HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Can An Abscess In The Region Of Sternum Be Treated?

default
Posted on Tue, 23 May 2017
Question: I have a small bump or abscess in between pecs in sternum area with foul smelling puss if squeezed

I play intense tennis with much upper body twisting and use
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
incision and drainage, oral and topical antibiotics, antiseptic cleaner

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

As you stated it is likely an abscess, an abscess is a localized collection of pus.

It needs to be incised and drained, this is the definitive treatment for an abscess.
If even a small amount pus remains it can cause the infection to potentially recur another time.
If this is not possible then you can just use antibiotics.

Antibiotics are also needed for at least 7 days, in some cases 10 days to 2 weeks are needed for the infection to be completely cleared if it is severe.This is not likely the case for you since it is small, 7 days should be enough

If it is not possible to get a prescription for oral antibiotics at the moment then you can try the following but this would not be the best course of action (oral antibiotics and incision would be the best way)

The area can be cleaned with an antiseptic twice daily and topical antibiotic applied eg bactroban, neosporin, fucidin.
These are over the counter meds

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Can An Abscess In The Region Of Sternum Be Treated?

Brief Answer: incision and drainage, oral and topical antibiotics, antiseptic cleaner Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic As you stated it is likely an abscess, an abscess is a localized collection of pus. It needs to be incised and drained, this is the definitive treatment for an abscess. If even a small amount pus remains it can cause the infection to potentially recur another time. If this is not possible then you can just use antibiotics. Antibiotics are also needed for at least 7 days, in some cases 10 days to 2 weeks are needed for the infection to be completely cleared if it is severe.This is not likely the case for you since it is small, 7 days should be enough If it is not possible to get a prescription for oral antibiotics at the moment then you can try the following but this would not be the best course of action (oral antibiotics and incision would be the best way) The area can be cleaned with an antiseptic twice daily and topical antibiotic applied eg bactroban, neosporin, fucidin. These are over the counter meds I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions