Home Wound Care Instructions After Abscess Incision and Drainage
Simply cover the incision with a clean, dry dressing and keep the area clean—this is the most effective approach for healing after abscess drainage. 1
Wound Care Routine
Daily Dressing Changes
- Change the dressing once daily (or twice daily if it becomes soaked with drainage) using clean technique 1
- Remove the old dressing, wash your hands thoroughly, then apply a new clean dressing 1
- Continue daily dressing changes until your follow-up appointment in one week 1
Cleaning the Wound
- Irrigate the wound with large volumes of clean tap water during each dressing change—this is as effective as sterile saline and removes debris 1, 2
- You may use mild soap and water if desired 1
- Gently pat the area completely dry before applying a new dressing 1
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or other antiseptics on the wound—these can delay healing 3
Dressing Application
- Apply a simple sterile gauze pad or clean bandage directly over the wound 1
- Secure with tape, keeping the dressing snug but not tight 1
- The wound does not need to stay completely dry—you may shower after 24-48 hours, just remove the dressing first, shower, dry thoroughly, and apply a fresh dressing 2
What to Watch For
Signs Requiring Immediate Contact
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) 4, 5
- Increasing redness extending more than 2 inches (5 cm) beyond the wound edges 4, 5
- Increasing pain, swelling, or warmth around the wound 4
- Pus or foul-smelling drainage 1
- Red streaks extending from the wound 4
Expected Findings (Normal)
- Mild redness immediately around the wound edges (less than 5mm) is common and not necessarily infection 1
- Some clear to slightly bloody drainage for the first few days is normal 1
- Mild discomfort that improves over the first few days 4
Activity and Hygiene
- You may resume normal activities as tolerated, but avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or friction over the wound site for the first few days 1
- Showering is permitted after 24 hours—just follow the dressing change instructions above 2
- Avoid soaking the wound in bathtubs, pools, or hot tubs until your follow-up visit 2
Pain Management
- Take over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as needed for discomfort 4
Important Notes
- You do not need antibiotics unless you develop fever, extensive surrounding redness, or other signs of spreading infection listed above 1, 5
- Do not pack the wound with gauze—simply covering it with a dry dressing is most effective 1
- The wound will heal from the inside out over several weeks 6
Return for your scheduled follow-up appointment in one week, or sooner if you develop any concerning signs listed above.