DIAGNOSIS
To search for abscesses, your health care expert has to go through your medical records with you and perform a physical exam. A thorough physical examination will help your doctor determine if abscesses result from ingrown hair or an injury.
Your doctor may also take a fluid culture from the abscess to screen for the infection’s presence. Other tests are not required to identify abscesses.
However, if you’ve had recurring skin infections and your doctor suspects an underlying medical problem, they may request for a urine or blood sample.
TREATMENT
You may quickly treat abscesses at home. Heat applied to abscesses might help it drain and shrink. The most effective way to administer heat is to place a warm compress on abscesses. You may make warm compresses by putting warm water over a face towel and folding it before applying it to abscesses.
Drainage
Consult your doctor if abscesses are persistent and do not heal with home remedies. For such cases, your doctor will have to drain it.
In draining abscesses, your doctor will first use numbing medications before cutting open your abscess to enable the fluid to flow out. Then, your healthcare professional will pack the wound with surgical materials once the abscesses drain. It promotes healing and prevents abscesses from recurring.
Antibiotics
Typically, antibiotics are used to treat severe skin abscesses. If you show symptoms, your doctor may recommend antibiotics.