Post-Treatment Care for Skin Abscess: What to Expect

After the treatment of a furuncle?

Hello, doctor.
I couldn't find any similar cases online, so I would like to ask you about my situation.
Recently, I had a boil on my buttocks, and after visiting a dermatologist, I was prescribed medication and topical treatment.
The swelling has subsided, there is no inflammation or pain, and it feels like it has healed.
However, when I touch the surface, there is a small, hard, pointed bump.
Aside from that, I have no other discomfort.
I have been applying topical clobetasol (as initially recommended by the dermatologist) for nearly a month, but that small pointed bump is still there.
Will it disappear on its own, or should I continue applying the medication?

Enen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/12

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

It could be a scar, or it might be that there is already a cyst inside.
It's necessary to have a face-to-face consultation with a physician for confirmation.

Reply Date: 2023/05/12

More Info

Post-treatment care for a skin abscess, such as the one you described, is crucial for ensuring proper healing and preventing complications. It sounds like you have been following your dermatologist's advice by applying the recommended medication, which is a good start. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to care for your skin post-treatment.

What to Expect After Treatment
1. Healing Process: After the treatment of a skin abscess, the area may still feel slightly raised or firm for some time. This is often due to residual inflammation or scar tissue formation. The hard spot you mentioned could be a small amount of scar tissue or a remnant of the abscess that is still healing.

2. Duration of Symptoms: It is not uncommon for the skin to take several weeks to months to fully heal after an abscess. The firmness may gradually decrease as the tissue continues to heal. However, if the area remains hard or if you notice any changes, such as increased redness, swelling, or pain, it is important to consult your dermatologist.

3. Medication: Continuing to apply the medication prescribed by your dermatologist is advisable. In your case, the use of a topical treatment like purple ointment (紫箘素) is intended to promote healing and reduce any residual inflammation. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the frequency and duration of application.

Care Recommendations
1. Keep the Area Clean: Maintain good hygiene by gently washing the area with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing, as this can irritate the skin further.

2. Moisturize: If the skin feels dry, consider using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the area hydrated. This can help prevent irritation and promote healing.

3. Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of harsh soaps, fragrances, or any products that may irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, opt for products specifically designed for sensitive skin or those recommended for post-surgical care.

4. Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the area for any signs of infection or complications. If you notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

5. Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any follow-up appointments with your dermatologist to assess the healing process. They can provide further guidance and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

When to Seek Further Help
If the hard spot does not diminish over time or if you experience any discomfort, it is advisable to return to your dermatologist. They may perform an examination to determine if further treatment is necessary, such as a different topical medication or, in rare cases, a minor procedure to address any persistent issues.

In conclusion, while it is common for a small hard area to remain after an abscess has healed, diligent care and monitoring are essential. Continue to follow your dermatologist's advice, and do not hesitate to reach out for further evaluation if you have concerns about your healing process. Your skin's health is important, and ensuring proper care will help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Similar Q&A

Post-Abscess Care: Best Practices for Wound Management After Incision

Hello Doctor, about two weeks ago I had a pimple-sized abscess that I had drained at a clinic. After that, it was no longer painful and showed no unusual symptoms. At that time, I was not very knowledgeable about this condition, so I didn't pay attention to my diet and consu...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Based on your description, it is not possible to determine whether it is an anal abscess or possibly a soft tissue cellulitis of the buttocks; however, both conditions are caused by bacterial infections. The key point is to keep the wound clean and to take medications regularly. ...

Post-Surgery Care for Anal Abscess: Common Concerns and Solutions

I was diagnosed with an abscess around mid-August, estimated to be 3-4 cm in size. When I went for a consultation, Doctor A used a needle to drain the pus and prescribed medication, saying that taking the medication and applying topical treatment would suffice. The doctor mention...

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery
1. Dr. B hopes to pack the wound with gauze to keep it cleaner, but excessive packing can prevent the drainage of tissue fluid and may cause the wound to expand, making Dr. C's suggestion more reasonable. 2. An anal abscess may lead to the formation of an anal fistula, whi...

Understanding Recurrent Abscesses: Causes, Treatment, and Management

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I visited the infectious disease department on October 2nd due to an abscess and was prescribed antibiotics. Since then, the abscess has ruptured twice, but the area surrounding the abscess remains hard. My first question is...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. It is likely pus that has not yet drained. 2. We need to assess the symptoms and the medication you are using to determine the next steps; I recommend coming in for an outpatient visit. 3. We need to see if the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic or if surgical draina...

Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery for Chalazion: What to Expect

The doctor said that my abscess is quite large, and I underwent surgery twice over the course of three days. Today is the second day after the surgery, and the wound still feels hard. Does this indicate that there is still necrotic tissue that hasn't been removed, or is it s...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Pinpin: It has only been two days post-surgery, and we need to observe for another week to see how things progress. It will take some time, but the condition should improve. For now, please follow the physician's treatment plan.