Abscess Urgent Care Treatment in Stockton

Our Urgent Care Center Can Provide Incision and Drainage Treatment at our locations in the San Joaquin Valley

An abscess is a pocket of fluid that collects under the skin in particular areas of the body. Also referred to as carbuncles, cysts and boils, an abscess is often painful, swollen and inflamed. If left untreated, an abscess can develop into complications such as scarring or sepsis. To treat an abscess, you will need a medical professional to create an incision to properly drain the fluid-filled pocket. 

What Causes an Abscess? 

An abscess most often occurs when bacteria is trapped under the skin, leading to an infection. Instead of simply fighting the infection, the body may contain the infection, building a pocket containing the invading pathogens and the white blood cells that are fighting the infection. As dead bacteria and white blood cells build up, the pocket can become large and inflamed. 

Blocked sweat glands, ingrown hairs, and foreign objects such as splinters or needles can lead to the formation of an abscess. Skin conditions, complications such as inflammatory bowel syndrome and diabetes as well as immune system disorders can also cause abscesses. 

How Are Abscesses Treated? 

You can resolve some small abscesses with a hot compress and antibiotics. However, most abscesses will need to be properly drained by a trained medical professional. Do not try to drain an abscess at home. The fluid in these pockets can have more bacteria and pathogens in them. If you drain the affected area at home, you could spread the infection to other areas of your body. A trained member of our medical staff can help prevent such complications. 

How California Urgent Care Center Can Help 

Our trained medical staff can cut into and drain your cyst, boil or abscess. We have the experience to help prevent secondary infections and can properly treat the wound for healing. In cases where the abscess is large, one of our doctors can stuff the wound with sterile gauze to help drainage. 

What can I expect during an abscess drainage procedure at California Urgent Care Center?

At California Urgent Care Center, we prioritize your comfort and safety during the abscess drainage procedure. Here's what you can expect:

• Preparation: The area surrounding the abscess will be cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area, ensuring you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure.
• Incision and Drainage: A small incision will be made in the abscess to allow the pus to drain. Gentle pressure may be applied to ensure complete drainage.
• Cleaning and Dressing: The wound will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A sterile dressing will be applied to protect the area and absorb any remaining drainage.
• Post-Procedure Care: We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the wound at home, including dressing changes and pain management. We may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent further infection.
• Follow-up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure complete recovery.

Come see us at our Lodi, Stockton or Manteca locations. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can contact us online or via one of our office numbers. 

• Lodi: (209) 267-2750
• Stockton (Pershing Ave): (209) 263-4090 
• Stockton (Lorraine Ave): (209) 885-7081
• Manteca: (209) 255-4762