HomeAnswersGeneral SurgeryabscessIs cauterization needed for burst abscess wound?

How to treat burst abscess wound that drained on its own?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Anushtup De

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At July 16, 2020
Reviewed AtJuly 16, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Can you advise what I should do to treat this post burst abscess wound? I am using Mupirocin and Mepilex do I need to get cautery? The tissue protruded outward now. I took Doxycycline for two weeks.

Answered by Dr. Anushtup De

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First I would like to say that the information you gave is not complete. So in relation to your query, I would present two common situations in this case.

Situation 1: The abscess was treated surgically and cleaned properly and antibiotic was given according to culture sensitivity test and dressing done. The protruding tissue is pink/bright red.

Treatment 1: In this case, the tissue protruding after some period of dressing is probably excessive granulation tissue above the skin surface. We usually apply copper sulfate or cauterize it to burn the tissue as it is a reasonably small area. And over time it heals on its own.

Situation 2: The abscess bursts on its own, redness or hardness present in the surrounding area, area looks dirty or unhealthy, tissue is unhealthy or dirty.

Treatment 2: Then it needs to be surgically cleaned under anesthesia and all dirty tissue removed.

Note: If it has happened before, it is all the more important to give antibiotics according to pus culture sensitivity. Location seems to be an axilla. If it is, then proper cleaning of the area is important to prevent a recurrence.

The Probable causes

?Residual infection. Possibly residual hydradenitis supprative (if location is axilla).

Differential diagnosis

Residual abscess (nonhealing wound). Possibly residual hidradenitis supprative (if location is axilla).

Probable diagnosis

Possibly residual hidradenitis suppurative (if the location is axilla).

Preventive measures

Clean the area. Remove hairs (if the area is axilla).

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Yes, it is the first scenario. What should I use to dress the area until I can cauterize it? I have alginate and mepilex dressings. It was a large abscess that drained on its own now has left wounded area. Is there a chance it can heal without cautery?

Answered by Dr. Anushtup De

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Both are absorbent dressings. However, alginate is commonly used for infected wounds. So if it is dirty and red, consider alginate dressing.

Now to your next question whether it will heal without cautery, if it is just two to three weeks and the tissue is not protruded over skin level, can consider to wait for a few weeks more. If the duration is more or tissue is protruded above skin level, then have to do some procedure to cauterize the tissue/ remove the tissue.

I hope this helps.

The Probable causes

Nonhealing wound.

Differential diagnosis

Nonhealing wound.

Probable diagnosis

Nonhealing wound.

Treatment plan

Dressing.

Preventive measures

Keep the area clean.

Regarding follow up

After seven days.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anushtup De
Dr. Anushtup De

General Surgery

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