Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with a skin abscess.

Ignore: Do go in to the doctor to have this evaluated and possibly drained. Do not pick at it yourself.

Ignore: The best way to cure an abscess, is to drain it.

Ignore: Do use a warm/hot compress on your abscess 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes a session.

Ignore: Hot packs help keep an abscess draining, so it can heal.

Do: Do be suspicious for MRSA in any abscess.

Do: Do have any puncture wounds evaluated due to increased risk of abscess formation.

Do: Do take an antibiotic in addition to incision and drainage for a MRSA abscess.

Do: Do avoid IV drug use due to increased risk of abscess formation.

Ignore: Don't squeeze an abscess on the face- pus could "explode backwards" into the facial veins -not good!

Needs: Needs to be drained, and a course of Antibiotics. Dangerous if you work on farm, diabetic,...

Ignore: Warm compresses are good. Try NOT to pick extensively trying to get it to pop. See doctor.

Ignore: Ask you doctor how to care for the wound and what to do if bleeding occurs.

Ignore: An abscess is a tender mass surrounded by a pink to deep red color with a soft middle full of pus.

Ignore: Dont pick ,Dont poke it,Dont let anyone else touch it don't insert a needle or any sharp instrument.

Ignore: Keep it clean. Take antibiotics if prescribed. Warm compresses will help it drain if not open yet.

Ignore: DO soak in warm water to help promote drainage. DO complete a full course of ABX if prescribed.

Ignore: DO have it looked at by a doctor to determine if it should be lanced DON'T squeeze, pick or poke it!

Ignore: True abscesses do not respond to antibiotics. They require incision and drainage by MD.

Ignore: Do: see physician for treatment, keep clean and dry Don't: Pick at it or try to drain yourself.

Ignore: Topical antibiotics such as bacitracin ointment as soon as possible twice daily and warm compresses.

Ignore: Do use warm compresses. Do not use alcohol on them. Do not try and pop it with a needle.

Do: Do take seriously. Can advance quickly if not treated promptly. Seek help fast.