Abscess on back of leg. Pelvic Primary Staphylococcal Infection Presenting as a Thigh Abscess: A Comprehensive Analysis
What is the primary source of a thigh abscess? How can intra-abdominal disease present as an extra-abdominal abscess? What are the potential routes for disease to travel out of the abdomen? What are the common symptoms and diagnostic tools for a thigh abscess secondary to an intra-abdominal source?
The Complexity of Intra-Abdominal Infections and Their Extra-Abdominal Manifestations
Intra-abdominal infections can present in unexpected ways, manifesting as abscesses in extra-abdominal locations. This case report sheds light on the intricate pathways that allow disease to travel from the abdomen to distant sites, such as the thigh. The authors present a novel case of a primary pelvic staphylococcal infection that presented as a left thigh abscess, highlighting the importance of considering intra-abdominal sources when evaluating patients with seemingly isolated limb abscesses.
Potential Routes for Intra-Abdominal Disease to Reach Extra-Abdominal Sites
Intra-abdominal infections can reach extra-abdominal sites through well-defined anatomical routes, including the greater sciatic foramen, obturator foramen, femoral canal, pelvic outlet, and inguinal canal. Additionally, nerves and vessels can serve as conduits for disease to travel out of the abdomen. The authors note that the psoas muscle, which extends from the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae to the lesser trochanter of the femur, can also allow disease to track along the muscle and present as a thigh abscess.
Atypical Presentation of a Pelvic Staphylococcal Infection
The case report describes a 60-year-old man who presented with left posterior thigh pain and fever, without a clear history of abdominal or pelvic pathology. Physical examination revealed a diffusely swollen, erythematous, and tender left thigh, but no obvious signs of an intra-abdominal source. Imaging studies, including X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI, confirmed the presence of an inflammatory process in the left hemipelvis and thigh, involving the iliacus muscle group and obturator internus muscle.
Diagnosis and Management of Thigh Abscesses with Intra-Abdominal Origins
The authors emphasize the importance of considering an intra-abdominal source when evaluating patients with thigh abscesses, as the symptoms can often be attributed solely to the abscess itself. In this case, the abscess was drained, and subsequent bacterial culture revealed a profuse growth of Staphylococcus aureus, indicating a primary pelvic staphylococcal infection as the underlying cause. The patient recovered well, except for a moderate fever on the third postoperative day.
The Diagnostic Challenges and Importance of Early Intervention
Thigh abscesses secondary to intra-abdominal sources can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are often vague and can be attributed to the abscess itself. The authors note that the condition is rare but carries a high mortality rate if not diagnosed and treated early. Increased C-reactive protein, leukocytosis, and anemia may be clues to an underlying intra-abdominal source. Imaging modalities, such as CT scans, radiographs, ultrasound, and MRI, can provide valuable diagnostic information.
The Significance of Atypical Causative Organisms and Unusual Presentation Patterns
The authors highlight the novelty of this case, as the causative organism was Staphylococcus aureus, which is atypical for an intra-abdominal source, and the abscess was tracked through the obturator foramen, presenting in the posterior thigh, distant from the original pelvic infection. This underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for intra-abdominal sources, even in cases where the presentation or causative organism is unexpected.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Evaluation and Multidisciplinary Approach
The management of thigh abscesses with intra-abdominal origins requires a thorough evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach. The authors emphasize the need for clinicians to consider the potential for intra-abdominal sources, even in cases where the presentation appears to be isolated to the limb. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
Pelvic Primary Staphylococcal Infection Presenting as a Thigh Abscess
Intra-abdominal disease can present as an extra-abdominal abscess and can follow several routes, including the greater sciatic foramen, obturator foramen, femoral canal, pelvic outlet, and inguinal canal. Nerves and vessels can also serve as a route out of the abdomen. The psoas muscle extends from the twelfth thoracic and fifth lower lumbar vertebrae to the lesser trochanter of the femur, which means that disease in this muscle group can migrate along the muscle, out of the abdomen, and present as a thigh abscess. We present a case of a primary pelvic staphylococcal infection presenting as a thigh abscess. The patient was a 60-year-old man who presented with left posterior thigh pain and fever. Physical examination revealed a diffusely swollen left thigh with overlying erythematous, shiny, and tense skin. X-rays revealed no significant soft tissue lesions, ultrasound was suggestive of an inflammatory process, and MRI showed inflammatory changes along the left hemipelvis and thigh involving the iliacus muscle group, left gluteal region, and obturator internus muscle. The abscess was drained passively via two incisions in the posterior left thigh, releasing large amounts of purulent discharge. Subsequent bacterial culture revealed profuse growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The patient recovered uneventfully except for a moderate fever on the third postoperative day.
1. Introduction
Intra-abdominal infections may reach extra-abdominal sites by traveling via certain well-defined routes [1], presenting as abscesses in extra-abdominal locations [2], including the buttock [3, 4], thigh [5], and calf [6]. Four main abdominal sources have been reported: intestinal, renal, vertebral, and iliopsoas muscle [6]; diabetes mellitus, trauma, and immunodeficiency are predisposing factors [6].
The greater sciatic foramen, obturator foramen, femoral canal, pelvic outlet, and inguinal canal all have the potential to allow communication between the abdomen and the thigh or perineum [5, 7]. Because the psoas muscle extends from the twelfth thoracic and fifth lower lumbar vertebrae to the lesser trochanter of the femur, disease in this muscle can track dependently directly along the muscle, out of the abdomen, and appear as a thigh abscess [3, 4, 8]. The condition is rare but carries a high mortality rate if not diagnosed early [6, 9]. However, the symptoms are often vague and can be ascribed to the thigh abscess itself, often leading to a lack of further diagnostics to rule out an intra-abdominal source. Generally, patients with a thigh abscess secondary to an intra-abdominal source present with general malaise, usually a fever, leukocytosis, and sometimes anemia, especially if the progression is chronic [4–6, 9, 10]. Increased C-reactive protein has also been reported [10]. Computed tomography (CT) scans are the most useful diagnostic tool, but radiographs, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging also provide useful information [8]. An air-fluid interface can be seen on CT scans of the abdomen, suggesting a gas-producing abscess [6]. Thigh abscesses are rare but well documented as primary presentations in patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.
A patient is described with a primary staphylococcal pelvic infection presenting as a left thigh abscess. This case is novel in that the causative organism was atypical and the primary source of the staphylococcal infection was unknown. Furthermore, the abscess was tracked through the obturator foramen, presenting in the posterior thigh, distant from the original perirectal infection.
