Broadway, CO Abscess Incision & Drainage Near Me

Incision & drainage, doesn’t have to be scary. Our top-tier medical team at AFC can assist with wounds, abscesses, boils or cysts any day of the week.  

Here at AFC, we can help with a few minor dermatology services. So, no more scheduling expensive appointments or waiting in a crowded Emergency Room. Our incision and drainage (I&D) procedures are trusted, affordable and quick.  

Our most common I&D services focus on cysts and abscesses.  

What’s the Difference Between a Cyst and an Abscess? 

Although cysts and abscesses are common skin conditions that appear similar, they actually have different causes and characteristics. 

Cysts are pockets of abnormal tissue that develop into a sac or cavity, which can appear either beneath the skin or inside the body. These sacs may be filled with fluid, pus or other material, often presenting as a firm lump. Many cysts go unnoticed until they grow larger or begin to cause discomfort. 

An abscess, on the other hand, is a pus-filled sac that forms as your body’s natural response to fighting an infection. Infections may stem from bacteria, fungi or parasites. The most common type is a skin abscess, which develops just beneath the surface of the skin and fills with pus. 

Most I&D procedures are best for an abscess or a painful cyst. If you find a cyst on your body, you may not need to remove it unless it gets larger or more painful. 

Signs of an Abscess 

The biggest clue in identifying an abscess is its resemblance to a large pimple or an open sore; it is a painful, compressible section of skin. The area surrounding the abscess may appear red and feel tender and warm to the touch. In some scenarios pus may be draining from the wound.  

Other symptoms include: 

• Swelling around the wound 
• Hard outer layer of skin 
• In extreme cases – fever and chills 

Causes of a Skin Abscess 

An abscess is caused by a blockage of your sweat and oil glands. Bacteria, then becomes trapped under your skin creating a skin abscess. Areas more prone to bacterial infections are breaks in the skin (like cuts or nicks). Typically, visitors stop by urgent care when the infection and inflammation become too much for them to handle at home. 

Certain groups of people are at a greater risk of developing abscesses. This includes: 

• Diabetics 
• Smokers 
• Those with severe eczema or acne 
• Those who have been close to someone with Staphylococcus (staph) infection 
• People with a weakened immune system 

Do I Need Incision and Drainage? 

The purpose of an I&D procedure is to relieve pressure and pain caused by the build-up of fluid. By allowing the fluid to drain out, the size of the abscess or cyst will decrease. I&D can also help prevent infection. An abscess is unlikely to fully heal and eliminate bacteria on its own which is why an I&D is recommended.  

Antibiotics can kill bacteria in the immediate surrounding areas of an abscess, but they are not effective in eradicating the pocket of bacteria that has formed within the abscess cavity.  

Left alone, the wound can lead to a bloodstream infection known as sepsis or a second procedure to remove the abscess and any dead tissue around it.  

What Can I Expect at an Incision and Drainage Procedure? 

AFC Broadway offers one comprehensive I&D procedure with the hope that no second visit is needed. While all abscesses and wounds aren’t the same, the general procedure is simple and consistent.  

1. First, the provider will numb the area around the abscess with a local anesthetic. 
2. After the area is numb the provider will make a small incision in the abscess, allowing pus to drain. The provider might have to place a drain in the abscess to help keep it from reaccumulating.  
3. Depending on the size or depth of the abscess, additional incisions may have to be made. 
4. Once the procedure is over, the provider will clean the area and apply a bandage. 

What Does Recovery Look Like? 

The AFC provider will give you specific instructions on how to take care of your wound when you go home. This usually includes keeping the area clean and dry, along with taking any prescribed antibiotics to prevent further infection. The wound may take one to two weeks to heal depending on the size of the abscess. Throughout the healing process, new skin will grow over the bottom and around the sides of the abscess.  

Side effects from an I&D procedure are very uncommon, but if you experience any of the following post-procedure, contact AFC Broadway or your primary provider. 

• Bleeding 
• Increased pain 
• Redness and swelling 
• Fever 

Choose AFC Broadway 

An abscess or cyst can be painful; don’t wait it out. Visit our local urgent care clinic for convenient incision and drainage procedures. We take walk-ins every day of the week. The procedure takes less than an hour and our caring and compassionate team will be with you every step of the way.  

Relief starts with AFC. Save your spot today!