Why is lidocaine local anaesthetic used in abscess drainage?

Lidocaine temporarily blocks pain signals in the area where it is injected. Before draining an abscess, the clinician usually cleans the skin and places the anaesthetic around the affected area. Numbing the tissue allows the clinician to make a small opening, release pus and assess the cavity.

An abscess can be very tender, and inflamed tissue may still feel pressure or discomfort despite local anaesthetic. Tell the clinician immediately if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, nausea, palpitations or any unusual symptoms during the procedure.

Follow the wound-care instructions you are given. This may include changing a dressing, keeping the area clean, and attending a planned review if packing or a drain has been placed. Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and avoid squeezing or trying to re-open the area yourself.

The local numbness wears off. Protect the area while sensation is reduced, because heat or friction can cause injury without being noticed straight away.

Seek urgent medical review if redness spreads, pain or swelling increases, fever develops, pus continues to collect, or the dressing becomes soaked with blood. Get emergency help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, collapse, or a rapidly worsening illness. Abscesses near the eye, on the face, or around the genitals need prompt clinical assessment.

Ask how to change the dressing, whether you need a follow-up visit, and which symptoms mean the infection may be worsening. Tell the clinician about previous reactions to local anaesthetic, blood-thinning medicines, and any allergies.