Abscess
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about abscesses.
What is an Abscess?
- An abscess is a painful accumulation of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It can appear anywhere on the body, such as:
- Skin abscesses
- Dental abscesses, occurring inside the tooth or on the gums
- Anal abscesses or those around the anus
- Breast abscesses
Vaginal abscesses
Internal abscesses develop inside the body, within an organ, or in the spaces between organs, such as abscesses in the brain or kidneys.
What are the Symptoms of an Abscess?
- Skin Abscesses:
- Typically, an abscess appears as a swollen lump filled with pus beneath the skin’s surface.
- Pain in the area affected by the abscess.
- Often accompanied by a fever.
Swelling of the lymph nodes.
Internal Abscesses:
- The symptoms of internal abscesses vary depending on the abscess’s location in the body. For instance, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) could indicate a liver abscess. In contrast, shortness of breath and coughing are symptoms of an abscess in the lungs. Some general symptoms indicating an internal abscess may include:
- High fever.
- Discomfort in the area of the abscess.
- Increased sweating.
- Chills.
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen.
Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- What Causes an Abscess?
- Most external abscesses are due to bacterial infections. In rare cases, a virus, fungi, or parasites might cause abscesses, such as skin abscesses, which can appear anywhere on the body.
- In contrast, internal abscesses often occur as complications from certain conditions, like those in the abdomen due to infections reaching deep tissues as a result of injury or surgery.
A weakened immune system or internal inflammation can also lead to an internal abscess.
How is an Abscess Diagnosed?
- A physician will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. Additional procedures may be necessary as needed, such as:
- A sample of the abscess may be taken and sent to the lab.
- Blood tests might be conducted to check for elevated white blood cells or inflammatory enzymes.
- For internal abscesses, an ultrasound, an MRI, or other imaging tests might be required depending on the abscess’s location.
If the patient frequently suffers from abscesses, further bacterial testing may be carried out to take appropriate measures.
What are the Treatment Methods for an Abscess?
- Treatment involves several procedures and can include:
- Antibiotics.
- Draining the pus to remove the infection by making an incision or a small opening in the abscess.
Surgery.
However, smaller abscesses might not require these steps; they could open on their own and either drain or shrink and disappear.
How Can You Prevent an Abscess?
Most skin abscesses result from bacteria entering a minor wound or hair follicle. Keeping your skin clean and free of bacteria can help reduce the risk of skin abscesses. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, losing weight if obese, maintaining good oral hygiene, and quitting smoking for smokers can also reduce the likelihood of developing abscesses.
What are the Complications of an Abscess Infection?
Neglecting to treat an abscess can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- It is essential to consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Redness.
- Swelling.
Increased pain.
It’s also vital to visit a dentist if a dental or gum abscess is present.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
I noticed yellow-filled pimples on my skin. Does this mean I have an abscess?
- No, an abscess must be deep and not superficial. Pimples filled with pus can result from inflammatory acne, for example, and do not require surgical intervention or pus drainage. Topical medications and antibiotics are usually sufficient.
I’ve noticed an abscess on my gums. Does this mean there is tooth decay requiring extraction?
