Ken Caryl, CO Abscess Incision & Drainage Near Me

AFC Ken Caryl provides quick and thorough incision and drainage procedures. Visit our urgent care clinic near you; we’re open daily.

Whether it’s a wound, abscess, boil or cyst our expert medical providers are here to help. AFC offers a few minor dermatology services including incision and drainage (I&D) procedures. No need to wait for an expensive ER visit or opening with your primary care physician, we can take care of you right here in Ken Caryl.

Our I&D services are cost-effective and dependable. Typically, I&D services are needed for cysts or abscesses.

Is There a Difference Between a Cyst and an Abscess?

Although cysts and abscess are both common skin conditions that appear similar on the outside, they have different origins and attributes

• Cysts are abnormal cells that form a sec or cavity that can be found anywhere inside your body or on the surface of your skin. This sac can be filled with fluid or pus and may feel like a hard lump. Cysts can be found anywhere and can go unnoticed until they are larger or cause pain.
• An abscess is formed when the body tries to fight off an infection; the result is a pus-filled sac. The infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites. A skin abscess is the most common type of abscess. This type is a sac that forms underneath the skin and is filled with pus.

Most I&D procedures are best for an abscess or painful cyst. However, it’s important to remember that a cyst found on your body may not need to be removed unless it gets larger or becomes 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 around the abscess might appear red and feel tender and warm to the touch. In some situations, pus may also be draining from the wound.

Other symptoms include:

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

What Causes a Skin Abscess?

When bacteria gets trapped under your skin, usually due to a blockage in your sweat or oil glands, a painful infection (an abscess) can happen. Any nick or cut in your skin can make you more vulnerable to a bacterial infection, and therefore, more likely to have an abscess. Generally, patients wait to visit AFC Ken Caryl after the infection and inflammation has become too much to handle.

You might be at a greater risk of developing an abscess from the following:

• Diabetes
• Severe eczema or acne
• Smoking
• Close exposure to anyone with a Staphylococcus (staph) infection
• Weak immune system

Do I Need Incision and Drainage?

Incision and drainage of abscesses and cysts is a procedure used to relieve pressure and pain caused by the build-up of fluid. By allowing the fluid to drain out, the size of the cyst or abscess will be reduced. I&D can also help prevent the spread of infection. Without this procedure it is unlikely the abscess or cyst will fully heal and eliminate bacteria on its own.

Antibiotics may be able to kill bacteria in the immediate area surrounding the abscess, but they are not effective in eliminating the pocket of bacteria that has formed in the abscess cavity.

When the wound is left untreated you risk having to get a debridement procedure to remove the abscess and any dead tissue around it, or worse; you are at a higher risk of getting a dangerous blood stream infection known as sepsis.

What to Expect During an Incision and Drainage Procedure

If needed, AFC will tailor this simple procedure to fit your needs; however, the procedure is generally the same. Your AFC provider will numb the area around the abscess with a local anesthetic. Then a small incision will be made in the abscess. That small incision will allow the pus to drain. Sometimes a drain may need to be placed in the abscess to keep fluid from reaccumulating. Additional incisions may be required depending on the depth or size of the abscess. Your AFC provider will finish by cleaning the area and applying a bandage.

Incision and Drainage Recovery

We will give you specific instructions on how to take care of your wound when you go home. The most crucial pieces of information to remember are to keep the area clean and dry and consistently take antibiotics if they are prescribed. Expect the wound to heal in one or two weeks (depending on the size of the abscess). Don’t be alarmed as new skin will begin to grow over the bottom and around the sides of the abscess.

While side effects from an I&D procedure are extremely rare, contact AFC Ken Caryl or your primary care physician if you experience the following post-procedure:

• Bleeding
• Increased pain
• Redness & swelling
• Fever

Visit AFC Ken Caryl Today

An abscess or cyst can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be with our I&D procedure. At AFC Ken Caryl, we offer one comprehensive procedure that’ll give you the relief you’ve been looking for. No need to schedule an appointment, walk-in any day of the week. Our urgent care has affordable pricing with a top-notch medical staff ready to help you every step of the way.

Reserve your spot today!