Abscesses generally cause the patient to feel ill and have a fever. The axillary wound will become red, tender, and warm to the touch. It may leak cloudy fluid or pus. If the drain is still in place, the fluid in the drain may become thick and cloudy. The patient will frequently feel a tender lump under her arm.
Abscesses require surgical drainage.
In most cases, this can be done under local anesthesia. A portion of the incision is re-opened, and the infected fluid is allowed to drain. The surgeon will provide specific wound care instructions. The surgeon may also elect to start the patient on antibiotics, particularly if there is a lot of redness around the wound. In severe cases, drainage of the abscess cavity and debridement of dead tissue must be performed in the operating room.