Top Background Graphic
Try our Disease Finder
Picture of Abscess: In this small abscess in a 4-month-old infant, the treatment was incision and drainage, where the skin was numbed with local anesthetic and a small puncture made to relieve the trapped infection. Divider line
In this small abscess in a 4-month-old infant, the treatment was incision and drainage, where the skin was numbed with local anesthetic and a small puncture made to relieve the trapped infection.
left arrow
right arrow
Self-Care Guidelines
There are no self-care options for abscesses. While waiting to see your child's doctor, you can try applying a warm compress to the affected area and give him or her ibuprofen (in infants older than 2 months) to help with the swelling and pain.
When to Seek Medical Care
A worsening red, tender swelling should prompt you to make an appointment with your child's physician as soon as possible. If the area involves the child's face, spreads very rapidly, or is in an area that severely limits his or her functionality, you should seek emergency care for the child.
Last Modified: 6 Feb 2008
HON CODE Seal. Accredited 3/2007
We comply with HONcode standards
for health information
verify here

Copyright © 2006-2008 Logical Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

The data contained in the VisualDxHealth™ Worldwide Web pages such as text, images, and graphics are for informational purposes only. The data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment. Please see our disclaimer.