What are some factors that can delay the healing of an abscess and how can I promote the healing process? (Photo)

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi,

Common factors that may delay healing of an abscess include:

1. Infection by an unusual organism e.g. atypical mycobacteria

2. Underlying medical illness e.g. diabetes

3. Ongoing infection and pus re-collection

4. Poor wound healing environment

These factors will need to be evaluated carefully by your attending doctor and dealt with individually.

Special bacterial cultures may be needed to identify the causative organism so that appropriate antibiotic therapy may be given.

Surgical drainage of retained pus may be needed as well.

Hope this helps!

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Thank you for the question and the photo. May I ask, how did the abscess come on? When treated, did they take any swabs or treat with anti-biotic? If you have concerns about healing then it’s certainly worth speaking to your medical/surgical team as Dr Paul has suggested. Equally, if pain is an issue, Dr Sean’s suggestion of Dermatix would be worth a try. In terms of exercise, my suggestion would be to start with non-impact/non weight-bearing exercise, such as cycling. Swimming might not be a good idea with a healing wound.

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