Whats is an abscess?

You may have heard the term “abscess” before, but what exactly is it? An abscess is a skin infection containing an accumulation of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can be painful and cause swelling, redness and heat in the affected area. If you think you may have an abscess, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist right away so they can drain the infection and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. In the meantime, here are a few things you should know about abscesses.

How does an abscess form?

An abscess is a collection of pus that forms in response to an infection. The body’s immune system works to fight the infection, and part of this response is to wall off the area of infection. This wall is made up of white blood cells, dead tissue, and fluids forming a pocket of pus. As the body continues to fight the infection, the abscess grows larger. In some cases, the abscess will eventually burst open and drain on its own. However, if it does not, a doctor may need to make a small cut to allow the abscess to drain. Abscesses can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, arms, legs, and buttocks. There are many different types of abscesses, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options.

What is the common cause of an abscess?

Many people think that the common cause of abscesses is poor hygiene. However, while poor hygiene can certainly contribute to the development of an abscess, it is not the only factor. In fact, the primary cause of abscesses is Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin and most people carry them without any ill effects. However, sometimes staph bacteria can penetrate the skin through a break in the skin, such as a cut or scrape. Once bacteria are present, they begin to multiply, causing an infection and the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed and filled with pus.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a particularly virulent form of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. MRSA infections can be difficult to treat and often require hospitalisation. Abscesses are just one type of infection that staph bacteria can cause. Others include cellulitis, impetigo, and boils. Good hygiene such as washing your hands is important for preventing staph infections, but even people who practice good hygiene can develop an infection if they come in contact with someone who is carrying MRSA.

What are the symptoms of an abscess?

The most common symptom of an abscess is a tender, swollen bump on the skin due to a build-up of pus. The bump may be painful to the touch and may exude pus. Other symptoms of an abscess can include, chills, and fatigue. People with an infected abscess may also have a fever and swollen lymph nodes.

If the abscess is located near a joint, it can also cause joint pain and stiffness. If the abscess is located in the throat or mouth, it can cause difficulty swallowing. If the abscess is located on the skin, it may look like a small pimple or boil. If it is located in the mouth, it will appear as a white or yellowish sore. If you suspect that you have an abscess, it is important to see a doctor right away as abscesses can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.

Regardless of its location, an abscess is typically very painful and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Left untreated, an abscess can spread to other areas of the body and lead to serious health complications.

Are all abscesses the same?

No two abscesses are exactly alike, but they can generally be divided into two categories: superficial and deep. Superficial abscesses form closer to the surface of the skin and tend to be less serious than deep abscesses. Deep abscesses are found deeper in the tissue and may require surgery to drain. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your abscess is superficial or deep based on its location and severity.

Skin abscesses

Skin abscesses (cutaneous abscesses) are the most common type of abscess. They often appear as small, painful bumps on the skin that is filled with pus. Skin abscesses can be caused by bacterial infections, trauma, or blocked sweat glands.

Internal abscesses

These occur when pus collects inside an organ or in the spaces between organs. They are often very difficult to detect because they do not always cause symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include fever, chills, and pain in the affected area. Internal abscesses can be life-threatening, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have one.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

This is a type of skin abscess that affects the hair follicles. It often occurs in areas where there are a lot of sweat glands, such as the underarms or groin. Hidradenitis suppurativa is caused by a result of a blocked hair follicle.

Anorectal abscesses

May occur near the anus or rectum. They are often caused by an infection of an anal fissure or by blocked glands in the anal area. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and discharge from the anus. Anorectal abscesses can be very painful and may make it difficult to pass stool.

Peritonsillar abscesses

These occur in the tissues around the tonsils. They are usually caused by a complication of untreated strep throat or tonsilitis. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and bad breath. Peritonsillar abscesses can be very serious and require immediate medical attention.

Pilonidal abscess

This occurs at the base of the spine where the buttocks meet. Occasionally a pilonidal cyst can become infected and fill with pus. This type of abscess is largely avoided through good hygiene habits such as regular washing and keeping the area clean and dry. Surgery may be necessary to drain the abscess. In some cases, recurrent abscesses may require more permanent solutions such as laser removal or surgical excision of the area.

Dental abscess or a Tooth abscess

This is a tooth infection. It’s caused by bacteria that get into the tooth and the surrounding bone. The bacteria cause the area around the tooth to become inflamed and filled with pus. Dental abscesses are very painful and need to be treated by a dentist right away. If the infection isn’t treated, it can spread to other parts of your body and make you very sick.

Brain abscess

This is a pus-filled mass that forms in your brain. It’s caused by bacteria, fungi or other germs that enter your brain through an opening in your skull, such as a cut or a skull fracture. The infection then spreads through your brain tissue. Brain abscesses are rare but very serious.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment for an abscess depends on its location and severity. Superficial abscesses can often be treated at home with warm compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. If the abscess is small and localized, your doctor may be able to drain it with a needle and syringe. This will usually provide immediate relief from pain and pressure. The area will then be cleaned and covered with a sterile bandage. You will likely need to take antibiotics for 7-10 days to clear the infection.

If the abscess is large or does not respond to needle drainage, you may need to have it surgically drained. This procedure is typically done under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. Once the pus has been drained, the area will be cleaned and covered with a sterile bandage. You will likely need to take antibiotics for 7-10 days to clear the infection. In some cases, it may also be necessary to place a drain (tube) in the abscess cavity to help prevent a recurrence. Abscesses can be painful and frustrating, but fortunately there are many effective treatment options available. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.

Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment for your particular case.

What can happen if an abscess does not get treated?

If an abscess is not treated, it can continue to grow and spread. The infection can also enter the bloodstream and cause serious health problems. In some cases, the abscess may burst and release pus into the surrounding tissue. This can cause further damage and may lead to scarring.

Seek medical advice

If you think you may have an abscess, it’s important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible, so they can properly drain the infection and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. Always inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions you may have, including any medication you take.

In the meantime, remember that all abscesses are different and treatment will vary depending on the location and severity of your case. With prompt treatment most abscesses clear up without any complications.

Sources

• Abscess – Medline Plus
• Peritonsillar Abscess: What You Should Know – AAFP
• Abscess – NHS