Subtitle: Will an Abscess Clear on Its Own?
An abscess is a localized infection of the skin or other tissues that happens when bacteria or a foreign substance enters the body and the body’s immune system is unable to fight it off. This can cause a buildup of pus and other fluids, resulting in the formation of an abscess. While abscesses can be very painful and can cause serious health complications, the good news is that, in many cases, a properly treated abscess can clear up on its own.
Treatment
The most important factor in treating an abscess is to keep the area clean and free from infection. This can be done by using warm compresses to help draw out the infection and reduce swelling. It is also important to keep the area covered with a sterile bandage to prevent the spread of the infection.
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight off the infection. However, it is important to note that antibiotics are not always necessary and should only be used in severe cases.
Surgery
In some instances, surgery may be necessary to remove the abscess. This is usually done under local anesthetic and typically involves draining the abscess and debriding (removing) any dead tissue. After surgery, the area may need to be covered with a sterile dressing and antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent the infection from spreading.
Recovery
Once the abscess has been treated, the area may be sore and swollen for several days. It is important to keep the area clean and dry during this time to prevent the infection from spreading. In some cases, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear up the infection.
In most cases, an abscess can clear up on its own if it is treated properly. However, if the abscess is not healing or is becoming more painful, it is important to seek medical attention to make sure the infection does not spread.