Question 1

i just had a boil drained and its still hard is that normal?

Accepted Answer

: There is often residual tissue swelling around a any abscess or boil that is drained. It can last weeks, depending on the size of the boil/abscess.  The best results from an abscess occurs when drainage involves removal of an inner abscess lining called the rhine. If a boil is smaller, simple drainage may resolve the issue. If it recurs, it is likely because it has a rhine that needs removal.

Question 2

just got a boil drained but it still hurts and swollen ?

Accepted Answer

Drained boil: Try a cold compress for a couple of days, then switch to a warm compress until the wound is completely healed.

You might ask the doctor who did the drainage about prescribing something for the pain.

Question 3

i had a boil drained and pack. i have to change the dressing twice a day. can i use saline would wash from the pharmacy to keep it clean ?

Accepted Answer

: The use of saline should be ok but you should ask the doctor who drained and packed the boil to be certain. That doctor know the situation the best and can say for sure if this would be ok. Good luck to you!

Question 4

boil drained and has a soft black head over it. head now gone. crater left. how should i treat this now? band-aid and neosporin on it now.

Accepted Answer

Sounds good: Will probably leave scar depending on how deep crater is, but getting it to heal is key.

Question 5

i had a armpit boil drained leaving a lump. after the wound healed i heard a popping noise.i think it bursted inside. no pain yet, should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

NO: These incisions heal from the inside out and the "lump" may be scar formation. Look for these following red flags: heat, pain, redness, swelling or fever. If these occur call your physician ASAP.

Question 6

i had a perianal abscess drained 2 weeks ago and doctor says it looks good, even though its still sore. today, i noticed a boil/ abscess on the outside of my vagina near bikini line but not exactly. not near anus. is this related or a separate issue?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent infection : A "boil" in the "Bikini line" area is probably not related to the perianal abscess. The area is prone to infection and may simply be a coincidence.  See your gyn physician to make sure there is not another reason (hygiene, type two diabetes, etc.).

Question 7

does a boil have to drain to heal?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes have to let the pus out  in order to prevent complications , and spread of infection in the deep tissues.

Question 8

do i need to get an abscess drained?

Accepted Answer

If appropriate: If there is a pool of accumulated fluid (pus) associated with an abscess, it is usually proper to drain this pool of fluid. Surgical drainage is a widely used procedure to limit the infection and improves the body's ability to eliminate it.

Question 9

what is the quickest way to drain a boil

Accepted Answer

See a doctor : Please do not perform this at home. See your doctor who will incise and drain the abscess under sterile conditions. You may end up causing  worse infection if you attempt this at home

Question 10

how long does it take for a boil to drain and heal?

Accepted Answer

Variable..: Again it all depends on the size of the boil.
Adequate drainage means that most of the pus has been removed and the lesion does not swell back up and build up pus -- hence, adequate incision and debridement is crucial.  A 1-2 cm boil if drained properly should heal in about 2 weeks or so.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

My boil drained the filled up again

A member asked:

I just had a boil drained and its still hard is that normal?

A member asked:

Just got a boil drained but it still hurts and swollen ?

A member asked:

I had a boil drained and pack. i have to change the dressing twice a day. can i use saline would wash from the pharmacy to keep it clean ?

A member asked:

Boil drained and has a soft black head over it. head now gone. crater left. how should i treat this now? band-aid and neosporin on it now.

A member asked:

I had a armpit boil drained leaving a lump. after the wound healed i heard a popping noise.i think it bursted inside. no pain yet, should i be worried?

A member asked:

I had a perianal abscess drained 2 weeks ago and doctor says it looks good, even though its still sore. today, i noticed a boil/ abscess on the outside of my vagina near bikini line but not exactly. not near anus. is this related or a separate issue?

A member asked:

Does a boil have to drain to heal?

A member asked:

Do i need to get an abscess drained?

A member asked:

What is the quickest way to drain a boil

A member asked:

How long does it take for a boil to drain and heal?

Sponsored Content

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?