An abscess typically begins as a firm, red, and painful lump known as cellulitis or an infiltrate. At this stage, there is no "pocket" of fluid to drain. As the body’s immune system fights the infection, white blood cells and debris collect, forming a liquefied center.

Once an abscess is correctly "read" as fluctuant, the standard treatment is incision and drainage. Antibiotics alone often cannot penetrate the thick wall of an abscess, making physical drainage essential for healing. After drainage, the cavity is often packed with gauze to ensure it heals from the inside out, preventing the pocket from sealing shut and refilling with pus.

Size: Anything larger than a walnut usually requires surgical incision and drainage (I&D). Treatment and Care