We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Draining Pus?

By Madeleine A.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 16,598
Share

Some of the best tips for draining pus include only having it done by a qualified health care provider and monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection in the days following the procedure. Draining pus from an abscess needs to be done under sterile conditions to avoid introducing bacteria into the wound. Although, the procedure for draining pus is typically a simple one, local anesthesia may be necessary, in addition to a numbing preparation. It generally only takes a few minutes and is normally done in the doctor's office.

An infection where pus is present is caused by bacteria, such as the staph organism. In addition to the presence of pus, other signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pain. Red streaks might also be present and may indicate blood poisoning. When these symptoms occur, the health care provider needs to be notified so treatment can be implemented. Treatment for an abscess includes taking antibiotics, draining pus, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and bring down the swelling.

Before the health care provider begins draining pus from the infection, he will typically ask the patient a series of health questions to determine if allergies to medications or antibiotics are present. In addition, the health care provider might also ask the patient about pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. When diabetes is present, delayed wound healing may be a problem, making draining pus from a wound risky. Diabetics frequently suffer from circulation problems that impair healing.

The color of pus is typically yellow or white, but is sometimes green, brown, or slightly pink. Pus is pink when a small amount of blood gets absorbed into the pus, and this is referred to as "blood tinged." A dental infection can also cause pus to collect in the soft tissue. When this occurs, the dentist needs to determine the source of the infection and treat it with oral antibiotics. Extracting the tooth may be necessary to resolve the infection, but this is typically the exception rather than the rule.

After the health care provider has drained the pus, the individual needs to be aware of other symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, joint pain, gastrointestinal upset, and headache. If these symptoms occur, they may indicate a severe infection known as sepsis, which is an infection of the blood. When sepsis occurs, the patient may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic treatment.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ddljohn — On Nov 09, 2013

@SarahGen-- I agree with you. When doctors drain abscesses, they will often use antibiotic powder to prevent an infection or give the patient oral antibiotics. So it's a risk to try it at home.

By SarahGen — On Nov 08, 2013

@literally45-- Most blisters and pimples don't need to be drained though. The body will take care of that on its own. Sometimes draining pus at home can make things worse because you're giving an opening for more bacteria to get in.

If there is some kind of abscess where there is a constant discharge of pus, then that requires a doctor's attention. So I don't think that there is a situation that requires draining pus at home.

By literally45 — On Nov 08, 2013

It's not always necessary to see a doctor to drain pus. If it's a very small issue like a pimple or an ingrown hair, it can be taken care of at home.

I actually learned how to drain pus from a TV health show. The doctor on the show described it in detail. It can be done at home with a sterile needle, clean cotton swabs and antibiotic cream.

First, the needle has to be sterilized and that can be done by burning the tip before poking a tiny hole in the blister or pimple. Then a clean cotton swab is used to apply gentle pressure on and around the blister to push the pus out. That's about it but the blister has to be washed with soapy water and then antibiotic cream must be applied on it to prevent infection. The process can be repeated if more pus accumulates at the top.

I've been doing this for infected blisters and pimples at home. It has worked out fine. Of course, if there was a serious infection with pus, I would see a doctor. But small things can be taken care of at home.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-draining-pus.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.