Anyone can get an abscess, which is a collection of pus under the skin. Some are caused by infection, but abscesses that start as small discolored bumps may come from a skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS abscesses aren’t related to an infection, but they’re still typically inflamed and full of pus.

No matter the cause, if a skin abscess gets bigger and more painful, the question is whether to pop it for relief — or wait to see if it will drain on its own.

In this article, you’ll learn whether abscesses can pop naturally and the steps you can take to help your abscess drain.

Will Your Abscess Drain on Its Own?

A skin abscess can drain naturally without any help or treatment. If your abscess drains on its own, it’s usually part of the healing process, but you should still keep the area clean and watch for signs of infection. In fact, if you have abscesses from HS, your skin is likely extra delicate, which can make them pop more easily.

You shouldn’t try to pop or burst an abscess on your own. Popping your abscess can cause any bacteria inside it to spread into other areas of skin or infect your bloodstream.

Home Care for Abscesses

While you shouldn’t squeeze an abscess in an attempt to pop it, you can take steps at home to help an abscess shrink, feel less painful, or go away. Small abscesses may clear up with simple home treatments.

Helping an Abscess Drain Naturally

Here are some steps to help an abscess drain safely on its own:

• Use a warm compress — Gently apply a warm compress to your abscess four times daily for about 20 minutes, or run warm water over the abscess.
• Use hydrocolloid patches — These patches and similar dressings help abscesses drain and heal. Don’t apply ointments or oils to the affected area.
• Soak your abscess in an Epsom salt bath.

Home Care for an Abscess That Has Already Popped

If an abscess pops or drains on its own, you should care for the wound and keep it clean. Cleaning the area removes remaining bacteria and can help prevent further infections. Gently wash the area with soap and water or an antiseptic wash, then place a bandage over it.

When To Seek Treatment

While abscesses from a skin infection might respond well to home care alone, HS always needs treatment.

If you get multiple or recurrent abscesses in areas where your skin touches other skin (such as your armpits or groin area), talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists can treat HS if it’s the cause of your abscesses.

For any type of abscess, you should see your healthcare provider long before it has a chance to burst or pop on its own. Always seek medical care if an abscess doesn’t go away within a couple of weeks or keeps growing. Your doctor can perform incision and drainage or other treatments, like a steroid injection, to reduce inflammation. They might tell you to book a follow-up appointment after treating your abscess.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Get immediate medical attention if you get a fever, chills, or a racing heart. These are signs of a spreading infection that needs treatment right away. A skin infection called cellulitis can also spread from an abscess. Cellulitis causes discolored skin, inflammation, and pain in the infected area.

Join the Conversation

On MyHSTeam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you developed abscesses on your skin? What have you done to help them drain? Share your experience in the comments below.