leg abscess

should you put ice on a leg abscess

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I think I've heard of heat to help draw out the infection.

However, best you go see a dr. as it should be properly treated.

Sally

[Quixotic1]

My recommendation would be NOT to place ice on an abcess (abscess).  Ice slows the blood flow to the infected area and would retard the "ripening of the abcess (abscess)."  Moist heat is the usual treatment to the abcess (abscess) that has not become ready to open and drain.  If this abcess (abscess) has any real size to it (larger than a cm), it there is surrounding redness and warmth and/or swelling, if it involves a lymph node, if it is very painful, if it is on the head or neck, if you have fever or if you have any condition that limits your immune system like diabetes or autimmune disease - you need to have it seen by a physician.  Having it seen would be the best course.  Abcesses can be far larger and deeper than they appear on the surface.

Quix, MD