What are the causes and symptoms of finger paronychia. How is finger paronychia diagnosed and treated. What techniques are used to effectively drain a finger paronychia. What are the key steps in the finger paronychia drainage procedure. How can complications from finger paronychia be prevented.

Understanding Finger Paronychia: A Common Nail Infection

Finger paronychia is a prevalent infection that affects the soft tissue surrounding the nail. It typically occurs when bacteria enter through small breaks in the skin near the nail fold. While often considered a minor ailment, paronychia can lead to significant discomfort and, if left untreated, potentially serious complications.

Paronychia most commonly results from:

• Picking or biting at hangnails
• Aggressive manicures that damage the cuticle
• Prolonged exposure to moisture
• Minor trauma to the nail area
• Certain occupations that involve frequent hand-washing or exposure to chemicals

The primary culprit behind most paronychia infections is Staphylococcus aureus, although other bacteria and even fungi can be responsible in some cases.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Finger Paronychia

Early identification of paronychia is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of complications. The most common symptoms include:

• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Tenderness and pain, especially when pressure is applied
• Warmth in the affected area
• Pus accumulation, visible as a yellowish or greenish discharge
• Changes in nail appearance, such as ridges or discoloration

In severe cases or when left untreated, paronychia can progress to involve deeper tissues, potentially leading to a condition known as a felon – a more serious infection of the fingertip pad.

Diagnostic Approaches for Finger Paronychia

Diagnosing finger paronychia is typically straightforward and based on clinical presentation. Healthcare providers will usually:

1. Conduct a physical examination of the affected finger
2. Assess the patient’s medical history and recent activities that may have led to infection
3. In some cases, obtain a culture of any drainage to identify the specific pathogen

Is imaging necessary for diagnosing paronychia? In most cases, imaging studies are not required. However, in chronic or recurrent cases, an X-ray may be ordered to rule out underlying bone involvement or foreign bodies.

Treatment Options for Finger Paronychia

The treatment approach for finger paronychia depends on the severity and duration of the infection. Options include:

Conservative Management

For early or mild cases:

• Warm water soaks (3-4 times daily for 15 minutes)
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Topical or oral antibiotics, if bacterial infection is suspected

Drainage Procedure

For more advanced cases with abscess formation, drainage becomes necessary. This procedure involves:

1. Proper hand hygiene and use of sterile equipment
2. Local anesthesia (often achieved through digital nerve block or ice water immersion)
3. Incision and drainage of the abscess
4. Post-procedure care instructions

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining a Finger Paronychia

When conservative measures fail or an abscess has formed, drainage becomes necessary. Here’s a detailed guide to the procedure:

1. Preparation: Gather all necessary equipment, including sterile gloves, antiseptic solution, scalpel or needle, and dressing materials.
2. Anesthesia: Numb the affected finger. This can be done through a digital nerve block or by immersing the finger in ice water for several minutes.
3. Sterilization: Thoroughly clean the area with an antiseptic solution.
4. Incision: Using a sterile scalpel or large-gauge needle, make a small incision parallel to the nail fold where the abscess appears to be pointing.
5. Drainage: Gently express any pus from the incision. Avoid aggressive manipulation to prevent further tissue damage.
6. Irrigation: Flush the area with sterile saline to remove any remaining debris.
7. Dressing: Apply an appropriate dressing to keep the area clean and promote healing.

How long does the drainage procedure typically take? The entire process usually takes about 15-20 minutes, including preparation and aftercare instructions.

Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up

Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring complete healing and preventing recurrence. Patients should be advised to:

• Keep the affected finger clean and dry
• Change dressings daily or when soiled
• Continue warm water soaks (3-4 times daily)
• Avoid activities that may irritate the area
• Complete any prescribed course of antibiotics
• Follow up with their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or fail to improve

When should patients expect to see improvement after drainage? Most patients experience significant relief within 24-48 hours after the procedure. Complete healing typically occurs within 7-10 days.

