Which department should I visit for pus or suppuration?

Purulent infections may be evaluated and treated in departments such as dermatology, surgery, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ENT), or ophthalmology, depending on the location of the infection—for example, skin surface, joints, ears, nose, throat, etc. If purulent infection is accompanied by high fever, chills, or severe localized pain, immediate medical attention at a hospital is necessary.

1. **Dermatology**: Suitable for superficial skin infections such as folliculitis, furuncles (boils), or infected skin ulcers. Treatment may include wound debridement, topical anti-infective medications, and, if necessary, oral antibiotics to determine whether the infection originates from the skin.

2. **Surgery**: For deep subcutaneous, intra-abdominal, or breast infections, or when abscesses require incision and drainage, surgical consultation is recommended. Specialists can assess the extent of infection through clinical evaluation and provide surgical debridement or drainage procedures.

3. **Orthopedics**: When pus involves joints or bones—such as in septic arthritis or osteomyelitis—orthopedic specialists use imaging studies to evaluate the severity of infection and administer targeted treatments including antimicrobial therapy and joint irrigation, aiming to preserve bone and joint function.

4. **Otolaryngology (ENT)**: For purulent infections in areas such as the external ear canal, pharynx, or sinuses—including conditions like suppurative otitis media or sinusitis—specialists use otoscopes or nasal endoscopes to identify the infection site and provide local medication or surgical drainage as needed.

5. **Ophthalmology**: When eyes or surrounding tissues develop pus, such as in hordeolum (stye) with suppuration or orbital cellulitis, ophthalmologists use slit-lamp examinations to assess the condition and perform local debridement and anti-infective treatment to prevent vision-threatening complications due to infection spread.

In daily care, keep the infected area clean and dry, avoid squeezing it manually, follow prescribed medication instructions, maintain a light yet nutritious diet, monitor changes at the infection site, and seek medical help promptly if redness and swelling worsen or spread.