2. Case Report
A 60-year-old man presented to the emergency room with a 5-day history of severe left posterior thigh pain associated with loose motions. The patient also had fever and chills. His medical history was unremarkable, with no history of diabetes mellitus or abdominal surgery. On physical examination, the patient was sweating and appeared ill. His temperature was 36.6°C, his blood pressure was 14.532 kPa, and his pulse rate was 105 beats per minute. The posterior aspect of his left thigh was diffusely swollen and exquisitely tender to the touch, with no palpable crepitance. The skin overlying the posterior thigh, extending from the knee to the lower gluteal fold, was erythematous, shiny, and tense but not indurated. A distal neurovascular examination was normal. His Hb was 13.8 g/L, total leukocyte count was /L, and a renal function profile was normal.
An X-ray of his thigh showed no significant soft tissue lesions (Figure 1). Ultrasound revealed signs of inflammation but no signs of fluid in the abdomen. MR imaging showed inflammatory changes along the left hemipelvis and thigh. These changes extended from the iliacus muscle through the iliacus muscle group, together with a conglomeration of small loculated fluid collections under the skin surface of the left gluteal region and along the medial aspect of the left hemipelvis abutting the obturator internus muscle (Figure 2).
Two separate incisions were made on the posterior aspect of the left thigh and another incision medially, resulting in the drainage of large amounts of pus, which appeared to track along the musculofascial planes from above deep into the thigh. The thigh abscess was continuous with the original perirectal/retroperitoneal abscess and tracked through the obturator foramen. Passive drainage was effective. Bacteriological examination of the pus showed profuse growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The patient received ceftriaxone and metronidazole antibiotic therapy intravenously for 10 days in addition to percutaneous drainage. An original cause for the abdominal abscess was not determined.
The patient’s postoperative period was uneventful, but he experienced a moderate degree of fever on the third postoperative day. The blood pressure, Hb, total leukocyte count, and renal function profiles were reassessed in the postoperative period and found to be within normal limits. The wound was closed secondarily.
3. Discussion
Traditionally, abscesses of the thigh appear to arise primarily from local structures. Among the most common causes are skin and soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis, infected posttraumatic hematoma, thrombophlebitis, and pyomyositis [11]. Abscesses arising from pelvic contents may present with signs and symptoms in remote locations, distant from the abdomen [12]. Pelvic infections can be primary, as in psoas abscesses. Although the source of infection may be unknown, these infections are thought to arise by hematogenous spread or secondary to an adjacent retroperitoneal or intra-abdominal infection. Other causes of a secondary abscess include appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, osteomyelitis, neoplasm, disk infection, renal infections, and trauma [13]. Certain intra-abdominal inflammatory pathologies may be involved in the etiology of painful, swollen thighs, including diverticulitis, acute appendicitis, colorectal carcinoma, Crohn’s disease, ischiorectal abscess, rectal trauma, and primary staphylococcal abscess [2, 14–16].
A review of reported cases suggests that intra-abdominal sepsis may spread into the thigh through direct soft tissue extension or through natural abdominal wall defects, mainly along the femoral canal, obturator foramen, sacrosciatic notch, or the psoas muscle behind the inguinal ligament and iliofemoral vessels [13, 17]. Up to 14% of retroperitoneal abscesses are considered primary because no other associated condition can be found. Recently, retroperitoneal abscesses have been described as late complications originating from “lost” stones following laparoscopic cholecystectomy [6]. The most common pathogen in a primary psoas abscess is S. aureus (88.4% of cases), with other pathogens including Streptococci species (4.9%), Escherichia coli (2.8%) [18], Pasteurella multocida, Proteus species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacteroides species, Clostridium welchii, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Klebsiella species [19, 20].
Because of its often insidious onset and subtle clinical signs in retroperitoneal abscess, the correct diagnosis may be delayed in many patients [17]. Generally, an abscess will be located on the same side as its source, limiting the differential diagnosis and allowing for a more focused investigation [1]. Radiological abnormalities are reported in 40–90% of patients with retroperitoneal abscesses [14, 17]. The presence of fluid collections on abdominal ultrasound is also of diagnostic importance. Chest X-rays may reveal elevation or fixation of the diaphragm, pleural effusion, and/or basal atelectasis. Similarly, the presence of a retroperitoneal abscess may be indicated by abnormal psoas shadow, scoliosis, or a soft tissue mass on plain abdominal roentgenograms [17].
Drainage can be performed surgically or radiologically. Percutaneous drainage may be difficult in some patients because of the location of the abscess but should be employed whenever possible. Even in patients with complex, multiloculated abscesses, percutaneous drainage should be attempted, with open surgical drainage reserved only for patients in whom percutaneous drainage fails. Patients with secondary psoas abscesses require correction of their underlying disease in addition to the drainage procedure. Extraperitoneal drainage is a safe, effective method of draining these abscesses [9].
Drainage can be either direct or percutaneous. Although abscesses inside the thigh are due to direct extension from the retroperitoneum, it may be better to make a separate incision on the thigh to drain the abscess rather than draining from the trunk. Draining a thigh abscess from an incision at the thigh has two advantages. First, the abscess can be more easily and directly approached. Second, the viability of the muscle and fascia of the thigh, as well as the need for further debridement, can be adequately evaluated [21]. Indeed, some thigh abscesses can be cured by drainage alone [5, 22, 23].
Initially, percutaneous abscess drainage was limited to simple abscesses (i.e., well-defined, unilocular) with safe drainage routes, but drainage was later expanded to include complex abscesses (i.e., loculated, ill-defined, or extensively dissecting abscesses), multiple abscesses, abscesses with enteric fistulas or whose drainage routes traversed normal organs, and complicated abscesses (i.e., appendiceal, splenic, interloop, and pelvic) [23].
Retroperitoneal abscesses can be treated with intravenous antibiotics alone but only if the abscess is small (<3 cm) and the patient’s general condition is good. Drainage, however, is required in most cases. The initial procedure of choice is ultrasound- or CT-guided percutaneous drainage, which has a high success rate (>80%), although the insertion of more than one catheter is sometimes necessary. Surgical exploration should be reserved for abscesses that do not drain adequately during percutaneous drainage or when malignancy in either the urinary tract or the bowel is suspected. Collections tracking along the psoas fascia into the lower limb, as in our patient, should be drained by several separate incisions in conjunction with debridement [1].
