Z48.817 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Care should be taken to avoid injecting anesthetic into the abscess cavity, as this will increase pressure (and thus pain for the patient) and is unlikely to successfully anesthetize. Topical antimicrobials should be considered for mild, superficial wound infections. Abscess Drainage - TeachMeSurgery Immunocompromised patients are more prone to SSTIs and may not demonstrate classic clinical features and laboratory findings because of their attenuated inflammatory response. We reviewed available literature for any published observational or randomized control trials on the treatment of abscesses via packing and antibiotics. This content is owned by the AAFP. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. by Health-3/01/2023 02:41:00 AM. An abscess is a collection of pus within the tissues of the body. One solution is to perform abscess drainage as a day- This, and sometimes a course of antibiotics, is really all thats involved. All rights reserved. Abscess drainage is often one of the first procedures a junior doctor will perform. We examine the available evidence investigating if I&D alone is sufficient as the sole management for the treatment of uncomplicated abscesses, specifically focusing on wound packing and post-procedural antibiotics. The abscess may be a result of recent surgery or secondary to an infection such as appendicitis. Cats will commonly lick at their wound. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0101/p25.html#afp20120101p25-t4. Incision and drainage (I&D) is a widely used procedure in various care settings, including emergency departments and outpatient clinics. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Most severe infections, and moderate infections in high-risk patients, require initial parenteral antibiotics.30,31 Cultures should be obtained for wounds that do not respond to empiric therapy, and in immunocompromised patients.30. Continued drainage from the abscess will spoil the dressing and it is therefore necessary to change this at least on a daily basis or more frequently if the dressing becomes particularly soiled. Carefully throw away the packing to prevent spreading any infection. Abscess Incision & Fluid Drainage: What To Expect - All About Women MD The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Your healthcare provider can drain a perineal abscess. A Cochrane review did not establish the superiority of any one pathogen-sensitive antibiotic over another in the treatment of MRSA SSTI.35 Intravenous antibiotics may be continued at home under close supervision after initiation in the hospital or emergency department.36 Antibiotic choices for severe infections (including MRSA SSTI) are outlined in Table 6.5,27, For polymicrobial necrotizing infections; safety of imipenem/cilastatin in children younger than 12 years is not known, Common adverse effects: anemia, constipation, diarrhea, headache, injection site pain and inflammation, nausea, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: acute coronary syndrome, angioedema, bleeding, Clostridium difficile colitis, congestive heart failure, hepatorenal failure, respiratory failure, seizures, vaginitis, Children 3 months to 12 years: 15 mg per kg IV every 12 hours, up to 1 g per day, Children: 25 mg per kg IV every 6 to 12 hours, up to 4 g per day, Children: 10 mg per kg (up to 500 mg) IV every 8 hours; increase to 20 mg per kg (up to 1 g) IV every 8 hours for Pseudomonas infections, Used with metronidazole (Flagyl) or clindamycin for initial treatment of polymicrobial necrotizing infections, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, pain and thrombophlebitis at injection site, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: agranulocytosis, arrhythmias, erythema multiforme, Adults: 600 mg IV every 12 hours for 5 to 14 days, Dose adjustment required in patients with renal impairment, Rare adverse effects: abdominal pain, arrhythmias, C. difficile colitis, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, hepatitis, rash, renal insufficiency, seizures, thrombophlebitis, urticaria, vomiting, Children: 50 to 75 mg per kg IV or IM once per day or divided every 12 hours, up to 2 g per day, Useful in waterborne infections; used with doxycycline for Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio vulnificus infections, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, elevated platelet levels, eosinophilia, induration at injection site, Rare adverse effects: C. difficile colitis, erythema multiforme, hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia in newborns, pulmonary injury, renal failure, Adults: 