanish, and follow you until it closes.

How do I know it is an abscess?

• A red, hot, painful lump that softens in the center.
• Pus that comes out on its own or when pressed.
• Fever or malaise in larger cases.
• It often appears in the armpits, groin, buttocks, back, face and around a hair or a pimple.

A small boil may resolve with warm compresses; when it is larger than a centimeter, very painful or has gone several days without opening, it should be drained.

What is the procedure like?

1. Review of the abscess and your history: diabetes, medications, previous abscesses.
2. Local anesthesia around the area.
3. A small incision, release of the pus and cleaning of the cavity with sterile solution.
4. Placement of packing gauze inside the cavity for large abscesses, so it closes from the bottom.
5. Dressing, antibiotics when there is surrounding cellulitis or risk factors, and written instructions.

Pain relief is immediate once the pus is out. The visit takes 20 to 40 minutes.

What happens afterwards?

Return in one to three days for a packing change and wound check; large abscesses need several changes. It closes from the inside out in one to two weeks. Wash the area with soap and water, cover with clean gauze and do not squeeze or try to drain it yourself.

When is it urgent?

Redness spreading fast, high fever, an abscess on the face near the nose or eyes, in the genital area or in a person with uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system. In those cases go to the emergency room if the clinic is closed.

Why do I keep getting abscesses?

Shaving, friction, sweat, diabetes, smoking and a skin bacterium called staphylococcus. When they recur, we check your glucose and recommend hygiene measures and, sometimes, a treatment to reduce the bacteria on the skin.

How much does it cost?

Drainage has a direct price, no insurance, in cash or by card; packing changes are charged as wound care visits. Confirm on WhatsApp at (346) 646-2974.

Where and when?

Walk in at 918 W Southmore Ave, Suite 180, Pasadena, TX 77502, every day from 9 AM to 9 PM. See also minor surgery.