Englewood, CO Abscess Incision & Drainage Near Me

Need help with a wound, abscess, boil or cyst? Stop by our urgent care clinic for incision & drainage procedures – no appointment needed.

AFC Englewood can provide minor dermatology services such as incision and drainage (I&D) procedures. Avoid the hassle of scheduling an appointment weeks in advance and walk into our clinic today. We’re compassionate, cost-effective care you can trust, right in your neighborhood.

Why Would I Need an Incision and Drainage Procedure?

Patients who utilize our I&D services usually have a cyst or abscess that is causing them issues.

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

Cysts and abscesses are both common skin conditions that, while similar in appearance, have different causes and characteristics.

• Cysts: 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.
• Abscesses: Abscesses are formed when the body tries to fight off an infection. Either caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, abscesses are pus-filled sacs. The most common type of abscess is a skin abscess, which forms underneath 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 primary sign of an abscess is a painful, compressible section of skin that can resemble either a large pimple or an open sore. The skin surrounding the abscess may appear red and feel both tender and warm to the touch. In some cases, you may also see pus draining from the wound.

Additional symptoms may include:

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

What Causes a Skin Abscess?

An abscess is created by a blockage of your sweat and oil glands. Bacteria can become trapped under your skin forming a painful infection known as an abscess. This can occur when you get a cut or nick in your skin, as it’s more vulnerable to bacterial infection. When an abscess becomes too infected or inflamed, that’s typically when patients check into urgent care.

The following might put you at a greater risk for developing an abscess:

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Severe eczema or acne
• Close contact with someone who has a Staphylococcus (staph) infection
• A weakened immune system

Do I Need Incision and Drainage?

Incision and drainage is a common procedure used to treat abscesses and certain cysts. It works by carefully opening the area so built-up fluid or pus can drain, which relieves pressure, eases pain and allows the infection to begin healing. This step is often necessary because an abscess usually cannot resolve on its own.

While antibiotics can help kill bacteria around the affected area, they typically cannot penetrate the pocket of infection trapped inside the abscess. Without I&D, the abscess may continue to grow and remain painful.

If left untreated, the infection could spread, leading to more serious complications like sepsis (a dangerous bloodstream infection) or the need for surgical removal of the abscess along with any damaged tissue.

What to Expect During an Incision and Drainage Procedure

The general procedure is simple and usually the same, but keep in mind all abscesses and wounds aren’t the same. Here’s what you can expect at AFC Englewood.

1. Using a local anesthetic, an AFC provider will numb the area around the abscess.
2. Once the area is numb, a small incision will be made in the abscess. This will allow pus to drain.
3. A drain may also be placed in the abscess to keep it from reaccumulating.
4. Some wounds might require more than one incision, depending on the depth and size.
5. After completing the procedure, the provider will clean the area and apply a bandage.

Recovering from an Incision and Drainage Procedure

Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. AFC will provide you with specific instructions on how to take care of your wound when you go home. The biggest thing to remember is to keep the area clean and dry and don’t skip out on any antibiotics (if they’re prescribed). Expect the wound to take one or two weeks to heal. Over time, new skin will grow over the bottom and around the sides of the abscess.

It is unlikely that you will experience any side effects; however, if you do have the following don’t hesitate to contact our office or your primary care physician.

• Bleeding
• Increased pain
• Redness and swelling
• Fever

Choose AFC Englewood

You don’t have to deal with the pain of an abscess, boil or cyst. Seek relief today at AFC Englewood. Our top-tier medical team is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive and easy I&D procedure. So, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying life in the Denver suburbs.

Walk into our clinic today. We’re open daily and have extended and special holiday hours. AFC is medical care you can count on.