Abscess Drainage (Incision and Drainage) in Singapore
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms under the skin when the body walls off an infection. It becomes tender, swollen, warm and often red, and it may feel soft or boggy in the middle as it collects. Once pus has formed and gathered, antibiotics alone usually will not clear it, because they do not reach the pus well — the pus has to be let out. At Accord Medical Clinic in Ubi the area is examined first, because an abscess is not the only cause of a painful lump, and because some abscesses need care in hospital rather than in a clinic.
Accord Medical Clinic provides abscess drainage at its clinic at Blk 325 Ubi Avenue 1, Singapore 400325. The area is examined, and where drainage is appropriate a small opening is made under local anaesthetic and the pus is drained, after which the cavity is cleaned and dressed. Antibiotics, dressing changes and a review appointment are commonly part of the plan. Abscesses in certain sites, or with significant illness, may need hospital care, and you will be advised if that applies.
What this covers
A painful, swollen lump that is warm and red
A lump that feels soft or boggy in the middle
A boil or skin infection that is getting worse
A collection of pus that has not settled with antibiotics
A recurrent abscess in the same place
Examination of the area before any procedure
Incision and drainage under local anaesthetic, where appropriate
Cleaning and dressing of the cavity
Antibiotics where these are indicated
Review and dressing changes, with referral where needed
Abscess drainage at the clinic
Incision and drainage of an abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus in or beneath the skin. It is treated by making a small opening under local anaesthetic and draining the pus, after which the cavity is cleaned and dressed.
Draining the pus is the part that treats the abscess; antibiotics alone often do not resolve a collection that has already formed. Antibiotics, dressing changes and a review appointment are commonly part of the plan alongside the drainage.
The cavity is usually left to close from the inside as it heals, which is why it is checked and dressed again rather than simply covered once.
Abscesses in certain sites — for example on the face, hand, or near the bowel — or those associated with significant illness or spreading infection, may need hospital care instead, and your doctor will advise you if that applies.
This page is general information about abscess drainage at the clinic. It is not a substitute for an examination, and whether drainage is appropriate is decided by the doctor at your visit.
What happens at your appointment
01
The doctor examines the area and asks how quickly it has developed and how you have been in yourself.
02
You are told whether it looks like an abscess, and whether it should be drained here or needs hospital care.
03
Where drainage is appropriate, the skin over it is numbed with local anaesthetic.
04
A small opening is made, the pus is drained, and the cavity is cleaned.
05
The area is dressed, and antibiotics are prescribed where they are indicated.
06
A review is arranged, because the cavity usually needs checking and dressing again as it closes.
An abscess is usually tender, swollen, warm and red, and may feel soft or boggy in the middle as pus collects. You may also feel unwell or feverish. Because other lumps can look similar, the area is examined before anything is done.
Why can’t antibiotics alone clear it?
Once pus has formed and gathered, antibiotics do not reach it well, so the pus has to be let out. Antibiotics are still commonly used alongside drainage, but they do not replace it.
Is drainage done under anaesthetic?
The skin over the abscess is numbed with local anaesthetic before the small opening is made. You will feel pressure rather than sharp pain, and the doctor will tell you what to expect.
Will I need to come back?
Usually yes. The cavity is checked and dressed again as it closes from the inside, so a review appointment is commonly part of the plan, along with antibiotics where they are indicated.
When does an abscess need hospital care?
Abscesses in certain sites — for example on the face, hand, or near the bowel — or those with spreading infection or significant illness may need hospital care. The doctor will advise you if that applies.
How long does it take to heal?
It varies with size and site. Many settle over one to two weeks with dressing changes, and you will be told what healing should look like and what would mean coming back sooner.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. If the problem needs hospital or specialist care, the doctor will explain and arrange it.
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