Authors’ Contributions
Tariq O. Abbas was solely responsible for data collection and writing and revising the paper and final approval.
Acknowledgment
This study was funded by the Medical Research Centre of Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The Grant no. was 10/10110.
Folliculitis, Boils, and Carbuncles | Cedars-Sinai
Not what you’re looking for?
What are folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles?
Folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles are types of infections of 1
or more hair follicles. A hair follicle is the base or root of a hair. The
infections can occur anywhere on the skin where there is hair. They happen most
often where there may be rubbing and sweating. This includes the back of the neck,
face, armpits, waist, groin, thighs, or buttocks.
There are 3 different kinds of infections:
- Folliculitis. This is the most
superficial type of inflammation of the hair follicles. This can appear on the
neck, breasts, buttocks, back, chest and face. - Boil. This is an infection of
the hair follicle that goes into the deeper layers of skin. A small pocket of
pus (abscess) forms. It’s also known as a furuncle. They often occur in the
waist area, groin, buttocks, and under the arms. - Carbuncle. This is a group of
infected hair follicles with pus. A carbuncle is larger and deeper than a boil.
Carbuncles are often found on the back of the neck or thigh.
What causes folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles?
Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph) are the most common
cause of these infections. But other kinds of bacteria can also cause them.
Who is at risk for folliculitis, boils, and
carbuncles?
Anybody can develop folliculitis, boils, or carbuncles. A person
is more at risk if they:
- Have diabetes or a weak immune system
- Have other skin infections
- Have close contact with someone with a skin abscess, boil,
or carbuncle - Have skin injuries, such as scrapes, cuts, or insect
bites - Are getting IV(intravenous) medicine
- Have been in hot tub or spa water that isn’t correctly
treated
What are the symptoms of folliculitis, boils, and
carbuncles?
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person.
Symptoms for folliculitis may include:
- Irritated and red follicles
- Pus in the hair follicle
- Damaged hair
Symptoms for a boil may include:
- A warm, painful lump in the skin
- Pus in the center of the lump
- Whitish, bloody fluid leaking from the boil
Symptoms for a carbuncle may include:
- Pus in the center of a group of boils
- Whitish, bloody fluid leaking from the boils
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Pain in the area
The symptoms of folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles can be like
other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a
diagnosis.
How are folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and health
history. They will give you a physical exam. The physical exam will include a skin
exam. A sample of the pus from the infection may be sent to a lab. This is called
a
culture. It’s done to see what type of bacteria caused the infection. It can help
the healthcare provider decide the best antibiotic for treatment. You may need to
see a specialist to treat a moderate to severe boil or carbuncle.
How are folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles treated?
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general
health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Folliculitis and mild boils may go away with no treatment. Warm
cloths (compresses) may help easy symptoms and speed healing.
Moderate to severe boils and carbuncles are often treated by
draining. A healthcare provider cuts into the sore and drains the fluid (pus)
inside. This is called incision and drainage. You may also need to take antibiotic
medicine by mouth (oral) or by IV in a vein. You may also need to put antibiotic
ointment or cream on the area.
During treatment:
- Keep your skin clean.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after touching the
infected area. - Don’t reuse or share washcloths or towels.
- Change the bandages often. Place them in a bag that can be
closed and thrown out.
Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and
possible side effects of all treatments.
What are possible complications of folliculitis, boils, and
carbuncles?
Possible complications include:
- Infection spreading to other parts of the body
- Return of the infection
- Scarring
- The infection spreads into the blood
Can folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles be prevented?
To help prevent these infections:
- Clean and protect any skin injuries.
- Wash your hands often.
- Keep your nails cut short.
- Keep your face clean, use clean razors, and bathe
often. - Use only well-maintained spas or hot tubs.
- Don’t have contact with others who have active skin sores.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call the healthcare provider if you have:
- Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse
- Fever
- Other new symptoms
- A sore nodule with pus that is getting bigger
Key points about folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles
- Folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles are types of infections
of 1 or more hair follicles. - The infections can occur anywhere on the skin where there is
hair. They happen most often where there may be rubbing and sweating. This
includes the back of the neck, face, armpits, waist, groin, thighs, or
buttocks. - Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph) are the most
common cause of these infections. - Symptoms may include redness, pus, pain, and fluid leaking
from the sore. - Folliculitis and mild boils may go away with no treatment.
Moderate to severe boils and carbuncles are often treated by draining. You may
also need to take antibiotic medicine by mouth (oral) or by IV in a vein.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare
provider:
- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to
happen. - Before your visit, write down questions you want
answered. - Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and
remember what your provider tells you. - At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and
any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions
your provider gives you. - Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how
it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. - Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the
results could mean. - Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have
the test or procedure. - If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date,
time, and purpose for that visit. - Know how you can contact your provider if you have
questions.
Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD
Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
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Epidural Abscess | Johns Hopkins Medicine
What is an epidural abscess?
An epidural abscess is an infection that forms in the space between your skull bones and your brain lining (intracranial epidural abscess). Quite often, it forms in the space between the bones of your spine and the lining membrane of your spinal cord (spinal epidural abscess).
An epidural abscess results in a pocket of pus that builds up and causes swelling. It can press against your bones and the membranes that protect your spinal cord and your brain (meninges). This swelling and the underlying infection can affect sensations and physical movement and can cause other problems. An epidural abscess needs to be treated right away.
What causes an epidural abscess?
Typically, an epidural abscess is caused by a Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection. It could also result from a fungus or another germ circulating in your body. Much of the time, healthcare providers can’t find a particular cause of the infection.
What are the risk factors for epidural abscess?
If you suffer from persistent sinus or ear infections, or have had an injury to your head, you may be more likely to develop an epidural abscess inside your skull. You’re more likely to develop an epidural abscess on your spine if you have an infection in the bones of your spine or in your blood, or have had a surgical procedure on your back.
Spinal Epidural Abscess
What are the symptoms of an epidural abscess?
