Incision and Drainage CO

An abscess is a confined area under the skin where pus builds up, usually due to a bacterial infection, and it can occur anywhere on the body.

Incision and drainage (I&D) is a procedure performed to remove pus from an abscess, aiding in the healing process.

Sometimes, a culture is performed to identify the specific bacteria present and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment.

During the incision and drainage procedure, your provider at Wound Associates of Colorado will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the boil or abscess. Once the anesthetic takes effect and the area is pain-free, the provider will use a scalpel to make a small incision over the infected area to drain the pus. Some abscesses may require more than one puncture if there are multiple pockets of pus. For large or deep abscesses, packing may be placed in the wound to keep it open, allowing continued drainage as it heals. The entire procedure usually takes less than one hour, with minimal complications. However, if you experience any bleeding, pain, or scarring afterward, additional medical care may be required.

Incision and drainage (I&D) are necessary for draining wounds or abscesses because antibiotics, while effective against bacteria, only reach the affected tissues through the bloodstream. In an abscess, bacteria are enclosed in a pocket, preventing antibiotics from reaching and eliminating them. Opening the abscess not only relieves pain by reducing pressure but also initiates the healing process, which is unlikely to occur naturally. If left untreated, the condition may result in complications such as scarring, the need for debridement (removal of affected or dead tissue), or sepsis—a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream. Wound Associates of Colorado medical professionals can prevent these complications by performing incision and drainage comfortably and affordably in our clinics.

Important Note: Please inform the medical staff if you have a MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection.