Abscess treatment self-care at home. If the abscess is small (less than 1 cm or less than a half-inch across), applying warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes, four times a day, can help encourage it to point and the pus to drain. Do not attempt to drain the abscess by pressing or squeezing.
Draw local anesthetic into the syringe using the 18-gauge needle and inject skin surrounding the abscess using the 27-gauge needle. Make an incision directly over, extending the entire length of the area of greatest fluctuance. Use forceps to stretch open the incision, allowing the contents of the cavity to drain.
Wound care instructions from your doctor may include wound repacking, soaking, washing, or bandaging for about 7 to 10 days. This usually depends on the size and severity of the abscess. After the first 2 days, drainage from the abscess should be minimal to none. All sores should heal in 10-14 days.
