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How to Prevent an Injection Abscess

Written by
Dr. Suneetha B S
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.

Published on Mar 06, 2017 and last reviewed on Aug 16, 2022   -  1 min read

Abstract

An Injection Abscess is a pus filled mass that occurs at the site where injection was administered. It occurs due to infection of the area. This article explains what an injection abscess is, how it can be prevented and how it is treated.

How to Prevent an Injection Abscess

What Is An Abscess?

An ABSCESS is a pus filled mass, usually caused by infection.

An abscess is warm to touch and mostly painful. It can occur on any part of your body.

What Is An Injection Abscess?

An INJECTION ABSCESS is an abscess that occurs at the site of injection, usually occurring a few days after administration of injection.

It is very common in the gluteal region (buttocks). Rarely, the abscess breaks open on its own and releases the pus. In most cases it requires surgical intervention. The doctor cuts open the abscess to help in drainage of pus and relief from symptoms.

Symptoms of Injection Abscess

These symptoms occur following administration of an injection.

  1. A painfulswelling that is warmto touch.
  2. Fevercan develop if the abscess is large or spreads to deeper tissues.

Visit your doctor if you have the above mentioned symptoms. The doctor will examine the abscess and decide future course of action.

Treatment of Injection Abscess

If the abscess is small, the doctor may simply prescribe antibiotics that will ensure complete cure.

If the abscess is big, incision and drainage will be done. After administering anaesthesia, the doctor opens the abscess and drains the pus. The procedure is followed by bandaging the area and prescription of antibiotics. The anaesthesia makes the procedure painless.

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Prevention of Injection Abscess

Injection abscesses occur usually due to entry of infectious organisms during the penetration of needle into the skin. Make sure that aseptic measures are used before administering the injection at the hospital/clinic.

  1. Make sure that the area of skin to be injected is cleaned with spirit before administration of injection.
  2. Make sure a new syringe and needle are used for the injection.
  3. Never hesitate to ask any questions. If aseptic methods are not practiced, you have the right to ask, and you have the right to refuse the injection.

Frequently Asked Questions


1.

What May Lead to an Abscess After an Injection?

An abscess is a puss-forming infection of the skin. It may happen due to infection of the area where the injection has been administered. This puss-forming infection is caused by bacteria such as streptococcus.

2.

How to Cure Injection Abscess?

Warm compression over the site of infection can hasten the healing process. However, the doctor may perform an incision and drainage if the condition is too big. This drains the puss through a cut in the skin.

3.

How Does an Injection Abscess Begin?

The injection abscess may occur through a cut in the skin through which bacteria may enter. This happens when the skin may not be clean.

4.

How to Find if an Abscess Is Forming?

The symptoms of an abscess forming include a swelling under the skin which may be accompanied by pain and warmth. In addition, there could be visible accumulations of pus under the skin.

5.

Does Abscess Cause Constant Pain?

The pain caused due to an abscess may be constant and throbbing. The pain may even increase in some activities.

6.

Which Antibiotic Is Used to Treat Injection Abscess?

The most commonly used antibiotics include Clotrimazole, Ceftioufur, long-acting Penicillins, and Clindamycin.

7.

What Is the Causative Factor for an Abscess?

An abscess is a bacterial infection that produces puss. The bacteria may enter the body through tiny cuts or abrasions. The puss formation is the by-product of the reaction between the immune cells and the bacteria.

8.

Can an Abscess Go Untreated?

The abscess usually lasts for a few days to weeks. However, there are instances of it recurring if untreated. Hence an abscess should be treated to prevent complications.

9.

How Long Does an Abscess Take To Form?

Once the tissue is infected, the abscess formation can occur within two to three days. However, it may sometimes develop earlier, depending on the bacteria's virulence.

10.

Is Antibiotic Effective Against an Abscess?

An antibiotic is usually effective against an abscess. However, some infections may need an incision or drainage. Medical history of peptic diseases should be obtained before prescribing antibiotics.

11.

How Can Salt Water Help in an Abscess Treatment?

Saltwater can provide some relief when it comes to the treatment of an abscess. It helps to reduce the bacterial count and also provides a soothing effect. In addition, it can hasten the healing process.

12.

What Can Be Applied to Abscess to Reduce It?

Warm compression is a very effective method of reducing abscesses. However, care should be taken to avoid putting excessive pressure on the swelling. This may force the infection to spread in the body.

13.

How Does an Abscess Appear?

An abscess may appear as a pimple. But it may be bigger than that. The puss can be visible as a white or yellow buildup under the skin. This, if left untreated, can increase in size.

Last reviewed at:
16 Aug 2022  -  1 min read

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