The symptoms of an epidural abscess depend on the location of the abscess. An epidural abscess may cause these symptoms:
Headache
Disturbed consciousness
Fever
Unusual sensation throughout your body
Problems with coordination and movement
Trouble walking
General weakness of the muscles in both the arms and legs that worsens
Paralysis — being unable to move your legs or arms
Pain in your back
Inability to control your bowels or bladder
Feeling nauseated or vomiting
Feeling very tired and sluggish
How is an epidural abscess diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Diagnostic tests and exams may include:
Neurological exam to look for changes in motor and sensory function, vision, coordination and balance, mental status, and in mood or behavior
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Tests of a fluid sample from the abscessed area to determine the cause of the infection
Blood tests to look for germs and other signs of infection
How is an epidural abscess treated?
Typically, your healthcare provider will give you antibiotics to fight the infection that caused the abscess. A surgeon may need to drain the fluid from the abscess with a needle, to help relieve the pressure. Sometimes, your surgeon may remove it entirely. You will most likely require surgery to drain or remove the abscess if you have difficulty moving or are unable to move at all, or if you have sensation problems, such as numbness, somewhere in the body.
What are the complications of an epidural abscess?
Without treatment, serious complications can occur, such as:
Meningitis, an infection of your meninges
Abscess of your spinal cord itself
Infection inside your spine or skull bones
Long-term back pain
Irreversible damage to your brain or nervous system, including paralysis
Once damage to your nervous system has occurred, it can be difficult to restore normal nervous system function. Untreated epidural abscess can be extremely dangerous and may result in death.
Key points
An epidural abscess is an infection inside your skull or near your spine. It requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, vomiting, changes in sensation, weakness, trouble moving or walking, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Treatment is with strong antibiotics. Surgery might be needed to drain the fluid from your abscess or to remove it completely.
Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Complications
Treatment for most types of abscess focus on draining the collected pus and clearing the infection that led to the abscess. This typically involves prescription antibiotics, aspiration or incision for drainage, surgery to remove an abscess—or a combination of these options. Minor abscesses can often be managed with self-care; however, individuals with any type of immunodeficiency should seek immediate medical attention whenever symptoms of abscess formation appear.
When to See a Dentist for Dental Abscess Treatment
A dental abscess is very painful and requires prompt treatment by a dentist to prevent further complications. To confirm an abscess is causing your symptoms, your dentist will examine your teeth, mouth and gums, and may tap the affected tooth to determine your level of pain. You may have X-rays or a CT scan to locate the tooth or teeth affected and determine the extent of the infection.
The goals of treating a tooth abscess are to clear the infection, prevent or reduce complications, and prevent permanent tooth loss. Your specific treatment will depend on the severity of your infection and the size of the tooth abscess.
A tooth abscess will not go away on its own and, left untreated, can cause serious and even life-threatening complications, such as sepsis.
Your dentist will assess the severity of your tooth abscess and recommend treatment including:
- Prescription antibiotics to fight the infection
- Removal of the infected tooth or teeth
- Root canal to remove infected tissue and drain the abscess
- Surgery to drain the abscess
While you await your appointment or during recovery from a treatment procedure, you can relieve symptoms at home with:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and fever
- Warm saltwater rinse to soothe pain
Skin Abscess Treatment at Home
Mild skin abscesses may drain on their own, and you can help “open” the abscess by applying a wet, warm compress to the affected skin several times a day. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the washcloth, and use a new cloth each time to avoid spreading the infection or reinfecting your skin.
Never try to puncture or squeeze a skin abscess yourself. This can lead to complications, including further spread of the infection deeper into your body.
When to See a Doctor for Skin Abscess
If a mild skin abscess does not improve on its own, or if your infection symptoms are more severe (or worsening instead of improving), you need to see a doctor for prompt medical treatment of your abscess.
Call your doctor if your symptoms include:
- Increased pain, redness, warmth and swelling around the abscess
- Pain or discomfort elsewhere in your body
- Red streaks near or around the affected area (from the infection spreading into the lymph system, which is part of your immune system)
Your doctor will examine the affected skin to diagnose an abscess. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment options for skin abscess include:
- Antibiotics to clear the infection
- Drainage, either through aspiration (a small needle placed in the abscess) or incision, in which the doctor uses a scalpel to cut the abscess open
- Surgery, when the abscess has spread beyond the skin deeper into the body
In cases when the abscess is drained or removed, the doctor may send a sample of the pus for analysis to determine the source of the infection. If the infection is caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or another type of staph infection, your doctor may prescribe additional antibiotics or treatments. You may also need to monitor the wound for any additional pus or signs of reinfection.
Most skin abscesses can be treated successfully, with few complications. Some procedures may leave a small scar.
Skin Abscess | Bon Secours
Overview
A skin abscess, or boil, is a pus-filled bump that collects in or below the skin. Skin abscesses can develop wherever there are hair follicles, but they appear most often on the face, back, chest, and buttocks. They are commonly caused by bacteria entering a hair follicle or wound, or by a hair that becomes infected after it cannot break through the skin’s surface.
Skin abscesses are usually not dangerous and disappear on their own with time. In some cases, they may need to be drained or removed by a doctor. If left untreated, abscesses can spark an infection that spreads throughout your body, and can be life-threatening. Call your doctor if your skin abscess does not go away on its own, or with home treatment.
Skin abscess causes
Skin abscesses can be caused by:
- Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, entering a hair follicle or open wound
- Infected hair follicles, which result when a hair is unable to break through the skin’s surface, and remain trapped underneath
Skin abscess risk factors
You may be more likely to develop a skin abscess if you have:
- A compromised immune system, such as from diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol or drug abuse, or cancer
- Poor hygiene habits
- Poor blood circulation
Skin abscess symptoms
A skin abscess can resemble a pimple, and be red and sensitive to the touch. Over time, it can grow to develop a visible pocket of fluid, or pus.
You may experience additional symptoms such as a fever, if an abscess progresses to an infection that spreads throughout the body.
Skin abscess complications
While skin abscesses are usually harmless, rare cases can lead to:
- Infection that spreads from the abscess throughout the body, and can be life-threatening
- Sepsis, or blood poisoning
- Additional skin abscesses
- Tissue death surrounding the abscess, or gangrene
- MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, infection. MRSA is a strain of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotic drugs, and its infection can be life-threatening.
Skin abscess diagnosis
When diagnosing a skin abscess, your doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine whether the abscess is caused by a physical wound or by an ingrown hair. In some cases, your doctor may test the abscess’s fluid to look for any harmful bacteria.
If your skin abscesses have been recurrent or chronic, your doctor may perform additional tests to determine whether an existing illness could be contributing to your abscesses.
Skin abscess treatment
Most skin abscesses can be treated at home by applying a warm compress to the area.
