How to Get Rid of an Abscess

Living with an abscess can be incredibly uncomfortable and even frightening. Whether you’re dealing with a dental abscess that’s making it painful to eat or a skin abscess that’s tender to the touch, if you’re wondering how to get rid of an abscess, we understand the discomfort and anxiety you’re experiencing. There are a handful of ways in which you can help to relieve your abscess, and we’re here to help guide you through your options.

• Apply warm compresses 3–4 times daily
• Clean with mild soap and water twice daily
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers
• Avoid touching or squeezing the abscess
• Use saltwater rinses for mouth abscesses
• Seek drainage and antibiotics when needed

While these home remedies may provide temporary relief, it’s important to understand that an abscess is a serious infection that typically requires professional medical attention. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable or the infection spreads — visit a Complete Care ER location today for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Apply warm compresses 3–4 times daily

As a fundamental abscess treatment, warm compress application provides significant relief and promotes healing. Here’s how you do it:

1. Place a clean washcloth under warm (not hot) water
2. Wring it out
3. Hold it against the affected area for 20-30 minutes 

The warmth increases blood flow to the area, which helps your immune system fight the infection while also providing natural pain relief. This method can be particularly effective for an armpit abscess, where the heat can help draw the infection toward the surface.

Clean with mild soap and water twice daily

Keeping the abscess clean, and can help attenuate abscess symptoms like redness, swelling, and tenderness. Gently wash the area using an unscented antibacterial soap and warm water, being careful not to scrub harshly. Pat the area dry with a clean towel — never rub. This cleansing routine helps remove bacteria and prevents additional contamination.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. These medications not only ease pain but can also help lower any high fever associated with the infection. Follow the recommended dosage on the package, and be aware that if fever persists despite taking these medications, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Avoid touching or squeezing the abscess

Never attempt to squeeze or pop an abscess at home. This can force the infection deeper into your body or cause it to spread to surrounding tissues. Additionally, if you experience random severe fatigue along with your abscess, this could indicate the infection is becoming more serious and requires medical attention. We can not stress this enough — please seek medical attention and let medical professionals handle any drainage necessary.

Use saltwater rinses for mouth abscesses

Saltwater rinses can temporarily relieve oral infections and help keep the area clean. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently swish for 30 seconds before spitting. Perform this rinse 3–4 times daily, especially after meals. However, if you find yourself experiencing intense pain or passing out and sweating while dealing with a mouth abscess, seek immediate medical care.

Seek drainage and antibiotics when needed

While home remedies can help manage symptoms, professional drainage and antibiotics are often necessary for proper healing. A medical doctor will safely drain the abscess using sterile equipment and may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection from within. 

If the abscess is getting worse despite home care, don’t hesitate to seek care. Going to the ER, especially if the abscess is large, extremely painful, or accompanied by fever and other concerning symptoms, will make your recovery process quick and easy.

Learn more: The pros and cons of freestanding emergency rooms

Healing an abscess — FAQs

How long does it take for an abscess to go away?

With proper medical treatment, including professional drainage and antibiotics, most abscesses begin improving within 2–3 days and can fully heal within 1–2 weeks. However, healing time varies depending on the infection’s size, location, and severity, with larger or deeper abscesses potentially taking several weeks to completely resolve.

Can an abscess go away on its own?

While very small abscesses might occasionally drain and heal on their own, most require professional medical treatment to properly resolve. Waiting for an abscess to disappear without treatment is risky and can lead to serious complications, as the infection can worsen or spread to surrounding tissues.

What happens if an abscess is left untreated?

An untreated abscess can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to surrounding tissues, the development of a deeper infection, or even sepsis if bacteria enters the bloodstream. The infection can become increasingly painful and potentially life-threatening, which is why medical treatment should never be delayed when dealing with an abscess.

When your abscess needs more than home remedies, Complete Care is here for you.

While understanding how to get rid of an abscess through home care is important, professional medical treatment is often necessary for proper healing and to prevent complications. 

At Complete Care, our experienced medical team provides expert abscess treatment in a comfortable, modern setting. With locations across Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) and in Colorado Springs, we’re ready to help you find relief, day or night. 

Don’t let an abscess worsen or risk complications — visit your nearest Complete Care location, where we can properly drain the infection, prescribe necessary antibiotics, and get you back to feeling your best. Your comfort and health are our priorities, and we’re here whenever you need us.

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