Fast, Compassionate Care
Boils & Abscess Treatment in Northeast Philadelphia
Boils and abscesses can be painful, swollen, and sometimes alarming. These skin infections often start small but can quickly worsen without proper medical attention. At IPMC Health Clinic in Northeast Philadelphia, we offer same-day care to diagnose, treat, and relieve painful skin infections safely and effectively.
Whether it’s a minor boil or a deep abscess, our experienced providers are here to help with quick, expert care in a welcoming environment.
Know Symptoms
What Are the Signs of a Boil or Abscess?
Boils and abscesses are usually caused by bacterial infections under the skin. While they can appear anywhere, they’re most common on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs. Symptoms include:
- A red, swollen bump that’s tender or painful
- The area becoming larger and more inflamed over time
- A white or yellow center (pus-filled head)
- Fever or fatigue (in more serious cases)
- Warmth and tightness around the infected area
- Possible drainage if the boil ruptures
If the infection spreads or doesn’t improve, it may require medical drainage or antibiotics.
Care Process
How We Treat Boils & Abscesses
When you visit IPMC Health Clinic for a boil or abscess, we’ll:
- Perform a physical exam and assess the severity of the infection
- Determine if the abscess needs to be drained (incision & drainage)
- Clean and dress the wound to promote healing
- Prescribe antibiotics if necessary
- Provide aftercare instructions and follow-up if needed
We treat infections with care and precision to prevent complications and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Trusted Specialists
Why Choose IPMC Health Clinic?
At IPMC Health Clinic, we’re committed to providing fast, skilled care for boils and abscesses—right here in your neighborhood.
Same-Day Appointments – Don’t wait to be seen
Working Hours – Monday–Thursday, 8 AM – 2 PM
Convenient Location – Right here in Northeast Philadelphia
Compassionate, Bilingual Team – Treating every patient with care and respect
Safe, Clean Environment – Focused on comfort and recovery
Simply fill out the form, and our team will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boils & Abscesses Treatment
What’s the difference between a boil and an abscess?
A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected hair follicles or oil glands. An abscess is a deeper collection of pus that can form in the skin or other tissues and may be larger and more swollen than a boil.
Can I treat a boil or abscess at home?
Small boils may drain and heal on their own with warm compresses, but larger or painful abscesses often require medical treatment. Never try to squeeze or pop one yourself—it can worsen the infection.
How do you treat boils or abscesses at IPMC?
Our team can safely drain the area (called incision and drainage), clean the infection, and prescribe antibiotics if needed to clear the infection and prevent complications.
Is the procedure painful?
We use local anesthesia to numb the area before drainage, so you’ll feel little to no pain during the procedure.
Will I need antibiotics after treatment?
Sometimes. If the infection is spreading, severe, or you have a weakened immune system, we may prescribe antibiotics to ensure complete healing.
How long does it take to heal?
Healing time varies depending on the size and severity of the infection, but most patients begin feeling relief within a day or two after drainage.
Can boils or abscesses come back?
Yes, they can recur—especially in individuals with underlying conditions like diabetes or weakened immune systems. Practicing good hygiene and following any aftercare instructions can help prevent recurrence.
Should I be worried if I get boils often?
Frequent or recurrent boils may signal an underlying health issue. If this happens to you, speak with one of our providers for further evaluation and long-term care strategies.
Do you treat boils in children?
Yes! We provide compassionate care for patients of all ages, including children who develop skin infections or boils.
