There are many different types of abscesses on your body, but most commonly they occur on your skin, in your mouth, or around your internal organs. Abscesses are usually caused by bacterial infections that cause your immune system to form a barrier around the infected area. In addition to preventing infection from spreading, this barrier also creates a space for pus to accumulate. In pus, white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue fragments are present.
Abscesses are discussed in this blog post, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Abscesses can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Cuts, scrapes, bites, and punctures can cause bacteria to enter the skin and cause an infection, resulting in a skin abscess or a deeper abscess if the bacteria reach your internal organs.
If your sweat glands, hair follicles, or oil glands are blocked, bacteria can accumulate and cause inflammation and infection. This can result in a skin abscess or boil (furuncle).
Inflammation: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease can also cause inflammation and infection in your organs, which can lead to an internal abscess in your abdomen or pelvis.
Defects in your development before birth, such as spina bifida or congenital scoliosis, can result in an opening or pocket where bacteria can grow and cause an infection. This can result in an internal abscess.
Abscesses can also be caused by other conditions that affect your immune system or increase your risk of infection, such as diabetes, cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease, or alcoholism.
The symptoms of an abscess depend on its location and severity. Some common symptoms include:
Pain: An abscess can cause throbbing or sharp pain in the affected area. The pain may get worse when you touch or move the area.
Redness: An abscess can cause redness and warmth in the surrounding skin. The redness may spread as the infection progresses.
Swelling: An abscess can cause swelling and bulging in the affected area. The swelling may feel hard or soft depending on the amount of pus inside.
Pus: An abscess can leak pus through a hole or a crack in the skin. The pus may be white, yellow, green, or brown. It may also have a foul smell.
Fever: An abscess can cause fever and chills as your body tries to fight the infection. You may also feel tired and unwell.
Your health care provider will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medications if you have symptoms of an abscess.
Additionally, they will examine the affected area for signs of infection.
In order to confirm the diagnosis of an abscess and determine its cause, your provider may order some tests. These tests may include:
Blood tests: These are samples of blood taken from a vein to check for signs of infection, inflammation, anemia, or liver or kidney problems.
Urine tests: These are samples of urine taken from a cup or a catheter to check for signs of infection, stones, or diabetes.
Stool tests: These are samples of stool taken from a container or a swab to check for signs of infection, parasites, or blood.
X-rays: These are images that show the bones and organs in the abdomen . They can detect signs of obstruction, injury, or abnormal growths.
Ultrasound: This is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the soft tissues and organs in the abdomen . It can detect signs of inflammation, infection, or abnormal growths.
CT scan: This is a test that uses X-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the abdomen . It can provide more detailed information about the organs and tissues in the abdomen than X-rays.
MRI: This is a test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the abdomen . It can provide more information about the soft tissues and organs in the abdomen than CT scan.
Endoscopy: This is a test that involves inserting a thin tube with a light and camera into the mouth or anus to examine the inside of the digestive tract . It can detect signs of inflammation, ulcer, polyp, or tumor.
The treatment of an abscess depends on its cause, location, and size. The main goals of treatment are to:
Drain the pus and relieve the pressure
Kill the bacteria and clear the infection
Prevent or treat any complications
Improve the healing and recovery
The treatment options for an abscess include:
The following medications may be prescribed or recommended by your provider to help treat the infection and reduce pain and inflammation:
Depending on the type and severity of the infection, antibiotics can kill or stop the growth of bacteria that cause infections. They can be taken orally or injected into a vein or muscle.
An abscess can be painful, so you may take pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. You should follow your provider's instructions on how much and how often to take these medications.
It is possible to reduce swelling and redness caused by an abscess with anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications include corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Follow your provider's instructions for how much and how often to take them.
A draining procedure involves cutting the skin over the abscess and squeezing out the pus. By doing so, the pain and pressure can be relieved and the infection can heal more quickly. You may be able to do it yourself with proper instructions and tools at home or by your provider at a clinic or hospital. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, while general anesthesia puts you to sleep. To prevent further infection, you may need to apply a dressing or a bandage after drainage.
Surgery involves removing the abscess and the damaged tissue surrounding it. If the abscess is large, deep, or complicated by other conditions, surgery may be required. The infection may also need to be treated surgically if drainage or medications fail to work. It is usually performed under general anesthesia in a clinic or hospital. You may need to take antibiotics and pain relievers after surgery, as well as follow wound care instructions.
There may not be a way to prevent all abscesses, but you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting them or making them worse. These steps include:
You should wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching any wounds or infections. You should also keep your skin clean, dry, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or needles.
If you suffer from a cut, scrape, bite, or puncture, wash it with soap and water immediately and apply antiseptic cream or ointment. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever, you should see your provider immediately. You should also cover them with a sterile bandage or dressing.
Chronic conditions: You should consult your provider about how to control any conditions that may affect your immune system or increase your risk of infection, such as diabetes, cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease, or alcoholism. You should also take any medications as prescribed, and monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
If you experience pain, redness, swelling, pus, fever, or chills, you should see your healthcare provider. The provider should also be consulted if you suffer from an abscess that does not improve with home treatment, or if you suffer from complications such as infection spreading, organ damage, or sepsis from an abscess.
Abscesses are painful and swollen lumps containing pus. They can occur anywhere on your body, but are most common around your skin, mouth, or internal organs. As a result of a bacterial infection, your immune system forms a barrier around the infected area, causing an abscess.
Depending on its cause, location, and size, an abscess can be diagnosed by your health care provider based on your medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and some tests.
By practicing good hygiene, treating injuries promptly, managing chronic conditions, and seeking medical attention, abscesses can be prevented.
