Which department should you visit for an abscess?

When seeking medical care for abscesses, the appropriate department should generally be selected based on the location and severity of the abscess, such as the general surgery department, dermatology department, stomatology department, otorhinolaryngology (ENT) department, or gynecology department. Specific details are as follows:

1. **General Surgery Department**: If the abscess occurs in deep tissues of the body surface or within body cavities—such as abdominal, chest, or limb areas—including liver abscess, abdominal wall abscess, or perianal abscess, which are often associated with soft tissue or internal organ infections, patients should visit the general surgery department. Doctors will provide anti-infective treatment or perform surgical incision and drainage depending on the condition.

2. **Dermatology Department**: For abscesses occurring on the skin surface, such as sebaceous gland abscesses on the face or back, or superficial abscesses caused by folliculitis, accompanied by symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, and pus formation, patients should seek care at the dermatology department. Treatment may include topical medications or minor incision and drainage procedures, along with control of skin infection.

3. **Stomatology Department**: When an abscess develops in the oral cavity or maxillofacial region—such as gingival abscess, submandibular abscess due to pericoronitis of wisdom teeth, or alveolar abscess—related to dental, gum, or oral mucosal infections, patients should visit the stomatology department. Treatment targets the local lesion, including root canal therapy or incision of the abscess.

4. **Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Department**: Abscesses located in the ear, nose, or throat—such as postauricular abscess, nasal vestibule abscess, or peritonsillar abscess—accompanied by symptoms like hearing impairment, nasal obstruction, or sore throat—require evaluation by the ENT department. Specialists will conduct focused examinations and implement anti-infective therapy or local drainage as needed.

5. **Gynecology Department**: For abscesses affecting the female reproductive system—such as Bartholin's gland abscess or pelvic abscess—associated with gynecological inflammatory infections and presenting with lower abdominal pain, redness, and swelling or pain in the vulva—patients should consult the gynecology department. Treatment plans, whether medication-based or involving surgical drainage, are determined according to the abscess’s location and size.

Once symptoms of an abscess appear, patients should initially determine the appropriate department based on the abscess location to avoid blind medical visits that could delay treatment. During consultation, it is important to clearly inform the doctor about the onset time and progression of symptoms and to cooperate fully with diagnostic evaluations.