1,000 mg IV initial dose, followed by 500 mg IV 1 week later, Common adverse effects: constipation, diarrhea, headache, nausea, Rare adverse effects: C. difficile colitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, infusion reaction, Adults and children 12 years and older: 7.5 mg per kg IV every 12 hours, For complicated MSSA and MRSA infections, especially in neutropenic patients and vancomycin-resistant infections, Common adverse effects: arthralgia, diarrhea, edema, hyperbilirubinemia, inflammation at injection site, myalgia, nausea, pain, rash, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: arrhythmias, cerebrovascular events, encephalopathy, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, myocardial infarction, pancytopenia, syncope, Adults: 4 mg per kg IV per day for 7 to 14 days, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, throat pain, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: gram-negative infections, pulmonary eosinophilia, renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, Children 8 years and older and less than 45 kg (100 lb): 4 mg per kg IV per day in 2 divided doses, Children 8 years and older and 45 kg or more: 100 mg IV every 12 hours, Useful in waterborne infections; used with ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ceftriaxone, or cefotaxime in A. hydrophila and V. vulnificus infections, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, photosensitivity, Rare adverse effects: C. difficile colitis, erythema multiforme, liver toxicity, pseudotumor cerebri, Adults: 600 mg IV or orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days, Children 12 years and older: 600 mg IV or orally every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days, Children younger than 12 years: 10 mg per kg IV or orally every 8 hours for 10 to 14 days, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: C. difficile colitis, hepatic injury, lactic acidosis, myelosuppression, optic neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, Children: 10 to 13 mg per kg IV every 8 hours, Used with cefotaxime for initial treatment of polymicrobial necrotizing infections, Common adverse effects: abdominal pain, altered taste, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, vaginitis, Rare adverse effects: aseptic meningitis, encephalopathy, hemolyticuremic syndrome, leukopenia, optic neuropathy, ototoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, For MSSA, MRSA, and Enterococcus faecalis infections, Common adverse effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: C. difficile colitis, clotting abnormalities, hypersensitivity, infusion complications (thrombophlebitis), osteomyelitis, Children: 25 mg per kg IM 2 times per day, For necrotizing fasciitis caused by sensitive staphylococci, Rare adverse effects: anaphylaxis, bone marrow suppression, hypokalemia, interstitial nephritis, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, Adults: 2 to 4 million units penicillin IV every 6 hours plus 600 to 900 mg clindamycin IV every 8 hours, Children: 60,000 to 100,000 units penicillin per kg IV every 6 hours plus 10 to 13 mg clindamycin per kg IV per day in 3 divided doses, For MRSA infections in children: 40 mg per kg IV per day in 3 or 4 divided doses, Combined therapy for necrotizing fasciitis caused by streptococci; either drug is effective in clostridial infections, Adverse effects from penicillin are rare in nonallergic patients, Common adverse effects of clindamycin: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, rash, Rare adverse effects of clindamycin: agranulocytosis, elevated liver enzyme levels, erythema multiforme, jaundice, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, Children: 60 to 75 mg per kg (piperacillin component) IV every 6 hours, First-line antimicrobial for treating polymicrobial necrotizing infections, Common adverse effects: constipation, diarrhea, fever, headache, insomnia, nausea, pruritus, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: agranulocytosis, C. difficile colitis, encephalopathy, hepatorenal failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Adults: 10 mg per kg IV per day for 7 to 14 days, For MSSA and MRSA infections; women of childbearing age should use 2 forms of birth control during treatment, Common adverse effects: altered taste, nausea, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: hypersensitivity, prolonged QT interval, renal insufficiency, Adults: 100 mg IV followed by 50 mg IV every 12 hours for 5 to 14 days, For MRSA infections; increases mortality risk; considered medication of last resort, Common adverse effects: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: