An abscess is common, and it can occur anywhere on the body. It is ordinarily caused by a bacterial infection.
An abscess is filled with pus resulting in a swollen appearance. Also visible is a build-up of white or yellow pus under the skin. The skin will also show signs of redness and warmth to the touch. Other commonly experienced symptoms include high temperature and chills.
An abscess that develops inside the body is more challenging to detect and identify. Some indications include pain and tenderness in the affected area, fever, a general feeling of discomfort and being unwell.
An abscess occurs when there is a bacterial infection. It can also happen if the oil or sweat gland in the skin becomes blocked. The most common areas of the body where an abscess is found are the underarms, hands and feet, genitals, trunk and buttock area.
When an infection occurs, the body's immune system goes into action in the form of white blood cells that are sent to the affected area to fight the bacteria. As this battle is taking place, some tissues lying nearby die, which leaves a hole filled with pus-forming an abscess. The pus contains bacteria, white blood cells and dead tissues.
As a result of a cut or graze, a minor skin wound is enough to cause the formation of an abscess, as does blocked oil and sweat glands. Be mindful when shaving, especially on the face, legs, underarm areas, and bikini areas. Avoid sharing items such as shavers and toothbrushes.
The risk of bacteria spread can be further reduced by upkeeping healthy personal grooming and hygiene habits like:
• washing hands regularly and encouraging family members to do the same
• using separate towels and toothbrushes as well as avoid sharing baths
• disposing of tissues that have been used to wipe pus away properly
If one is affected by a skin abscess, ensure that it is fully healed before using communal equipment such as saunas, swimming pools and gym equipment. It is essential to ensure that one DOES NOT attempt to squeeze the pus out of an abscess on one's own, as this can cause the bacteria to spread to other parts of the skin.
Additionally, a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced and healthy diet and not smoking, among others, can help reduce the likelihood of skin abscesses.
While the boil is the most commonly experienced skin abscess, there are other types:
Anorectal abscess
Pus build-up inside the rectum and anus
Bartholin's cyst
A pus build-up in one of the Bartholin's glands, found on each side of a vagina's opening
Brain abscess
A rare but potentially life-threatening build-up of pus inside the skull
Dental abscess
A pus build-up under a tooth or in the supporting gum and bone
Pilonidal abscess
A pus build-up in the skin of the cleft of the buttocks (where the buttocks separate)
Quinsy (Peritonsillar abscess)
A pus build-up of pus between one of the tonsils and the wall of the throat
Small skin abscess usually drains or shrinks, dries up and disappears naturally without treatment. However, large ones may need the application of antibiotics, and the pus may need to be drained. Seeking medical help is a recommended method to effectively address the issue.
During the consultation, the area affected will be examined. In general, the appropriate treatment will be meted out depending on the type and size of the abscess. Main treatment options include antibiotics, a drainage procedure or surgery.
This procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic. A small cut is made on the affected area during the procedure to drain the pus out. Once all the pus has been removed, sterile saline will be used to clean the area. The area will be left opened but covered with a wound dressing to ease the draining of any excess pus. An antiseptic dressing may be placed to keep the wound open in cases where the abscess is deep.
At Amaris B. Clinic, we provide abscess removal treatment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.