ABSCESS PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

How can infections be prevented?

Encourage injecting in sites far from the abscess area (at least 12 inches away from the abscess site) till the abscess is healed

There may be need to cover the abscess area with a clean dressing to prevent it from being brushed against

If the abscess is discharging pus or other fluids it will require a daily dressing

Clean the area with water or saline and apply a clean gauze dressing

Antibiotics may be required for curing abscesses

Encourage early reporting of complications, such as increase in abscess size, black tissue around the area (necrosis) or increase in pain

Sometimes, the patient may have to be referred to a bigger hospital for management of complicated cases

Steps in Care of Abscesses

Few Main Precautions to Take

Stages of Abscess Formation

Stage 1: May start off as a lump at the injection site

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Stage 2: Localized redness appears

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Stage 3: Soft swelling appears

Stage 4: The area becomes tender

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Stage 5: A fever may or may not develop

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Stage 6: The abscess may go on to increase in size and discharge pus

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Stage 7: An abscess may go on to progress to an open wound called an ulcer