Skin Abscess Loop Drainage: Care Instructions

Skin Abscess Loop Drainage: Care instructions

Your skin infection was treated today with a procedure called loop drainage. During the procedure, the clinician drained fluid from your infection and placed a loop of silicone string under your skin. The string will help any infected fluid continue to drain so your skin can heal from the inside. 

After your visit:

  • Keep your wound covered with a bandage. The bandage will collect any fluid that continues to drain. 
  • Wash your hands before and after touching your wound or bandage.
  • Change the bandage each day. When changing the bandage, gently slide the silicone loop back and forth. This sliding (also called “threading”) of the loop keeps the string from sealing to your skin at either end. 
  • You may take a bath or shower. First remove the bandage, then clean your wound gently during your bath or shower.
  • If you were prescribed oral antibiotics, take all the antibiotic medicine as directed.

To clean your wound:

  • Wash your wound with mild soap and warm water. 
  • While washing your wound, you may gently remove any crusted or dried liquid. This will keep your skin clean and allow the loop to move through your skin.
  • Pat the area dry using a clean bandage or cloth. Avoid rubbing your wound.
  • Apply a new bandage when the area is dry. 

In about 5 to 7 days:

  • Your wound should feel soft and shouldn’t hurt. 
  • Drainage from your wound should have mostly stopped. 
  • Remove the string by cutting the loop in one place with a clean scissors, then slide the entire string out of your skin.

If you have any concerns that your wound isn’t healing, leave the string in place and see your doctor or return to the place where your wound was first treated.

NOTE: Remove all the string within 7 days. If any string is still in your skin in 7 days, see your doctor or return to the place where you wound was first treated.

 

24522 (02/22) © 2022 HealthPartners