Preventing Recurrence and Complications

To minimize the risk of future paronychia infections and potential complications, patients should be educated on preventive measures:

• Avoid biting nails or picking at hangnails
• Keep nails trimmed and clean
• Use moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin around nails
• Wear protective gloves when working with water or chemicals
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Seek prompt medical attention for any signs of infection

Can chronic paronychia be prevented? While acute paronychia is often a one-time occurrence, chronic paronychia may require long-term management strategies, including addressing underlying conditions like diabetes or immunosuppression.

When to Seek Professional Medical Care

While many cases of paronychia can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Signs of spreading infection (red streaks on the skin)
• Fever or chills
• Failure to improve with home treatment after 2-3 days
• Recurrent or chronic infections
• Underlying health conditions that may complicate healing

How quickly should one seek medical care if symptoms worsen? If there are signs of spreading infection or systemic symptoms like fever, medical attention should be sought within 24 hours.

Exploring Alternative and Complementary Treatments

While conventional medical treatments remain the gold standard for managing paronychia, some patients may be interested in exploring complementary approaches. These can include:

• Herbal remedies with antimicrobial properties (e.g., tea tree oil, garlic)
• Epsom salt soaks to reduce inflammation
• Probiotics to support overall immune function
• Stress reduction techniques to support healing

It’s important to note that while these approaches may offer some benefits, they should not replace proper medical care, especially in cases of severe or progressing infections.

Are there any risks associated with alternative treatments for paronychia? Some herbal remedies may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Patients should always consult with a healthcare provider before trying alternative treatments, especially if they are also using conventional medications.

Understanding the Impact of Paronychia on Daily Life

While often considered a minor condition, paronychia can significantly impact a person’s daily activities and quality of life. Patients may experience:

• Difficulty performing tasks that require fine motor skills
• Embarrassment about the appearance of the affected finger
• Anxiety about potential spread of infection
• Disruption to work or hobbies, especially those involving hand use

Healthcare providers should address these concerns and provide strategies to minimize the impact on daily life during the healing process.

How long does it typically take for patients to return to normal activities after paronychia treatment? Most patients can resume light activities within a few days of treatment, with full recovery and return to all activities usually possible within 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of the initial infection.

Paronychia in Special Populations

Certain groups may be at higher risk for developing paronychia or may require special considerations in treatment:

Diabetic Patients

Individuals with diabetes may be more prone to infections and slower healing. They require:

• More aggressive initial treatment
• Closer monitoring for complications
• Emphasis on blood sugar control to promote healing

Immunocompromised Individuals

Patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV or chemotherapy may experience:

• More severe or atypical presentations of paronychia
• Higher risk of fungal infections
• Need for longer courses of antimicrobial therapy

Children

Pediatric cases of paronychia may require special approaches:

• Consideration of age-appropriate pain management techniques
• Potential need for sedation during drainage procedures
• Education for both children and caregivers on prevention

How does the management of paronychia differ in these special populations? Treatment principles remain similar, but there’s often a lower threshold for intervention, more aggressive antimicrobial therapy, and closer follow-up to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Advances in Paronychia Treatment and Research

While the basic principles of paronychia management have remained consistent over time, ongoing research continues to refine our understanding and treatment approaches:

• Development of new antimicrobial agents with improved efficacy against resistant strains
• Exploration of novel wound healing technologies to speed recovery
• Investigation into the role of biofilms in chronic paronychia
• Studies on preventive strategies for high-risk populations

What promising new treatments are on the horizon for paronychia? Some areas of active research include topical antimicrobial peptides, photodynamic therapy for resistant cases, and immunomodulatory agents for chronic paronychia. However, these approaches are still in experimental stages and require further study before becoming widely available.

The Role of Patient Education in Paronychia Management

Effective patient education is crucial in the successful management and prevention of paronychia. Key areas to address include:

• Proper nail care techniques
• Recognition of early signs of infection
• Importance of hand hygiene in various occupations
• Appropriate use of home remedies and when to seek medical care
• Understanding of the healing process and expected outcomes

Healthcare providers should tailor educational approaches to the individual patient, considering factors such as age, occupation, and overall health status.

How can healthcare providers effectively communicate paronychia prevention strategies to patients? Using a combination of verbal instructions, written materials, and visual aids can help reinforce key messages. Additionally, demonstrating proper nail care techniques during office visits can be particularly effective.