anaphylaxis, C. difficile colitis, liver dysfunction, pancreatitis, pseudotumor cerebri, septic shock, Parenteral drug of choice for MRSA infections in patients allergic to penicillin; 7- to 14-day course for skin and soft tissue infections; 6-week course for bacteremia; maintain trough levels at 10 to 20 mg per L, Rare adverse effects: agranulocytosis, anaphylaxis, C. difficile colitis, hypotension, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity. endobj The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score uses laboratory parameters to stratify patients into high- and low-risk categories for necrotizing fasciitis (Table 4); a score of 6 or higher is indicative, whereas a score of 8 or higher is strongly predictive (positive predictive value = 93.4%).19, Blood cultures are unlikely to change the management of simple localized SSTIs in otherwise healthy, immunocompetent patients, and are typically unnecessary.20 However, because of the potential for deep tissue involvement, cultures are useful in patients with severe infections or signs of systemic involvement, in older or immunocompromised patients, and in patients requiring surgery.5,21,22 Wound cultures are not indicated in most healthy patients, including those with suspected MRSA infection, but are useful in immunocompromised patients and those with significant cellulitis; lymphangitis; sepsis; recurrent, persistent, or large abscesses; or infections from human or animal bites.22,23 Tissue biopsies, which are the preferred diagnostic test for necrotizing SSTIs, are ideally taken from the advancing margin of the wound, from the depth of bite wounds, and after debridement of necrotizing infections and traumatic wounds. Abscess Incision and Drainage - Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice Inspect incision and dressings. An abscess is a localized collection of purulent material surrounded by inflammation and granulation in response to an infectious source. Service. An observational study of 100 patients who washed their sutured wounds within 24 hours showed no infection or dehiscence of the wound.18 An RCT of 857 patients found no increased incidence of infection in patients who kept their wounds dry and covered for 48 hours vs. those who removed their dressing and got their wound wet within the first 12 hours (8.9% vs. 8.4%, respectively).19. Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin infections. If the infected area of your current abscess is treated thoroughly, typically theres no reason a new abscess will form there again. The recommended duration of antibiotic therapy for hospitalized patients is seven to 14 days. PDF Post-Operative Instructions after Incision and Drainage of a Dental Pain relieving medications may also be recommended for a few days. In one prospective study, beta-hemolytic streptococcus was found to cause nearly three-fourths of cases of diffuse cellulitis.16 S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, enterococcus, and Escherichia coli are the predominant organisms isolated from hospitalized patients with SSTIs.17 MRSA infections are characterized by liquefaction of infected tissue and abscess formation; the resulting increase in tissue tension causes ischemia and overlying skin necrosis. Although patients are often instructed to keep their wounds covered and dry after suturing, they can get wet within the first 24 to 48 hours without increasing the risk of infection. Resources| <>>> Data Sources: A PubMed search was completed using the key term skin and soft tissue infections. Topical antibiotic ointments decrease the risk of infection in minor contaminated wounds. Abscess Drainage: Procedures, Recovery, Recurrence - Healthline %PDF-1.5 Cyst & Abscess Removal | Physicians Immediate Care Objective: In this case, youll need a ride home. Inflamed Abscess Drainage - New Pimple Popping Videos 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z48.817 - ICD10Data.com You may feel resistance as the incision is initiated. