Hello
I will try my best to make this short, sorry if I failed.
I’ve undergone two incision and drainage (I&D) procedures under general anesthesia within the past year, and the pain from gauze wound packing has been the most severe I’ve ever experienced. I really do not want to go through it again. The area is also difficult to manage, as I cannot move my body properly without stretching my chest.
INFO ABOUT ME
27M
175cm
61Kg
Hygiene
- I shower either daily or every other day.
- I sweat almost daily (sports) and shower right-after(within no more than 2 hours).
- I usually use a trimmer on my chest hair. I don’t remember using a razor, but if I did, it was only once, maybe in 2019.
History
- No one in my family of five adults has ever had an abscess before.
- I had severe acne and completed an Accutane course in 2017 and again in early 2025. I stopped midway through the second course and focused on cutting sugar and eating healthy, which worked.
_______________________________
First abscess:
- Size:
( 3.4x0.6cm )
- Location:
Center of my chest, near the sternum.
At first, I thought it was normal acne. It would fade over time and then come back even bigger.
I had surgery in 2024-8
Surgeon’s comments: “The area is well cleaned of pus, and no MRSA was detected.”
Second abscess:
- Size:
( 2.0x0.7cm )
- Location:
Center of my chest, near the first abscess.
As soon as I noticed it, I went to a dermatologist, who again referred me to a surgeon, but no clear advice on prevention was provided.
I had surgery in 2025-8
- Surgeon comments: “Unlike the first procedure, this only needs external disinfection daily or every other day. No regular dressing required.”
Third Abscess:
- Size:
( 1.1x0.2cm )
- Location:
Left upper chest near the clavicle
This time I was better with my hygiene and even started using antibacterial soap. It has faded now, but I’m concerned it may come back.
_______________________________
I read online that ingrown hair could be a cause. However, the third one is not in a hairy area. I did notice black dots near the first two abscesses (picture attached).
I was prescribed Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) twice, but it did not seem effective, even though I started it early during the second abscess.
Anyone can help me get rid of the current abscess without a surgery?
How can I prevent this from recurring again in the future?
Highly appreciated.