Occupational Considerations and Paronychia

Certain occupations carry a higher risk of developing paronychia due to frequent hand exposure to moisture, chemicals, or trauma. These include:

• Healthcare workers
• Dishwashers and food service workers
• Manicurists and nail technicians
• Mechanics and industrial workers
• Swimmers and other aquatic athletes

For individuals in these high-risk occupations, prevention strategies should be emphasized:

1. Use of protective gloves when appropriate
2. Regular application of hand moisturizers
3. Proper hand-drying techniques
4. Avoiding prolonged water exposure when possible
5. Immediate care for any cuts or abrasions around the nails

How can employers support paronychia prevention in high-risk work environments? Employers can provide appropriate protective equipment, implement hand hygiene protocols, offer education on nail care, and ensure access to prompt medical care when needed. Creating a culture that prioritizes hand health can significantly reduce the incidence of occupational paronychia.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Paronychia

While acute paronychia is often a short-lived condition, chronic paronychia can have significant psychological effects on patients. These may include:

• Decreased self-esteem due to nail appearance
• Anxiety about recurrent infections
• Frustration with ongoing treatment requirements
• Social withdrawal, especially in severe cases
• Impact on work performance and career choices

Healthcare providers should be aware of these potential psychological impacts and address them as part of comprehensive care. This may involve:

1. Providing reassurance and realistic expectations for treatment outcomes
2. Offering referrals to mental health professionals when appropriate
3. Discussing strategies for managing social and occupational challenges
4. Encouraging participation in support groups or online communities

How can healthcare providers best support the mental health of patients with chronic paronychia? A holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition is crucial. This may include regular check-ins about the patient’s overall well-being, providing resources for stress management, and collaborating with mental health professionals when needed.

Future Directions in Paronychia Research and Management

As our understanding of paronychia continues to evolve, several areas show promise for future advancements:

• Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to chronic paronychia
• Role of the microbiome in nail health and infection resistance
• Development of targeted antimicrobial therapies with reduced risk of resistance
• Innovative nail protection technologies for high-risk individuals
• Integration of telemedicine for remote diagnosis and follow-up care

These areas of research have the potential to significantly improve our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat paronychia more effectively in the future.

What role might artificial intelligence play in the future management of paronychia? AI could potentially assist in early diagnosis through image analysis, predict treatment outcomes based on patient factors, and help optimize antimicrobial stewardship in paronychia management. However, these applications are still in early stages of development and require further validation.

How to drain a finger paronychia

Improve your in-clinic patient care with this article on draining a finger paronychia, a common finger infection.

Siamak Moayedi, MD

3m read

Editors:Shelley Jacobs, PhD

Peer reviewers:Franz Wiesbauer, MD MPH Internist

Last update19th Nov 2020

What is a finger paronychia?

A paronychia is an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It’s a very common infection and is caused by the introduction of bacteria under the cuticle. This is often from people chewing or ripping a hangnail with their teeth, and is also seen in barbers.

In a wound culture, Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria. But, you can have any kind of bacteria (such as anaerobes) from the mouth.

Physical signs of a finger paronychia

Patients usually seek help after a few days of increasing swelling and pain at the base of a nail. The area is sensitive and pressure from the building pus is painful.

If the infection continues, it can extend to the pulp of the finger and cause a felon, or deep tissue abscess. This requires aggressive procedures and can even lead to loss of function or amputation.

Figure 1. Physical signs of a finger paronychia include swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. A deep tissue abscess, or felon, can develop if the infection continues.

How do you treat paronychia?

If the infection is caught early when the nail base is a little swollen and red, you can prescribe frequent warm soaks (at least once every two hours), and a short course of antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin). An established infection and pus collection require incision and drainage.

Figure 2. Early paronychia infections can be treated with frequent warm soaks and antibiotics. Established infections require incision and drainage.

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The tools you need to drain a finger paronychia

The first step when performing the incision and drainage technique is to collect the necessary medication and tools:

• Sterilizing solution
• Ice water
• #11 scalpel

Figure 3. Tools for a finger paronychia include sterilizing solution, ice water, and #11 scalpel.

