However, if you have a boil and any of the following apply to you, see your doctor as soon as possible:. Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to visually inspect the abscess. A complete physical examination allows your doctor to tell if an injury or ingrown hair is the cause of the abscess. Your doctor may also take a culture or a small amount of fluid from the abscess to test for the presence of bacteria.
No other testing methods are necessary to diagnose an abscess. You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool. MRSA is a drug-resistant strain of the bacteria that commonly cause skin abscesses. You can usually treat a skin abscess at home. Applying heat to the abscess can help it shrink and drain. The most useful way of applying heat is to put a warm compress on the abscess. You can make a warm compress by running warm water on a face towel and folding it before placing it on the abscess.
They may want to drain it. To drain the abscess, your doctor will apply numbing medications and will then cut the abscess open to allow the fluid to come out. After the abscess drains, your doctor will pack the wound with surgical material.
This helps it to heal and prevents the abscess from reoccurring. After the procedure is over, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent the wound from becoming infected.
Severe cases of skin abscesses are generally also treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin if you have any of the following:. If your doctor thinks MRSA is the cause of the abscess, they may prescribe clindamycin or doxycycline to fight the infection.
You may not always be able to prevent a skin abscess. However, there are ways to minimize your chance of acquiring the staph infection that commonly leads to an abscess. To minimize your risk of a staph infection:. Dental abscess. Rochester, Minn. Dental hygiene. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Jan. Home oral care.
American Dental Association. Toothache and infection. Merck Manual Professional Version. Abscessed teeth. American Association of Endodontists.
Root canal treatment. Tooth decay. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Bertossi D, et al. Odontogenic orofacial infections. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Robertson DP, et al. Sometimes you can have an abscess and few symptoms. The infection will not go away on its own. Symptoms may include:. The infection may swell and build up enough for the pus to drain on its own.
You should still see your dental professional. Gum abscesses heal quickly once treated. Will a tooth abscess go away with antibiotics?
Probably not. However, an abscessed tooth can take longer, depending on how bad your infection is. Here are possible treatments for all types of abscesses. Tooth decay, cracked tooth, and periodontal disease can cause infections that can lead to abscesses.
Both can damage your teeth and gums if you ignore them. Prevention goes a long way too. So keep up with good home oral care and routine dental appointments.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now.
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