If your skin abscess does not improve with home remedies, your physician may:
- Prescribe antibiotics
- Drain the liquid from the abscess
When to seek care
Most skin abscesses are harmless, but rare cases can lead to serious complications. Call your doctor if you have a skin abscess, and if you:
- Are older than 65
- Are a child
- Have an immune system that is somehow compromised
- Are undergoing chemotherapy
- Had a recent organ transplant
Call your doctor if your abscess fails to heal after two weeks, or if it increases in size and pain over time. You should also contact your doctor if your abscess is accompanied by:
- A fever
- Increasing pain, or a throbbing sensation
- Swollen limbs
- Red lines spreading from the abscess
- Severe redness or swelling surrounding the area
Next steps
Your skin abscess should not recur once receiving medical treatment. Recurring skin abscesses may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
Causes, Symptoms and ER Treatment Options
An abscess forms when pus accumulates in a specific area of the body. This is usually the result of a bacterial infection. Also known as Boils or Cysts, Abscesses can develop in many areas of the body but are often found on the skin or in the mouth.
Abscesses can cause pain, swelling and inflamed or red skin. Although most abscesses do not result in complications, if they are left untreated they could result in an emergency situation. Visit the closest emergency room if you have pain that you cannot control at home.
Our emergency centers are open 24/7 to treat any medical emergency.
Common Causes of Abscesses
Several conditions can lead to the formation of abscesses but they are usually caused by an inflammatory reaction to a bacteria or parasite, or to the presence of foreign substance in the body such as a splinter or a needle. Below are some of the most common causes of abscesses.
Abscess Cause #1: Bacterial Infections
- Acute Tissue Infections – Various kinds of bacteria can cause abscesses. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common of these bacteria types.
- Poor Dental Hygiene – Lack of brushing and flossing or frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages can lead to the development of bacteria around the teeth and gums. This can create an environment that increases the risk of abscesses.
Abscess Cause #2: Pre-existing Conditions
- Skin Conditions – Conditions like cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis or the presence of a sebaceous cyst can sometimes contribute to abscess formation. This is more likely if these skin conditions are left untreated for an extended period of time.
- Complicating Conditions – Conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome or diabetes can sometimes lead to internal injuries that then become infected. These injuries sometimes develop into abscesses.
- Immune System Disorders – People with compromised immune systems, such as those affected by HIV, cancer or diabetes may be at a higher risk for developing abscesses.
Other Conditions that Cause Abscesses
- Intravenous Drug Use – Injecting drugs with a needle can lead to skin irritation and the introduction of bacteria and/or foreign objects into the skin, resulting in abscess formation.
- Surgery – In some cases, surgical incisions can lead to abscesses. This is uncommon but happens occasionally.
- Parasites – Rarely, microscopic parasites can invade the body. Their presence can introduce bacteria into the skin which may lead to abscess formation. This is most common in areas of the world where these microscopic organisms are prevalent.
When to Treat Abscesses or Visit the closest ER
Although they are not usually life threatening, you should seek medical help if you notice an abscess on your body. If you discover a lump or unusual spot on your skin or in your mouth that is sore, red or inflamed and warm to the touch, you should see an emergency room doctor to examine the affected area. Do not attempt to treat the abscess at home, as this could spread the infection. Most infections can be treated easily but immediate medical help may be required if the infection worsens and causes severe symptoms.
Find a SignatureCare Emergency Center ER near you.
Call an Emergency Room Immediately If You Have Any of the Following Symptoms.
- High or prolonged fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, weakness or trouble walking
- Persistent bleeding from the affected area
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain medications
- Black or dead skin around the abscess
- Loss of use of limb or another body part
If you need abscess treatment, please visit one of our locations. Our board-certified emergency room doctors and licensed nurses are here to help 24/7. SignatureCare Emergency Center has an emergency room near you. Our ER is open 24/7. We function exactly like a hospital emergency room, without the long wait times.
If you are suffering from a painful abscess, visit a SignatureCare Emergency Center ER immediately. Our emergency room staff is trained to treat the various symptoms of abscesses in our comfortable, state-of-the-art facilities. Don’t wait, visit us now!
Hoof Abscesses: Tips for Treatment and Prevention
Hoof abscesses can be painful for your mount and cost you time in the saddle. We asked Dr. Luke Fallon of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for his best tips about dealing with hoof abscesses, including identifying, treating, and avoiding them. Read on to find out the signs that distinguish an abscess from another problem, what to put in your hoof-soaking solution, and what management techniques can help reduce your horse’s chance of getting a hoof abscess.
A hoof abscess can look terrifying to a horse owner, because it can cause severe lameness that appears to come on suddenly. To a worried owner who finds a horse or pony three-legged lame in his pasture, that can look like extremely serious.
“A horse with a foot abscess can look like he’s got a fractured leg,” said Fallon. “Sometimes, if it’s in a hind leg, it’s hard to determine whether it’s in the foot or up higher—in the stifle or hip region—because often they’ll show the same sort of lameness. In a front leg, a lot of times you can tell if it’s a hoof abscess by whether the horse is willing to flex or extend the fetlock joint, the carpus (knee) joint, and the elbow and shoulder. If they have any decreased range of motion or pain associated with manipulation of the upper joints, from the fetlock up through the shoulder, you may well have a lameness that is not caused by the foot.
“Abscesses are quite often associated with changes in the moisture content in the soil or environment,” Fallon added. “The white line along the solar surface of the hoof wall will open and close, and the quality of the periople—the waxy hoof coating that extends down from the coronet band and is similar to the cuticle on a human fingernail—can be compromised. That allows the hoof wall to crack and become shelly and split, which, in turn, can allow bacteria to track into the more sensitive regions of the hoof.”
If you suspect a hoof abscess, Fallon said, there are telltale signs to look for.
Feel for heat and/or a pulse in the hoof.
Even if you don’t have hoof testers available, there are signs you can look for, including heat and/or a pulse in the foot. “Your veterinarian can teach you how to assess the foot for digital pulses and increased heat in the hoof capsule or hoof wall,” Fallon said.
A set of hoof testers can help you pinpoint the location of an abscess.
Invest in a set of hoof testers.
With a little proper training, most people can use a pair of hoof testers to apply pressure on the hoof and sole, which can help pinpoint an abscess’s location.