How to drain a finger paronychia

This step-by-step procedure ensures a safe, clean, and (relatively) painless abscess drainage:

1. Place the patient’s finger in a cup of ice water until they can’t stand it anymore to numb the finger. This method is fast, painless, and softens the cuticle. Alternatively, you can perform a digital nerve block.
2. When the finger is numb, clean the cuticle with the sterilizing solution.
3. Stab under the skin parallel to the nail, using your #11 blade.
4. You will immediately see pus come out.

Figure 4. Procedure for draining a finger paronychia. 1) Numb the finger with ice water or a digital nerve block. 2) Clean the cuticle with sterilizing solution. 3) Stab under the skin parallel to the nail with the #11 blade. 4) Pus will escape from the incision.

Post-procedure care for a finger paronychia

Have your patient soak their finger in warm water every two hours for the next two days. Antibiotics are not needed for minor cases of paronychia, but use your judgment depending on the patient’s risk factors.

Figure 5. After draining a finger paronychia, instruct your patient to soak their finger in warm water every two hours for the next two days.

Excellent job! You’re well on your way to mastering the treatment of a finger paronychia.

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Siamak Moayedi, MD

Associate Professor and Director of Medical Student Education, University of Maryland and Course Director, Essential and Critical Procedures, Emergency Medicine.

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How to Drain a Pus-Filled Finger

By : NCampos on : January 8, 2021 comments : (Comments Off on How to Drain a Pus-Filled Finger)

So here’s a new one for me: I woke up yesterday morning with a very sore ring fingernail on my left hand. I felt it as I staggered to the bathroom still ninety percent asleep. I bumped my hand against the wall, “Ow!” What the heck? I rubbed the edge of the nail a few times as I multitasked at the toilet. It really hurt, but I was still sleeping so I stopped paying attention and went back to bed. I woke up and it was even sorer than before. I must have been bitten by a spider, that’s what I actually thought, because I live amongst many, and they have been at war with me and my kids for the last few years (I still like to think I am winning). My finger had that burning feeling, the same way a spider bite feels, itchy and hot. By afternoon, I could barely touch the fingertip or nail. It hurt particularly badly by the thumb-side cuticle. I tried to play guitar; I could barely press down on the frets.

I thought, “That’s it.” I must have cut my finger and the guitar strings have enough migrated skin bacteria that it got into my wound, which I didn’t actually see, but since I was making stuff up… Anyway, I decided to look it up: Are infections common in guitar players? Blam! Up come articles and posting boards all about infected guitar-finger; many had pictures. Yup that looks just like my finger does, so I started reading. All the rocker-posters said the same thing, “I get these often and repeatedly.” Interestingly, I have never gotten an infected finger from playing guitar. I couldn’t even recognize the type of pain I had originally thought was a spider bite. It was that unfamiliar to me, but I guessed that’s what it had to be because I had no recollection of cutting myself and that was the only way I could fathom I had an infection.

An infected finger close to the nail is called a paronychia. The symptoms are a red, swollen, hot finger – pain to the touch. And there can be pus. I had pus. Upon reading the causes of paronychia, it hit me – I had a hangnail on that finger exactly where it hurt most, which I chewed off. It hurt as a hangnail, it hurt when I yanked it off with my teeth, and it hurt for several days afterward. But then the pain went away for several days. It was only when I bumped my hand into the wall on my way to the bathroom did I have pain again in that finger, and boy was it a doozy.

I tried some of the home remedies I found on the web. First was soak in warm water. It had me thinking, “Horsesh*t,” because I do not equate heat with inflammation relief. But to my surprise, it gave me minimal relief. Very minimal, mind you, but it was something. Then I cleaned it with alcohol (reasonable enough), and put Neosporin (not a huge fan but have some lying about) around the infected cuticle. I took ibuprofen. My finger pain eased substantially, and my hope was that maybe (just maybe) the finger would feel better in the morning.

It didn’t. In fact, it hurt even worse the next day. I couldn’t even put my hand in my pocket without wincing. I contacted my surgeon friend thinking I might need antibiotics. He told me to pop by and he could check it out, probably drain it.

