Antibiotics are a common treatment for abscesses, and the type of antibiotic used will depend on the cause of the abscess. Generally, antibiotics used to treat abscesses are broad-spectrum antibiotics, which work against a wide range of bacteria.
The antibiotics most commonly used to treat abscesses are penicillin-based antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, or cephalosporins, such as cephalexin. If the abscess is caused by a certain type of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic that is more specific for fighting off that type of bacteria, such as clindamycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
The doctor may also recommend a combination of antibiotics to ensure that all of the bacteria causing the abscess are eliminated. For example, if the abscess is caused by a combination of bacteria, the doctor may prescribe a combination of an aminoglycoside and a penicillin-based antibiotic.
In some cases, antibiotics may not be enough to treat an abscess. If the abscess is large or doesn't respond to antibiotics, the doctor may recommend surgical drainage. This involves making a small cut in the skin to allow the pus to drain out, and may be accompanied by suturing the wound.
In most cases, a combination of antibiotics and surgical drainage are the most effective way to treat an abscess. Depending on the severity of the abscess, the doctor may recommend a course of antibiotics before and after the surgical procedure. This helps to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the abscess is fully treated.