“Your farrier or veterinarian can show you how to apply hoof testers, and anybody who has a number of horses should have a set of hoof testers and know how to use them,” said Fallon. “It’s not hard, they’re not expensive, and they can allow for an initial assessment of the problem at hand.”
Clean the hoof completely and examine it thoroughly.
“Make sure you don’t have a stone or a foreign object stuck up in the frog or in the sulcus. Worse, I’ve seen nails, wood chips, glass, and sharp rocks lodged in the fleshy portion of the hoof—in the frog, the heel bulbs, or in the sole itself,” said Fallon. “Look for any foreign body or debris there.”
If there is a nail or other hard object puncturing the hoof, do not remove it, Fallon emphasizes.
“Your veterinarian needs to know how far that nail extends up into the foot itself and if it potentially touches any critical structures, such as the coffin joint or navicular bursa,” Fallon said. “If the nail is removed before the vet can inspect it and radiograph it, then there’s no way to ascertain how the nail went in and how deep it went in. The best thing to do is to get plain old cotton or a polo and wrap that foot as well as possible, then put duct tape or VetRap™. Protect the foot and call the veterinarian immediately.”
Soak the foot.
If cleaning debris out of the foot doesn’t improve the horse’s lameness, the next step is to soak the hoof.
“I like to use warm water, Betadine® (povidine-iodine) solution, and Epsom salts,” Fallon said. “There are also some commercially available products you can use.”
Fallon suggests soaking the foot for 15 to 30 minutes in very warm water, then putting the hoof in a foot pack, using a poultice, ichthammol, or an osmotic paste.
Medicate if needed.
“If the horse is in abject pain, I think giving them a gram of bute to mitigate the pain is certainly worthwhile,” Fallon said. “You can still get a diagnosis the next day if he’s had a gram of bute for the night.”
When is a hoof problem an emergency?
Puncture wounds to the hoof, as noted above, require immediate veterinary attention.
“Any sort of obvious injury to the heel bulbs or the hoof wall itself—such as trauma that has split the hoof wall or a laceration to the heel bulb or coronet band—merits immediate attention,” Fallon said. “Any lacerations below the fetlock joint need immediate attention, because there’s not a lot of soft tissue to protect the area, and there are some critical structures in that region. Something that looks as innocuous as a one-centimeter cut might be a deep jab that can become infected and potentially involve ligaments, tendons, or joints.”
Causes of hoof abscesses
Hoof bruises that cause blood to pool at the site can create favorable conditions for bacteria and subsequent abscesses; so can trauma to the frog. A crack or defect in the hoof structure or the hoof’s white line also can promote abscesses by allowing bacteria in.
“Quite often, abscesses are caused by a mix of bacteria, both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria,” Fallon explained. “What causes the pain isn’t just the inflammation, but the physical accumulation of pus and often gas, if it’s anaerobic bacteria, inside the hoof capsule. It can do a lot of damage to the hoof capsule and the hoof wall if they’re not able to get the pus out and drain the abscess where you can treat it directly.”
Left untreated, an abscess can gradually create its own draining track. “That might mean it will go from the toe or the sole all the way up to the coronet band,” Fallon said. “That can take quite some time and put the horse through a lot of pain. It can also cause permanent damage to that coronet band, in many cases. If they get recurring abscesses or a big enough abscess, it can permanently alter the way that hoof grows out. You don’t want to leave it untreated.”
Guarding against abscesses
Remove rocks and debris and examine the hoof closely on a regular basis.
There are management tips that can help reduce the chance of abscesses, Fallon said. These include
- Routine farrier care. “This is key, because otherwise that hoof wall is going to split and splay and open up that white line to allow infections to track up into the soft tissue structures,” said Fallon.
- Avoid extremely wet and extremely dry hoof conditions. “I think wet conditions tend to damage the periople more and tend to pull the periople away, but the dry conditions tend to make the hoof crack more and open up that white line,” said Fallon. “Also, if they’re stomping flies, they’re damaging that hoof wall and potentially splitting that foot open and opening up that white line. You need to watch that hoof all year long.
“If you’re bedding on shavings, remember that they can be very drying to the hoof,” he added. “If you’re bedding on straw or a hay bedding, that doesn’t tend to dry the hoof out as much.”
- Apply hoof dressings. “There are a lot of excellent hoof dressings out there that you can apply daily or several times a week if your horse doesn’t have a good-quality hoof or periople,” said Fallon. “There are also plenty of great supplements, like ones that contain biotin and other trace minerals which can help improve the quality of the horny laminae that create the hoof capsule.
“Petroleum products are often not as good as products that contain natural resins such as pine tar and turpentine,” explained Fallon. “I’ve used products that contain lanolin or beeswax, and those are superior. Petroleum can be a little more irritating and more of a drying agent.”
- Think about shoeing. For barefoot horses that do not have a good hoof, Fallon suggests the owner consider shoeing “to offload that hoof wall and lift that foot up off the ground,” said Fallon. “And, to me, steel shoes are superior to aluminum shoes as far as preserving the quality and integrity of that hoof. But I would leave it up to the farrier to see what they think might work best.”
- Scout for trouble spots in your horse’s paddock or pasture. Pick up rocks that might have surfaced in your horse’s turnout area, and look for less obvious potential problems, too.
“On farms that perennially produce multiple abscesses, you’ll often find that they have, say, #2 rock around their waterers,” Fallon said. “Or maybe they’ve got wood chips in a gateway to help keep it from getting muddy, but maybe those chips are getting lodged in the foot’s sulci or the frog. We’ve had pastures that used to be cattle pastures where, rather than pulling the steel fence posts out, they just broke them off. Those might have been two or three inches under the ground years ago, but on occasion a horse might work its way down to that level and bruise a foot.”
- Pay close attention to horses that might be more susceptible. Horses with chronic laminitis, poor-quality hooves, or even white hooves can be somewhat more susceptible to hoof abscesses, particularly if they are in an environment that might also be more likely to produce an abscess. “You can learn how to manage those horses,” said Fallon. “Shoeing, supplements, and hoof dressings can all help. There are some simple things you can do even for a horse with average to poor-quality feet that will improve their long-term health and eliminate abscesses or the propensity to get abscesses. If they do blow out a big abscess at the coronet band, I think dressing that coronet band is key—and, again, I go back to dressings like Corona or even something as simple as Bag Balm, because it has lanolin in it. … You need to protect those structures.”