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Other treatments for mild abscesses include dabbing them with a diluted mixture of tea tree oil and coconut or olive oil. Bookshelf Predisposing factors for SSTIs include reduced tissue vascularity and oxygenation, increased peripheral fluid stasis and risk of skin trauma, and decreased ability to combat infections. Short description: Encntr for surgical aftcr fol surgery on the skin, subcu The 2023 edition of ICD-10-CM Z48.817 became effective on October 1, 2022. A doctor will numb the area around the abscess, make a small incision, and allow the pus inside to drain. For very deep abscesses, the doctor might pack the abscess site with gauze that needs to be removed after a few days. You may also see pus draining from the site. Recovery time from abscess drainage depends on the location of the infection and its severity. & Accessibility Requirements and Patients' Bill of Rights. PDF Abscess Incision and Drainage We do not discriminate against, Facebook; Twitter; . Incision and drainage (I&D) remains the standard of care; however, significant variability exists in the treatment of abscesses after I&D. Some recent evidence has suggested that routinely performed treatment modalities may not be beneficial. Avoid antibiotics and wound cultures in emergency department patients with uncomplicated skin and soft tissue abscesses after successful incision and drainage and with adequate medical follow-up. Abscess, Incision And Drainage Call 612-273-3780. Simple infection with no systemic signs or symptoms indicating spread, Infection with systemic signs or symptoms indicating spread, Infection with signs or symptoms of systemic spread, Infection with signs of potentially fatal systemic sepsis, Immunocompromise (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus infection, chemotherapy, antiretroviral therapy, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), Collection of pus with surrounding granulation; painful swelling with induration and central fluctuance; possible overlying skin necrosis; signs or symptoms of infection, Cat bites become infected more often than dog or human bites (30% to 50%, up to 20%, and 10% to 50%, respectively); infection sets in 8 to 12 hours after animal bites; human bites may transmit herpes, hepatitis, or human immunodeficiency virus; may involve tendons, tendon sheaths, bone, and joints, Traumatic or spontaneous; severe pain at injury site followed by skin changes (e.g., pale, bronze, purplish red), tenderness, induration, blistering, and tissue crepitus; diaphoresis, fever, hypotension, and tachycardia, Infection or inflammation of the hair follicles; tends to occur in areas with increased sweating; associated with acne or steroid use; painful or painless pustule with underlying swelling, Genital, groin, or perineal involvement; cellulitis, and signs or symptoms of infection, Walled-off collection of pus; painful, firm swelling; systemic features of infection; carbuncles are larger, deeper, and involve skin and subcutaneous tissue over thicker skin of neck, back, and lateral thighs, and drain through multiple pores, Common in infants and children; affects skin of nose, mouth, or limbs; mild soreness, redness, vesicles, and crusting; may cause glomerulonephritis; vesicles may enlarge (bullae); may spread to lymph nodes, bone, joints, or lung, Spreading infection of subcutaneous tissue; usually affects genitalia, perineum, or lower extremities; severe, constant pain; signs or symptoms of infection. Abscess Incision and Drainage | NEJM This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. 2022 Darst Dermatology: Charlotte Dermatologist, 2 Convenient Locations - South Charlotte & Monroe, NC. Consensus guidelines recommend trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or tetracycline if methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection is suspected,30 although a Cochrane review found insufficient evidence that one antibiotic was superior for treating methicillin-resistant S. aureuscolonized nonsurgical wounds.36, Moderate wound infections in immunocompromised patients and severe wound infections usually require parenteral antibiotics, with possible transition to oral agents.30,31 The choice of agent should be based on the potentially causative organism, history, and local antibiotic resistance patterns. Thread starter Jason Barbosa; Start date May 7, 2013; J. Jason Barbosa New Member. Overlaying skin can become especially fragile and be easily torn away, creating a large raw spot. According to guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, initial management is determined by the presence or absence of purulence, acuity, and type of infection.5, Topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin [Bactroban], retapamulin [Altabax]) are options in patients with impetigo and folliculitis (Table 5).5,27 Beta-lactams are effective in children with nonpurulent SSTIs, such as uncomplicated cellulitis or impetigo.28 In adults, mild to moderate SSTIs respond well to beta-lactams in the absence of suppuration.16 Patients who do not improve or who worsen after 48 hours of treatment should receive antibiotics to cover possible MRSA infection and imaging to detect purulence.16, Adults: 500 mg orally 2 times per day or 250 mg orally 3 times