No one enjoys having an abscess or cyst. They are uncomfortable, unsightly, and may signal that something else is happening inside your body. You should consult with experienced medical professionals at the first sign that you may have an abscess or cyst.
Here’s what you need to know about abscess removal, cyst removal, and the cyst drainage process at Exer Urgent Care below.
What are Abscesses and Cysts?
Abscesses are caused by an infection, often bacterial, which causes pus (liquor puris) to pool and form a painful lump. The two most common types of abscesses are skin and internal. A skin abscess is one that forms beneath the skin and can be seen by the eye. An internal abscess is one that forms inside your body and is only able to be viewed via testing.
Cysts are lumps or sacs, filled with anything other than pus. This can include blood, other bodily fluids, inflamed tissue, and even air. Cysts can indicate a minor injury that bursts a blood vessel, an inflammatory condition or a developing tumor.
Abscess Removal
Skin abscess removal is a minimally invasive surgical process that involves cutting into and draining the affected area. Internal abscess removal is a bit more complicated but follows the same basic method.
Skin abscess removal begins when your medical professional gives you a local anesthetic and antibiotics. They then make a small incision in the abscess itself and allow it to drain. Depending on the size and severity of the abscess, they may also use a needle to help drain it. Afterward, they will clean the abscess and dress the wound. They may also place a sterile dressing inside the abscess. You’ll be prescribed antibiotics, schedule a follow-up appointment, and be sent home. You should rest and let your body begin healing.
Internal abscess removal is similar to skin abscess removal but involves something called percutaneous abscess drainage. This is when your medical professional uses a needle to help drain the pus from the affected area. While this may also occur for a skin abscess, it’s a bit more complicated when dealing with an internal abscess. Your medical professional will use what’s called a drainage catheter to help drain it. If the abscess is too large or severe for a drainage catheter to be placed, you may need a more intensive surgical procedure.
Cyst Removal
The cyst removal process is simple and easy. Your medical professional will use a local anesthetic to numb the skin, then remove whatever is inside the cyst. Afterward, they will stitch the affected area back together. You may be prescribed antibiotics. It all depends on the size and severity of the cyst.
Cyst Drainage
Cyst drainage is similar to cyst removal but involves draining fluid from the cyst. Since cysts can be filled with everything from blood to inflamed skin cells, cyst drainage is only required if there is liquid present.
Cyst drainage begins with a local anesthetic. Your medical professional will then cut into the cyst and drain any fluid present. Afterward, they will place a sterile dressing inside the cyst. The gauze should be changed often during the cyst drainage healing process. Make sure to schedule follow up appointments and take your medical professional’s advice when healing.
Come to Exer Urgent Care for Abscess and Cyst Care
Abscess removal, cyst removal, and cyst drainage are not usually complicated procedures. You can walk into any one of 55 Exer locations to have them done. We’ll get you in and out in a day, so you can focus on getting back to life. Find your nearest location and come in today!
