Incision and drainage and
clinical lancing are minor
surgical procedures to release
pus or pressure built up under the skin, such as from an
abscess,
boil, or infected paranasal sinus. It is performed by treating the area with an
antiseptic, such as
iodine-based solution, and then making a small incision to puncture the skin using a
sterile instrument such as a sharp needle, a pointed
scalpel or a
lancet. This allows the pus fluid to escape by draining out through the incision.