Incision and Drainage

An abscess is a localized area beneath the skin where pus accumulates, typically caused by a bacterial infection and can manifest anywhere on the body.

Incision and drainage (I&D) constitute a procedure aimed at draining the pus from an abscess, facilitating the healing process.

Occasionally, a culture may be conducted to identify the specific bacteria involved and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment.

During the incision and drainage procedure, your Blue Ridge Wound Care provider will use a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the boil or abscess. Once the anesthetic takes effect and the area is pain-free, the provider will use a scalpel to make a small incision into the skin over the infected area to drain the pus. Some abscesses may require more than one puncture, as there may be more than one pocket of pus. In cases of particularly large or deep abscesses, packing may be placed in the wound to keep it open, facilitating continued drainage as it heals. The entire procedure can typically be completed in less than one hour, with minimal complications. However, if you experience any bleeding, pain, or scarring afterward, additional medical care may be needed.

Incision and drainage (I&D) become necessary for draining wounds or abscesses because antibiotics, while effective against bacteria, only travel through the bloodstream to the affected tissues. In an abscess, bacteria are enclosed in a pocket and remain untouched by antibiotics, preventing their destruction. Opening the abscess not only provides relief from pain by reducing pressure but also initiates the healing process, which is unlikely to occur naturally. If left untreated, the issue may lead to lasting complications such as scarring, the need for debridement (removal of affected or dead tissue), or sepsis—an infection of the bloodstream that can be life-threatening. Blue Ridge Wound Care Medical professionals can prevent these complications by performing incision and drainage comfortably and affordably in our clinics.

Important Note: Ensure that the relevant medical staff is aware if you have MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection).