Mehiläinen Helsinki Töölö · general practice appointment

An abscess often needs more than just waiting.

The key is to distinguish a true pocket of pus from superficial skin infection, a cyst or another lump. Drainage helps only if there is actually pus to empty. If there is a clear abscess and it is suitable for clinic treatment, drainage can often be performed during the same visit.

Book an assessment for an abscess See what I treat

Allow enough time: if you hope the procedure can be performed during the same visit, it is often sensible to book two consecutive appointments. The decision to proceed is always made after assessment.

Price: examinations, supplies and a minor-procedure facility fee may be charged in addition to the consultation. See Mehiläinen’s price list; the exact estimate depends on the findings and procedure performed.

Available appointments and booking are handled in Mehiläinen’s appointment service.

Medically reviewed 2 July 2026 · Markus Huotari, general practitioner

Care route

When should I book, call 116117 or call 112?

Book an appointment if

you suspect a local abscess or inflamed cyst and need to know whether there is pus to drain
the area is painful but general condition is good and redness is not spreading rapidly
you need a decision between monitoring, antibiotics, drainage or referral

Call 116117 if

redness spreads quickly, fever develops or general condition worsens
the abscess is on the face, genital area or around the anus
you have diabetes, immunosuppression, severe chronic illness or the area is large and very painful

Call 112 if

there is chest pain, severe shortness of breath, impaired consciousness, stroke-like symptoms or another emergency
general condition deteriorates rapidly or the person cannot stay awake
bleeding, pain or injury feels immediately life-threatening or function-threatening

This is not an emergency department. At the appointment the aim is to examine the situation and decide the next sensible step: self-care, medication, a minor procedure, tests or referral.

Book an abscess assessment See the guidance on this page

Booking

When is this the right appointment?

a painful, red and tender lump under the skin
a collection that is enlarging or not settling
uncertain skin infection where the choice between antibiotics and procedure matters
need for aftercare or reassessment after an abscess
112 Finland: when to call the emergency number
Medical Helpline 116117

During the visit

What is assessed during the visit?

whether this is a drainable abscess or another finding
whether drainage, irrigation, sampling or further care is needed
whether antibiotics are needed, based on risk factors and overall condition
aftercare, dressings and when reassessment is needed

Clinical decision

Purpose of the appointment

With an abscess, the key question is whether there is a pus collection that needs drainage or an inflammation that should be treated differently. Antibiotics travel in the bloodstream; thick pus in a cavity is a poor target. Larger abscesses may need wound-care nurse visits, dressings and weeks of care. Before drainage, I explain what is likely to happen, although healing and aftercare needs can sometimes change after the procedure.

Booking details

What is useful to mention about a suspected abscess?

where the lump is, how long it has been there and whether it has grown quickly
whether it has started to discharge pus or the redness is spreading
whether there is fever, severe pain or clear worsening of general condition
whether you have diabetes, immune-suppressing treatment or antibiotics already started

If the finding does not feel like a clear pus pocket, drainage may not help. The first decision is what exactly is being treated.

Other appointment situations

General practice urgent care in TöölöAcute GP assessment: urgency, tests, treatment plan and next steps.Sinusitis and antibioticsAssessment of when antibiotics may help and when symptoms are more likely viral.Urinary tract infection and remote careWhen a typical lower UTI can be assessed remotely and when further care is needed.Wound suturing in HelsinkiWound assessment, cleaning, suturing decision, tetanus considerations and aftercare.Minor procedures with a GPFirst clinical assessment, then a procedure when safe and useful.Painful nail foldHow to distinguish pressure, abscess, inflammation and retronychia.