Okay, I was happy to take care of my finger right away. I always say we don’t realize how much we use a body part until we have an injury, then we are reminded how much each body part is integral to our sensing and acting within the world. I went for an adjustment first, because I also had a bit of back pain and sciatica, but that’s another story. After my adjustment, I was feeling fine, I headed over to my friend’s place in West Hollywood. It was pretty obvious at this point it was infected. The pus-filled cuticle was expanding and my finger was red and hard. He took a lance and opened it from the top of the infected cuticle. I didn’t feel a thing, nada. Then he put down the lance and took my ring finger with his right hand and used the left to squeeze out the pus. This I felt – it wasn’t pleasant, but seeing the pus ooze out made it less painful in some way. There was an ample amount of pus, not loads, but maybe the size of a ladybug. However, when there was no more to come out, the squeezing hurt. The finger was so swollen that he had to sort of work the entire area, sort of knead it toward the lanced opening. Once that clear fluid (exudate) started to squeeze out, I knew he had gotten everything. And then, of course, it is followed by blood. A quick cleanup and a bandage with a little antibiotic salve, and voilà, my finger felt better and was now on the mend. No antibiotics needed.

This is what it looks like as I write this. Today I have no pain whatsoever in the finger tip, so I was able to play the guitar. I am typing freely now, while the previous night I still had to improvise. There is still a moderately red band around the joint just beneath the cuticle, and the side which was pus-filled, where the original hangnail was, is still a bit sore. However, my friend told me it would be likely cleared up in a few days. Bravo!

It is amazing to me how one hangnail could have such a huge impact, but it’s a good reminder for me (and you!) to not use our mouths to chew on nails, fingers, hangnails, whatever. The bacteria in our saliva do not belong in our wounds. Further, once you open a wound, even with something as small as a hangnail, anything really can infect it, even your own hands, so practice diligent hygiene. I am not suggesting to be a germophobe, but wounds of every sort warrant a little extra caution, that’s just a fact of life. So if you find yourself with a paronychia, from a cut, hangnail, or chomping at your fingernails, you will need it drained. If you can do it yourself with a sterile lance, have at it. But be clean above all – alcohol, antibacterial salve (Neosporin), and a bandage – and you can probably correct the problem yourself. Just be certain if it doesn’t get significantly better almost immediately (like 24 hrs), go to an Urgent Care. If it gets worse, go to the emergency room (ER) immediately.

Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drain

This information will help you learn how to care for your Jackson-Pratt Drain after you leave the hospital. You will also benefit from watching the following video.

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About the Jackson-Pratt Drain System

Figure 1. Jackson-Pratt Drain System

The Jackson-Pratt Drain System consists of a flexible tube attached to a soft plastic vessel with a stopper (see Figure 1). The drainage end of the tube (flat white part) is inserted into the surgical field through the insertion site. The insertion site is a small opening next to the incision.

The drain end of the tube is secured with suture material. The rest of the tube protrudes from your body and is attached to a vessel.

When you compress (squeeze) a vessel with a closed stopper, a uniform, low suction pressure is created. The vessel should always be in a compressed state, in addition to the moment when you empty the drain.

It is not the same for everyone. Some people have a large amount of fluid released through the drain, some do not. Record the amount of fluid released in the drainage log at the end of this resource. Bring the journal to your doctor’s appointments for follow-up.

The length of time you use your Jackson-Pratt drain depends on your surgery and the amount of fluid coming out of the drain. Call your healthcare provider if the amount of fluid coming out of the drain does not exceed 30 milliliters (mL) in 24 hours. Your surgeon may remove the Jackson-Pratt drainage system or leave it on for a longer period for certain procedures

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How to Maintain Your Jackson-Pratt 9 Drain System0005

After you leave the hospital, you will care for your Jackson-Pratt drainage system as follows:

• clean the tube by squeezing it to remove clots;
• empty the drainage system twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Record the amount of fluid released through the drain in the Jackson-Pratt Drainage Log at the end of this resource. If there are multiple drains, measure and record the amount of fluid for each one separately. Do not summarize readings.
• take care of the place where the tube is inserted into the skin;
• check for problems.

