A 21-year-old member asked:
I have a abscess in left breast i had drained and now have to pack with gauze twice a day. how long till it should heal and no longer have to pack?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Daileyanswered
Family Medicine 22 years experience
That depends: It depends on the size of te abscess and how well the infection is clearing. I would say 1-2 weeks would be fairly typical.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Miguel Canoanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 32 years experience
Until it's closed: Unfortunately you may have to change dressings until the open defect is entirely closed. This prevents another infection from forming. The good news is that your doc may close it with steri-strips if it cleans up nicely and the skin edges line up nicely (dpc - delayed primary closure) so do just as instructed. You'll know it's working if the edges are nice and pinkish-red with no further drainage.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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