Post-Abscess Incision and Drainage Wound Care

Wound Care Routine

The most effective approach for healing after abscess drainage is to simply cover the incision with a clean, dry dressing and keep the area clean, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1
Change the dressing once daily (or twice daily if it becomes soaked with drainage) using clean technique, as suggested by the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2, 3
Remove the old dressing, wash your hands thoroughly, then apply a new clean dressing, following the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2
Continue daily dressing changes until your follow-up appointment in one week, as recommended by the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2

Irrigate the wound with large volumes of clean tap water during each dressing change, which is as effective as sterile saline and removes debris, according to the American Heart Association 4
You may use mild soap and water if desired, as suggested by the American Heart Association 4
Gently pat the area completely dry before applying a new dressing, following the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2

Apply a simple sterile gauze pad or clean bandage directly over the wound, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1
Secure with tape, keeping the dressing snug but not tight, as suggested by the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2

Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) is a sign of potential infection, as indicated by the Clinical Guidelines 5, 6
Increasing redness extending more than 2 inches (5 cm) beyond the wound edges is a sign of potential infection, as indicated by the Clinical Guidelines 5, 6
Increasing pain, swelling, or warmth around the wound is a sign of potential infection, as indicated by the Clinical Guidelines 5
Pus or foul-smelling drainage is a sign of potential infection, as indicated by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 7
Red streaks extending from the wound is a sign of potential infection, as indicated by the Clinical Guidelines 5

Mild redness immediately around the wound edges (less than 5mm) is common and not necessarily infection, as suggested by the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2
Some clear to slightly bloody drainage for the first few days is normal, as indicated by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 7
Mild discomfort that improves over the first few days is normal, as suggested by the Clinical Guidelines 5

You may resume normal activities as tolerated, but avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or friction over the wound site for the first few days, as suggested by the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2

Take over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as needed for discomfort, as suggested by the Clinical Guidelines 5

You do not need antibiotics unless you develop fever, extensive surrounding redness, or other signs of spreading infection listed above, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 6
Do not pack the wound with gauze—simply covering it with a dry dressing is most effective, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1