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90,000 Callus abscess – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Callus abscess is a limited purulent process in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, resulting from the penetration of pyogenic flora from skin cracks or the contents of the callus. Often it consists of two connected abscesses – superficial and deep. Usually forms on the palmar surface of the hand. It can spread along the interfascial spaces with the formation of phlegmon. It is manifested by twitching pains, swelling, redness, symptoms of general intoxication.Diagnosed on the basis of a characteristic clinical picture. Surgical treatment – opening and draining the abscess against the background of antibiotic therapy.
General information
Callus abscess (podmozolny abscess, namin) is a common pathology that in the overwhelming majority of cases affects the hands, rarely the feet. Mostly diagnosed in adult patients of working age. Usually occurs in people with heavy physical labor. Women suffer less often than men.Excavators, gardeners and stokers are most susceptible to pathology. Among athletes, the disease is most often detected in rowers. In the summer, abscesses against the background of corns are often diagnosed in summer residents.
Callus abscess
Causes
Callus abscess is provoked by staphylococci, less often by streptococci, Proteus and other microorganisms. In some cases, a mixed flora is revealed in the course of microbiological research. Experts identify two main causes of inflammation of the tissues of the hand:
- Permanent physical labor .In people of working professions, the skin of the palmar surface of the hands becomes denser due to the constant pressure of the instruments. Cracks form on the thickened skin, through which pathogenic agents penetrate into the skin and then into the subcutaneous tissue.
- Unusual load . With intensive long-term work with the use of tools, people who are not accustomed to such work often develop blisters on their palms. The contents of the corns become a source of infection for the underlying tissues.
Endogenous predisposing factors that increase the likelihood of developing a callus abscess are old age, impaired immunity, lack of nutrition, vitamin deficiency, hypothermia, local circulatory disorders. Exogenous risk factors include violation of the rules for the use of tools and safety measures, inadequate hygiene, and work in conditions of abundant pollution.
Pathogenesis
Microorganisms get into cracks or corns, from where they penetrate into the underlying tissues.As a result of the action of staphylococcal hyaluronidase, necrotoxin, leukocidin, a focus of destruction quickly appears in the tissues, a cavity is formed, filled with liquid purulent contents. Around the cavity, a pyogenic membrane is formed, which consists of granulation tissue, does not allow pus to penetrate outside the cavity and produces an inflammatory exudate.
A distinctive feature of the pathology is the frequent formation of abscesses in the form of an hourglass or cufflink, that is, in the form of two communicating cavities – superficial and deep.The pressure in the cavities increases. Due to the significant density of the skin, pus cannot break through, therefore, after the destruction of the pyogenic membrane, it penetrates deep into the tissues with the development of phlegmon of the hand.
Symptoms of a callus abscess
The disease begins suddenly. Gradually increasing pains appear in the affected area. The pain syndrome increases with movements, lowering the hand down. The corn contents become cloudy. A focus of hyperemia forms on the skin around the callus. Since the tissues in the palm are very dense, swelling does not appear in the area of inflammation, but on the back of the hand.Finger function is impaired. The body temperature rises to subfebrile numbers.
After 2-3 days, an abscess is formed. The pain becomes twitching, throbbing, depriving him of sleep at night. The swelling is growing. The functionality of the entire hand decreases, the finger takes a forced position of moderate flexion. Movement is limited, painful. Before the breakthrough of pus into the surrounding tissues, hyperthermia is insignificant or moderate, there is some deterioration in the general condition. When examining with a bulbous probe, the maximum pain is determined in the projection of the callus at the base of the finger.
When pus breaks deep into the tissues, the edema increases even more, the hand acquires a cushion-like appearance. Natural folds are smoothed out, fingers are moved apart. The pains spread throughout the hand. The patient’s condition worsens. The temperature reaches febrile numbers, hyperthermia is accompanied by weakness, weakness, chills.
Complications
When the pyogenic membrane melts and pus penetrates into the deep spaces of the palm, a callus abscess is complicated by phlegmon of the hand.This negative consequence is observed in 11% of patients, 35% of the total number of cases are interdigital, 33% – dorsal and 8.5% – interfascial phlegmon. The rest of the patients have combined purulent processes.
With the spread of infection through the lymphatic tract, lymphangitis, lymphadenitis occurs, with damage to the tendinous and subgaleal cellular spaces – the phlegmon of the forearm. With the generalization of the purulent process, sepsis develops, which poses a threat to the patient’s life.
Diagnostics
Usually, patients with a callus abscess turn to a purulent surgeon on an outpatient basis. With the development of complications, diagnosis is carried out after an emergency hospitalization in a hospital. The diagnosis is not difficult and does not require instrumental studies. The survey plan includes:
- Collecting anamnesis . The patient indicates that his work involves hard physical labor and the use of tools.Some patients note that shortly before the onset of symptoms of a purulent infection, they performed unusual actions with the use of instruments, after which calluses appeared on the palm of their hand.
- Physical examination . At the base of the finger, a ring-shaped focus of hyperemia with thickened skin, opened or unopened calluses is found. The local temperature is increased. The back of the hand is swollen. The maximum pain on palpation is determined in the area of the callus.
- Laboratory analyzes .In blood tests, signs of purulent inflammation are revealed – a significant increase in ESR, leukocytosis with a shift to young forms, C-reactive protein, antistreptolysin-O.
Differential diagnosis of an abscess is carried out with other purulent processes in the area of the hand. An important part of the examination is to exclude complications and accurately determine the prevalence of the process in order to select the optimal treatment tactics.
Treatment of a callus abscess
If signs of a formed abscess are detected, an immediate autopsy is shown, which, depending on the patient’s condition, can be performed in a polyclinic or in a surgical department.The following interventions are possible:
- For uncomplicated abscess . The corn is excised. The abscess is opened with two longitudinal or one arcuate incision in the projection of the metacarpal heads. The cavity is washed, its bottom is examined with a probe to identify possible deep leakage messages. If there is no leakage, the operation is completed by installing a drain.
- In case of leakage . In addition to the aforementioned incisions, an incision is made on the back of the hand using a probe inserted into the commissural opening as a guide.Drainage is introduced through the palmar side of the hand and out through the back.
- With the development of phlegmon . Taking into account the type of process, the skin of the interdigital space is dissected, wide incisions are made on the back or palmar surface. The cavities are washed and drained.
The arm is fixed with a gusset bandage. It is recommended to maintain an elevated position of the limb. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed. First, dressings with a hypertonic solution are carried out, after cleansing the wound, ointment dressings are applied.The duration of the period of disability with uncomplicated callus abscess is 3-4 days, with complicated – up to several weeks.
