Abscess Treatment In San Antonio, Texas

Abscesses are pockets of pus that can form on the skin or within other areas of the body as a result of an infection. They occur when the body’s immune system fights off bacteria, fungi, or other germs, leading to a collection of white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria. While some abscesses may resolve on their own, others may require professional medical treatment, especially if they become large, painful, or show signs of spreading.

Symptoms of an abscess often include:

• A noticeable bump: An abscess on the skin may appear as a red, swollen lump that is warm to the touch.
• Pain and tenderness: Abscesses are typically painful, especially when pressure is applied.
• Pus drainage: You might see a thick, yellowish or greenish fluid oozing from the abscess.
• Warmth and redness: The skin around the abscess may feel warm and appear reddened.
• Swelling: The area around the abscess may become swollen and inflamed.
• Fever and chills: If the infection spreads, it may lead to fever, chills, or a feeling of general illness.

If an abscess is left untreated, bacteria may spread beyond the confines of the abscess, potentially causing a more serious infection like sepsis, which requires urgent medical care.

Abscesses are typically caused by infections that occur when bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens enter the body through cuts, scrapes, or other breaches in the skin. When this happens, your immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the infected area. The accumulation of these white blood cells, along with dead tissue and bacteria, forms the pus inside the abscess.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing an abscess, including:

• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can impair immune function, making it harder to fight infections.
• Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to weakened immune responses and increased skin infections.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Conditions associated with metabolic syndrome can affect how your body handles infections.
• Weakened Immune System: Medical conditions or treatments that suppress your immune system can make you more susceptible to infections.
• Poor Personal Hygiene: Insufficient hygiene practices can elevate the risk of bacterial infections.
• Ingrown Hairs: When hair follicles become ingrown, they can become infected and lead to abscess formation.

At Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic and Hyperbarics, Dr. Badam evaluates your abscess and reviews your medical history to determine potential underlying causes. If an abscess does not improve with at-home care, it is important to seek professional treatment to prevent complications such as gangrene, endocarditis, sepsis, or other severe infections.

At Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic and Hyperbarics, Dr. Badam specializes in treating abscesses and other wounds. The goal of abscess treatment at our San Antonio facility is to clean the wound and eliminate the infection effectively.

Treatment Process for Abscesses

For severe abscesses, Dr. Badam begins treatment with a bedside incision and drainage (I & D) procedure. Before the procedure, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce the infection.

On the day of the procedure, Dr. Badam will:

1. Clean and Sterilize the Area: The area around the abscess is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
2. Administer Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is injected to numb the area, ensuring a comfortable experience.
3. Perform Incision and Drainage: An incision is made to drain the pus from the abscess. Afterward, the wound is dressed to manage any additional leakage.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Abscesses

For certain types of abscesses, such as skin or intracranial abscesses, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be an effective treatment. If you are a candidate, Dr. Badam may recommend 10-40 sessions of HBOT to achieve the best results.

While some abscesses may resolve on their own, severe cases can lead to widespread infections. For professional care from Dr. Badam and to prevent complications, call Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic and Hyperbarics or book an appointment online today.