In absolute agony... someone help!

[starlight3030]

I have an abscess down below, and it is so unbelievably painful. I've been given antibiotics started them yesterday. I'm in so much pain it's unreal, has anyone any tips to numb the pain?
Tia. X

Have you got an appt to drain the abcess? Won't you need that as well as the antibiotics?
Would a warm bath or sitting on an ice pack help in the meantime?

@YukoandHiro the doctor said it's small enough not to need draining at this point and pus had already started to come out, so I'm taking that as a good sign?!
Thank you i will try a heat pack!

@YukoandHiro ice pack rather!

Hot salt water bathing. Like you would for a gum or tooth infection.

Yes to a salt bath. Keep it sterile!

Give it a gentle squeeze but don't use force and get as much puss out as you can comfortably this relieves the pain and take antibiotics in the meantime.
Hot bath is good to draw out the infection.

Thanks everyone! It just hurts so much when anything comes into contact with it that I'm scared to bathe it, I know I probably just need to get over myself and do it!

Take an extra antibiotic dose.
Upping the doseage on the first day gives it a boost

I assume you’ve taken painkillers?

Yes, painkillers should help.

Can you sit in a hot bath with a handful of salt in it for half an hour or so until painkillers kick in? Try ibuprofen.

Another vote for a bath as hot as you can stand and let the water get to the abscess.

Repeated baths, 3-4 times a day can help it burst.

I had this (Bartholin cyst?) a few years ago and commiserate - it is so painful :(

Agree with advice to sit in a shallow warm salt bath or use warm salt water compress for 5-10 mins then gently apply pressure near the cyst (not directly squeezing it) to remove even a little pus can really help.

I also used a cotton bud soaked in warm salt water to VERY gently stroke the gland entrance and encourage the pus to come out.

Use a mirror so you can see what you're doing. I found it easiest to prop up a big mirror and sit over or in front of it rather than using a small handheld one as it gives you both hands free. It's awkward but better than trying to do it without looking.

Some people recommend alternating warm and cold baths.

And ibuprofen definitely took the edge off. It doesn't help right now but maybe get some cocodemol too so you can alternate with ibuprofen for more constant pain relief.

Hope the antibiotics work quickly for you!