About Scalp Abscess
Key Highlights
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Provides immediate relief from pain and pressure caused by the abscess.Effectively removes the source of infection, preventing it from spreading to deeper tissues or the bloodstream.Promotes faster healing compared to antibiotic treatment alone for established abscesses.Performed under local anesthesia, minimizing discomfort during the procedure.Typically an outpatient procedure with no need for an overnight hospital stay.Helps prevent recurrence by ensuring complete drainage of the infected material./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a painful, fluctuant (soft and movable), and swollen lump on the scalp filled with pus.
- Abscess that does not respond to oral antibiotic therapy.
- Signs of spreading infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or red streaks from the site.
- Development of systemic symptoms like fever or chills.
- Recurrent abscesses in the same area.
- Large abscesses (typically over 5mm in diameter) that are unlikely to drain spontaneously.
How to prepare
- Consultation with the dermatologist to review medical history and current medications.
- Disclosure of any allergies, especially to local anesthetics, antibiotics, or latex.
- Washing the hair and scalp with a mild, antibacterial shampoo the night before or morning of the procedure.
- Avoiding the application of any oils, gels, or styling products to the hair on the day of the procedure.
- Informing the doctor if you are on blood thinners (like aspirin or warfarin), as adjustments may be needed.
- Arranging for transportation if sedation is considered, though it is usually not required.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hematoma (collection of blood) at the incision site.
- Infection or recurrence of the abscess.
- Scarring or changes in hair growth at the procedure site.
- Allergic reaction to the local anesthetic or other medications used.
- Nerve damage, which is rare but can cause temporary or permanent numbness in a small area of the scalp.
- Incomplete drainage, potentially requiring a second procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Keep the wound clean and dry as per the dermatologist's instructions, which may involve gentle cleansing with prescribed antiseptic.
- Change wound dressings regularly if packing or a bandage was applied.
- Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers as directed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.
- Avoid scratching, picking, or putting pressure on the healing area.
- Refrain from vigorous exercise, swimming, or using hot tubs for a few days to a week.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and for removal of any packing material.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or pus drainage.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 7-14 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering scalp abscess in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for scalp abscess in India include Manipal Hospital Jaipur, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform scalp abscess. MediFyr helps you compare dermatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for scalp abscess compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Scalp Abscess in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing scalp abscess.
Krishna Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Krishna Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, first noticed a small, painful bump on the back of his scalp after a haircut. He dismissed it as an ingrown hair, but over two weeks, it grew into a large, throbbing, red lump the size of a golf ball. The pain became constant, radiating down his neck, and he developed a low-grade fever. His wife insisted he see a doctor. The dermatologist, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed a severe scalp abscess, likely from a minor folliculitis that became deeply infected. He explained that the pus needed to be drained to prevent the infection from spreading. Krishna was terrified of the pain and the idea of an incision on his head. In the procedure room, after a local anesthetic numbed the area, he felt intense pressure but no sharp pain as Dr. Sharma made a small incision and drained the foul-smelling pus. He was prescribed a course of antibiotics. Recovery involved daily dressing changes with his wife's help. Within a week, the pain and swelling were gone, and the wound healed cleanly. Emotionally, Krishna went from feeling anxious and embarrassed about the unsightly lump to immense relief and gratitude. He learned not to ignore small skin issues and felt a renewed appreciation for his family's care.
Dermatologists for Scalp Abscess
Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform scalp abscess and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 32 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 3 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 5 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 40 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata