Abscess Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• If the abscess is small (less than 1 cm or less than one-half inch across), applying warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes, four times daily may help.



• Do not attempt to drain the abscess by pressing on it. This can push the infected material into the deeper tissues.



• Do not stick a needle or other sharp instrument into the abscess because it may injure an underlying blood vessel or cause the infection to spread.