per day, Children younger than 3 months and less than 40 kg (89 lb): 25 to 45 mg per kg per day (amoxicillin component), divided every 12 hours, Children older than 3 months and 40 kg or more: 30 mg per kg per day, divided every 12 hours, For impetigo; human or animal bites; and MSSA, Escherichia coli, or Klebsiella infections, Common adverse effects: diaper rash, diarrhea, nausea, vaginal mycosis, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: agranulocytosis, hepatorenal dysfunction, hypersensitivity reactions, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, Adults: 250 to 500 mg IV or IM every 8 hours (500 to 1,500 mg IV or IM every 6 to 8 hours for moderate to severe infections), Children: 25 to 100 mg per kg per day IV or IM in 3 or 4 divided doses, For MSSA infections and human or animal bites, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, drug-induced eosinophilia, pruritus, Rare adverse effects: anaphylaxis, colitis, encephalopathy, renal failure, seizure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Children: 25 to 50 mg per kg per day in 2 divided doses, For MSSA infections, impetigo, and human or animal bites; twice-daily dosing is an option, Rare adverse effects: anaphylaxis, angioedema, interstitial nephritis, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Adults: 150 to 450 mg orally 4 times per day (300 to 450 mg orally 4 times per day for 5 to 10 days for MRSA infection; 600 mg orally or IV 3 times per day for 7 to 14 days for complicated infections), Children: 16 mg per kg per day in 3 or 4 divided doses (16 to 20 mg per kg per day for more severe infections; 40 mg per kg per day in 3 or 4 divided doses for MRSA infection), For impetigo; MSSA, MRSA, and clostridial infections; and human or animal bites, Common adverse effects: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, rash, Rare adverse effects: agranulocytosis, elevated liver enzyme levels, erythema multiforme, jaundice, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, Adults: 125 to 500 mg orally every 6 hours (maximal dosage, 2 g per day), Children less than 40 kg: 12.5 to 50 mg per kg per day divided every 6 hours, Children 40 kg or more: 125 to 500 mg every 6 hours, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, impetigo, nausea, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: anaphylaxis, hemorrhagic colitis, hepatorenal toxicity, Children 8 years and older and less than 45 kg (100 lb): 4 mg per kg per day in 2 divided doses, Children 8 years and older and 45 kg or more: 100 mg orally 2 times per day, For MRSA infections and human or animal bites; not recommended for children younger than 8 years, Common adverse effects: myalgia, photosensitivity, Rare adverse effects: Clostridium difficile colitis, hepatotoxicity, pseudotumor cerebri, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Adults: ciprofloxacin (Cipro), 500 to 750 mg orally 2 times per day or 400 mg IV 2 times per day; gatifloxacin or moxifloxacin (Avelox), 400 mg orally or IV per day, For human or animal bites; not useful in MRSA infections; not recommended for children, Common adverse effects: diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: agranulocytosis, arrhythmias, hepatorenal failure, tendon rupture, 2% ointment applied 3 times per day for 3 to 5 days, For MRSA impetigo and folliculitis; not recommended for children younger than 2 months, Rare adverse effects: burning over application site, pruritus, 1% ointment applied 2 times per day for 5 days, For MSSA impetigo; not recommended for children younger than 9 months, Rare adverse effects: allergy, angioedema, application site irritation, Adults: 1 or 2 double-strength tablets 2 times per day, Children: 8 to 12 mg per kg per day (trimethoprim component) orally in 2 divided doses or IV in 4 divided doses, For MRSA infections and human or animal bites; contraindicated in children younger than 2 months, Common adverse effects: anorexia, nausea, rash, urticaria, vomiting, Rare adverse effects: agranulocytosis, C. difficile colitis, erythema multiforme, hepatic necrosis, hyponatremia, rhabdomyolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Mild purulent SSTIs in easily accessible areas without significant overlying cellulitis can be treated with incision and drainage alone.29,30 In children, minimally invasive techniques (e.g., stab incision, hemostat rupture of septations, in-dwelling drain placement) are effective, reduce morbidity and hospital stay, and are more economical compared with traditional drainage and wound packing.31, Antibiotic therapy is required for abscesses that are associated with extensive cellulitis, rapid progression, or