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Continue self-care as long as your abscess is healing and doesn't show signs that the infection is getting worse. Look for the following signs the abscess and infection are getting worse and seek immediate medical attention: Your skin is getting more red or more painful. There are red streaks running from the abscess and surrounding area towards your heart. The abscess and surrounding skin feels very warm or hot to the touch. Significant pus or other fluid is running from the abscess. You have a fever higher than 101.5F (38.6C). You have chills, nausea, vomiting, headache or muscle aches. In some cases, you may need medical attention, such as if you are over the age of 65. Let your doctor know how you've treated the abscess at home and any other information that may help them treat it. See your doctor for medical treatment if: The abscess is on your spine or in the middle of your face, near your eyes or nose. The abscess does not drain on its own. The abscess gets bigger or is very large or painful. You have diabetes or another chronic health problem such as kidney or liver disease. Let your doctor lance and drain your abscess with a scalpel or small needle if necessary. Opening and draining the abscess can remove infectious pus or liquid and relieve pressure. Keep any coverings your doctor places over the lanced abscess clean and dry. Don't try to drain your abscess at home or you could cause the infection to spread. Ask your doctor for a local anesthetic if you have a lot of pain. Your doctor may pack the drained abscess with an antiseptic dressing to absorb extra pus and prevent further infection. Your doctor may also take a sample of the drained fluid and test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Get a prescription from your doctor for an antibiotic if the abscess infection is especially severe. Follow dosage instructions your doctor gives and make sure to take the entire course of antibiotics. Taking and finishing an antibiotic can get rid of the infection and may minimize the risk of another abscess or reinfection. If you have a good immune system and your abscess is small or located near the surface of your skin, you most likely won't need antibiotics.
Watch for signs of further infection. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Have the abscess drained. Take a course of topical or oral antibiotics.