Learn about Scalp Abscess Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Scalp Abscess and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Scalp Abscess

A scalp abscess drainage is a minor surgical procedure performed by a dermatologist to treat a painful, pus-filled infection beneath the skin of the scalp. This localized collection of pus, often caused by bacteria entering through hair follicles or minor skin injuries, requires prompt medical intervention to prevent the infection from spreading. The procedure involves making a small incision to drain the pus, thoroughly cleaning the cavity, and sometimes packing it with sterile gauze to promote healing from the inside out. It provides immediate pain relief, removes the source of infection, and accelerates healing, typically performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 2 Thousand – 8 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 7-14 days Know More
Turkey TRY 7 Thousand – 28 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 7-14 days Know More

Top hospitals for Scalp Abscess in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing scalp abscess.

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279+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Khushboo Jha
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shruti Lakhanpal Tandon
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. KUNA RAMADAS
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Sugandhan S
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Shazia Zaidi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. Himani Mavi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. Alia Abbas Rizivi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. DEEPIKA J SANBAL
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Vindhya Raparla
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. S. SUSHMA SUKRUTHI
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Sushmitha Asokan
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. SK MD Amanur Rahaman
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Ashwini K C
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Imran Wali
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Gargi Taneja
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Aishwarya Devaraj
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Shankar D Desai D
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Pankaj Kanti Jha
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Col. Aradhana Sood
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore

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Dr. Alok Kumar Roy
  • 43 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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