HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinedrainage of abscessHow would I know if swollen puncture wound needs to be drained or not?

How would I know if swollen puncture wound needs to be drained or not?

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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.

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Published At July 18, 2018
Reviewed AtAugust 22, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a puncture wound that is very swollen and painful. Went to urgent care and they gave me an antibiotic. How would I know if it needs to be drained or not?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If it is swollen a lot with pus collection then it has to be drained. Usually, it is visible outside and there is a pus point called an abscess. Also, if it is not responding to antibiotics then we have to suspect the underlying pus collection and need investigations like ultrasound in those cases to confirm the underlying collections. So I think, you should upload the picture for me to have a look. Also, if puncture has happened due to metallic objects or a lot of wound contamination also request for tetanus shot if not had recently.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am on two antibiotics but the pain is bad and not getting any better.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is not bad. There is reddish discoloration which is due to bleeding under the skin (bruise) which will take two weeks to gradually get absorbed. Pain is due to soft tissue injury and maybe some bony injury which may take some time of 5 to 7 days to gradually subside. So till that time, you should have some painkillers like Ibuprofen, Paracetamol 500 mg whenever needed. Continue antibiotics and local ointment like Mupirocin. It does not need drainage. I guess, other than that reddish part, that puncture part (yellowish part) must be having some better change at least.

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

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology

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