poor response to initial drainage; that involve specific sites (e.g., face, hands, genitalia); and that occur in children and older adults or in those who have significant comorbid illness or immunosuppression.32 In uncomplicated cellulitis, five days of treatment is as effective as 10 days.33 In a randomized controlled trial of 200 children with uncomplicated SSTIs primarily caused by MRSA, clindamycin and cephalexin (Keflex) were equally effective.34, Inpatient treatment is necessary for patients who have uncontrolled infection despite adequate outpatient antimicrobial therapy or who cannot tolerate oral antibiotics (Figure 6). If so, it should be removed in 1 to 2 days, or as advised. Epub 2020 Nov 1. Incision and drainage of subcutaneous abscesses without the use of packing. 2004 Feb;23(2):123-7. doi: 10.1097/01.inf.0000109288.06912.21. Copyright 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians. Initial antimicrobial choice is empiric, and in simple infections should cover Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. A blocked oil gland, a wound, an insect bite, or a pimple can develop into an abscess. Tissue adhesives are equally effective for low-tension wounds with linear edges that can be evenly approximated. Superficial mild infections can be treated with topical agents, whereas mild and moderate infections involving deeper tissues should be treated with oral antibiotics. Are there other treatments that can be used to heal skin abscesses? If there is still drainage, you may put gauze over non-stick pad. You have questions or concerns about your condition or care. Lee MC, Rios AM, Aten MF, Mejias A, Cavuoti D, McCracken GH Jr, Hardy RD. Percutaneous abscess drainage uses imaging guidance to place a needle or catheter through the skin into the abscess to remove or drain the infected fluid. You may do this in the shower. The choice is based on the presumptive infecting organisms (e.g., Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio vulnificus, Mycobacterium marinum).5, In patients with at least one prior episode of cellulitis, administering prophylactic oral penicillin, 250 mg twice daily for six months, reduces the risk of recurrence for up to three years by 47%.38. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work? Get the latest updates on news, specials and skin care information. KALYANAKRISHNAN RAMAKRISHNAN, MD, ROBERT C. SALINAS, MD, AND NELSON IVAN AGUDELO HIGUITA, MD. For example: an abscess of the eyelid should be billed with procedure code 67700 (Blepharotomy, drainage of abscess, eyelid); a perirectal abscess should be billed with procedure code 46040 (Incision and drainage of ischiorectal and/or perirectal abscess . Make an incision directly over the center of the cutaneous abscess; the incision should be oriented along the long axis of the fluid collection. However, you should check with your doctor or a nurse about home care. Stopping your antibiotics too early may increase your risk of having the infection return. It is the primary treatment for skin and soft tissue abscesses, with or without adjunctive antibiotic therapy. Wound care instructions from your doctor may include wound repacking, soaking, washing, or bandaging for about 7 to 10 days. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Incision and drainage after care? | Pilonidal Support Forums Careers. These infections may present with features of systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis, and, occasionally, ischemic necrosis. Breast Abscess - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf If your abscess was opened with an Incision and Drainage: Keep the abscess covered 24 hours a day, removing bandages once daily to wash with warm soap and water. Curr Opin Pediatr. Abscess - Cleveland Clinic: Every Life Deserves World Class Care An abscess can be formed in the skin making it visible or in any part . I prefer to use a #15 blade scalpel rather than the traditional #11 bladebut either will work. Bartholin's Gland Abscess Drainage - DoveMed $U? sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal If a local anesthetic is enough, you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. Your wound does not start to heal after a few days. How long does it take for an abscess to heal? They result when oil-producing or sweat glands are obstructed, and bacteria are trapped. All rights reserved. Severe burns and wounds that cover large areas of the body or involve the face, joints, bone, tendons, or nerves should generally be referred to wound care specialists. This usually depends on the size and severity of the abscess. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.