Clean tubing

The following steps will help clear clots from the tubing and restore flow through the drain system. Clean the tubing before emptying the system and measuring the amount of fluid being released. Also, clean the tubing if you notice fluid leaking around the insertion site.

Prepare everything you need before starting. You will need:

• measuring container given to you by a nurse;
• 1 alcohol wipe;
• Jackson-Pratt Drainage Journal, pen or pencil.

1. Wash your hands. If you wash your hands with soap, wet them and lather. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds, then rinse off the soap. Dry your hands with a disposable towel. Turn off the faucet with the same towel.
   If using an alcohol-based hand rub, apply it to your hands. Then rub your hands together until they are dry.

2. Look at the tube in the mirror. This will help you figure out where your hands should be.
3. Pinch the tube between the thumb and forefinger of one hand as close as possible to the insertion site. To make it easier for your fingers to slide through the tube, you can use alcohol wipes. Continue to hold the tube in this manner while cleaning it. This ensures that you do not pull on the skin causing pain.
4. With the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, squeeze the tube directly under the fingers of the first hand. Continuing to squeeze your fingers, slide them down the tube, moving the clots towards the vessel.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 as many times as necessary to allow clots to drain from the tube into the vessel. If the clots cannot be drained into the vessel, or if there is little or no fluid coming out, tell your healthcare provider.

Emptying the Jackson-Pratt Drain

Once all the clots are in the vessel, it can be emptied. Prepare a clean work surface. You can use the bathroom or other room where there is a dry, uncluttered surface.

First, remove the drainage vessel from the postoperative bra or bandage, if you are wearing them.

When emptying the Jackson-Pratt drain system, follow the instructions below:

Figure 2 Emptying the Vessel

1. Remove the stopper from the top of the vessel. Due to this, the vessel will straighten. Do not touch the inside of the stopper or the inside of the vessel opening.

2. Turn the vessel upside down and squeeze it slightly. Pour the liquid into a measuring container (see figure 2).

3. Turn the vessel with the correct hole up. Squeeze the vessel so that the fingers of your hand touch the palm of your hand. All air must come out of the vessel.
4. Continuing to squeeze the vessel, insert the cork into place. Make sure the vessel remains fully compressed to ensure even low suction. For the drainage system to work, the plug must be closed.
5. Attach the drainage vessel to your postoperative bra or bandage if you are wearing one. Use a plastic loop or Velcro®. Do not let the drainage system hang freely. You may find it convenient to carry your drainage system in a fanny pack or pouch.
6. Check the amount and color of the liquid in the measuring container. In the first couple of days after surgery, the liquid may have a dark red tint. This is fine. As the wound heals, the fluid may turn pink or pale yellow.
7. Record the amount (in ml) and color of fluid coming out of the drain in the Jackson-Pratt Drain Log.
8. Flush the liquid down the toilet and rinse the measuring container with water.
9. At the end of each day, calculate the total amount of fluid excreted during the day. Record the amount of fluid in the last column of the drainage log. If there is more than 1 drainage system, take measurements and keep records for each one separately. Do not summarize readings.

How to care for the injection site

Watch for signs of infection

Wash your hands again after emptying the drainage system. Examine the area around the insertion site for signs of infection, such as:

• sensitivity;
• edema;
• discharge of pus;
• temperature increase;
• more pronounced than usual redness. Sometimes a dime-sized redness develops at the insertion site of the drain. This is fine.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, or if you have a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, call your healthcare provider. He may advise you to apply a bandage to the insertion site.

Keep the skin around the drain site clean and dry

Keep the drain site clean and dry by washing with soap and water, then pat dry with a towel.

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Common Drainage Problems Jackson-Pratt

The first time, a nurse will watch you empty your drain to make sure you’re doing it right. Once you learn how to care for a Jackson-Pratt drainage system, you will be doing it yourself. Even after you start taking care of the system yourself, you can always ask for help. Call your healthcare provider if you have problems caring for your Jackson-Pratt drainage system.

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How to care for your skin after the drain is removed

Your healthcare provider will remove the drain and cover the insertion site with a bandage. It is important to keep the injection site and adjacent skin clean and dry. This will speed up the healing process and help prevent infection.

