How to Drain a Carbuncle

A carbuncle is a mass of multiple boils on and under the surface of the skin. Carbuncles are contagious abscesses infected with bacteria that must be drained before they will begin to heal. The process of draining a carbuncle may be painful but is necessary in order to stop the spread of the infection and start the regrowth of new skin. Start draining your carbuncle today to stop the infection from spreading on you and onto others.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Warm running water
• Clean washcloth
• Bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove any applied bandages before cleaning the surface of the carbuncle with antibacterial soap and warm running water. Sanitizing the abscess prior to draining will reduce the chance of further infection during the process.

• 2

  Dampen a clean washcloth under warm running water and gently press it onto the carbuncle. Never squeeze or press firmly on the carbuncle or it may spread the infection deeper into the skin. The warm compress encourages puss to rise to the carbuncle and flow from the openings on the skin's surface.

• 3

  When the cloth has cooled remove the compress and wash the cloth in boiling or very hot water before using it again. Rebandage the carbuncle with a sanitary covering that protects the entire infection.

• 4

  Repeat the process several times a day using a clean washcloth and bandage every time to encourage the further drainage of the carbuncle's puss. Deep or large carbuncles may need to be drained with the assistance of a medical professional in a sterile environment.