If you have undergone reconstructive surgery, skin care after the removal of the drainage system will be different.

Skin care in cases where reconstructive surgery has not been performed

If you had surgery without reconstruction, after removing the drainage system, follow these recommendations:

• Remove the bandage after 24 hours.

• The incision site should not be wetted until it is completely healed and the drainage system is removed. After removing the bandage, you can take a shower, but do not take a bath or swim in the pool.

• Wash the incision site gently with soap and water, rinse with warm water, and pat dry with a towel.
• Examine the incision site, use a mirror if necessary. It is considered normal if you experience:
  • slight redness;
  • mild swelling;
  • sensitivity;
  • a small amount of clear or bloody liquid on a gauze swab.

Skin Care After Reconstructive Surgery

If you have undergone reconstructive surgery, follow these guidelines after removing the drainage system.

• Change dressings every 12 hours if necessary.
• Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower after the drain has been removed.

• • Do not wet the incision site for 4-6 weeks after reconstructive surgery. Do not take a bath or swim in the pool. For more information, watch the video How to Maintain Your Jackson-Pratt Drainage System.
• Wash the area gently with soap and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a towel.
• Examine the incision site, use a mirror if necessary. It is considered normal if you experience:
  • slight redness;
  • mild swelling;
  • sensitivity;
  • a small amount of clear or bloody liquid on a gauze swab.

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When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider right away if you have:

• secreted bright red liquid;
• body temperature 101°F (38.3°C) or higher;
• at the injection site of the drainage, redness, sensitivity, swelling, a feeling of pressure increase, or pus is released;
• the skin around the surgical site is hot to the touch;
• you cannot remove the clot into the vessel or the amount of fluid secreted is negligible or it is absent.

Call your healthcare provider Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 if:

• the amount of fluid released through the drain suddenly decreased or increased by 100 ml in the last 24 hours;
• the amount of fluid released through the drainage does not exceed 30 milliliters (ml) in 24 hours;
• the tube falls out of the insertion site;
• you cannot shrink the vessel;
• Are you having trouble maintaining your Jackson-Pratt drainage system?

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Abscess (incision and drainage)

Sometimes an abscess is called an abscess. An abscess occurs when bacteria get under the skin and begin to multiply. As the body reacts to the bacteria, pus forms inside the abscess. An abscess can result from an insect bite, an ingrown hair, a clogged sebaceous gland, a pimple, a cyst, or a penetrating wound.

Your doctor removed pus from your abscess. If the focus of the abscess was large, the doctor could place a gauze pad there. At your next visit, the doctor will need to replace or remove it. If an infection has spread around the wound, you may be given antibiotics. But you may not need them to treat a simple abscess.

The wound will take 1 to 2 weeks to heal, depending on the size of the abscess. Healthy tissue will begin to grow from the bottom and sides of the wound until it closes.

Home Care

These tips will help heal your wound:

• Fluid may leak from the wound during the first 2 days. Cover the wound with a clean, dry bandage. If the bandage is wet with blood or pus, change it.

• If a cotton swab is placed in the boil, you may be told to remove it yourself. You can do it in the bathroom. Immediately after removing the tampon, wash the wound area in the shower or clean it as directed by your doctor. Keep doing this until the wound closes. Discard the swab carefully to prevent the spread of possible infections. Be sure to wash your hands after changing a tampon or cleaning a wound.

• Do not stop taking antibiotics until you have completed the entire course of treatment.

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain unless another pain medication is prescribed. If you have chronic liver disease or stomach ulcers, talk with your doctor before taking these medicines.

Follow-up

See your doctor or other specialist as recommended. If a tampon has been placed in your wound, it should be removed after 1-2 days, or as directed by a physician. Check your wound every day for signs of worsening infection. They are listed below.

When to seek medical help

In the following cases, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• Increased redness or swelling

• Red streaks on the skin coming from a wound

• Increased pain or swelling

• 2 days after treatment, pus still oozes from the wound

• Temperature 38°C (100. 4°F) or higher, or as directed by a physician

• Return of boil after treatment

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

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