Forecast and prevention
In the absence of complications, the prognosis of a corn abscess is favorable, the function of the limb is fully restored. With the formation of streaks and the appearance of phlegmon in the outcome, there may be a restriction of movement. Prevention includes compliance with safety regulations and rules for working with tools, the use of protective gloves, timely treatment of corns.
Symptoms and treatment of purulent abscess of the tooth root
What is it?
Tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection of the inside of the tooth.
A tooth abscess usually results from a cavity left untreated, or from a crack or chip in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter the interior of the tooth.
Treatment of a tooth abscess involves draining the abscess and cleaning the affected area of infection.The tooth itself can be preserved by cleaning the canals, but in some cases it may be necessary to remove it. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, consequences.
Tooth abscess prevention requires proper dental care, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
Severe, persistent throbbing toothache
Sensitivity to high and low temperatures
Chewing or biting pressure sensitivity
Fever
Swelling (edema) of the face or cheek
Sensitive, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or neck
Sudden breakthrough of unpleasant tasting and odor liquid in the mouth and cessation of pain after abscess break
When to see a doctor
Visit your dentist right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess.If you experience a fever and swelling of your face and your dentist is not available, go to the emergency room. Fever and swelling of the face may indicate an infection spreading deep into the jaw and surrounding tissue or even to other areas of the body.
Causes
A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the pulp of the tooth – the soft inner part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.
Bacteria enter a cavity or a chip or crack in a tooth and spread to the root.A bacterial infection causes inflammation and swelling. The limited space in which inflammation occurs causes pus to be squeezed into a cavity (also called an abscess pocket) at the apex of the root.
Risk factors
The following factors contribute to the increased risk of tooth abscess:
· Lack of dental hygiene. Improper care of teeth and gums, such as not flossing and brushing twice a day, can increase the risk of tooth decay, periodontitis, tooth abscess and other dental and oral diseases and their complications.
· A diet high in sugar. Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar, such as baked goods and sweets, contributes to the formation of cavities and, in turn, tooth abscess.
· Associated health problems. Having a medical condition that weakens your immune system, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, can increase your risk of tooth infection and tooth abscess.
Complications
Tooth abscess does not go away without treatment.In the case of self-opening of the abscess, a significant reduction in pain is possible, but the need for dental treatment does not go away. If the abscess is not drained, the infection can spread to the tissues of the lower jaw and other areas of the head and neck. It can even lead to sepsis, a common, life-threatening infection.
An untreated tooth abscess with a weakened immune system carries an increased risk of infection spread compared to a normally functioning immune system.
Investigations and Diagnostics
In addition to examining the tooth and the surrounding area, the dentist may conduct one or more of the following examinations:
· Tapping the affected tooth. A tooth with an abscess at the root is usually sensitive to touch or pressure.
Roentgen. X-rays of a diseased tooth can help identify an abscess. X-rays or other imaging procedures, such as CT scans, can also be used to determine if infection has spread, with abscesses developing elsewhere.
· Laboratory analyzes. In some cases, knowledge of the bacteria that cause infection can be useful for targeted treatment, especially if first-line antibiotics have failed.
Treatment and drugs
The goal of treatment is to drain the abscess and eliminate the infection. To achieve it, the dentist can:
· Perform depulpation. This procedure can help clear up infection and preserve the tooth.To do this, the dentist drills the tooth, removes the affected central tissue (pulp) and drains the abscess. The pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth are filled and sealed. The dentist can then place a crown on the tooth. With proper care, a restored tooth can last a lifetime.
· Remove the affected tooth. If the affected tooth cannot be preserved, the dentist will remove the tooth and drain the abscess to eliminate the infection.
· Prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics may not be needed if the infection is confined to an abscess site. However, if the infection spreads to nearby teeth, lower jaw, or other areas, the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading. Antibiotics can also be recommended if the immune system is weakened.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
While the affected area heals, your dentist may recommend the following steps to relieve discomfort:
Mouthwash with warm salt water
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
Prevention
To prevent tooth abscess, it is necessary to exclude the development of caries.Good dental care is key to avoiding tooth decay. It includes:
Using fluorinated drinking water
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
Daily use of dental floss or interdental cleaner
Replace the toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles are worn
Balanced diet and limiting sugar-containing foods and snacks between meals
Dentist visit for regular examination and professional oral hygiene
An antibacterial or fluoride rinse can be used for additional protection against caries
90,000 Severe abscess on the toe: what to do, what treatment?
One day after a pedicure or skin injury, you may feel tension and pain in your toe near your nail.Most likely, this indicates that you are beginning to felon – an inflammatory process near the nail plate. Do not be alarmed, this is a fairly common phenomenon and it is not difficult to cure it. What to do if you notice that you are picking up a toe? From this article you will find out why inflammation can begin, how to recognize it in time and how to treat an abscess.
Causes of inflammation
The main reason is damage to the integrity of the skin, soft tissues and the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the wound.As a rule, the focus of inflammation is located near the nail. In some cases, panaritium occurs without visible damage. There are several reasons for the development of the inflammatory process.
- Inaccurate trimming pedicure with damage to the cuticle area or periungual ridges.
- Any cuts, scrapes, abrasions near the nail.
- Ingrown toenail that permanently traumatizes soft tissue.
- Various fungal infections.
- Certain common diseases accompanied by circulatory disorders of the feet, as well as diabetes mellitus and thrombophlebitis.
- Skin that is too dry and prone to cracking can also cause inflammation. Pathogenic bacteria penetrate through microscopic cracks, provoking the development of inflammatory processes.
Most often, an abscess is diagnosed near the thumbnails, since they have the most intense pressure. From the preventive measures, one can immediately single out wearing comfortable ventilated shoes, observing personal hygiene and performing a pedicure only with trusted masters .
How do I recognize the problem?
If you feel pain in your finger, this does not mean that you are beginning to felon. It is necessary to note the nature of the pain, to monitor the external manifestations. Common symptoms include the following.
- The skin in the damaged area turns red, swelling of the finger is visible to the naked eye. A local increase in temperature appears near the affected nail.
- The pain is pulsating, rather acute, aggravated by the slightest touch to the inflamed area.
- With severe inflammation, the mobility of the finger is limited, sometimes the overall body temperature rises.
If you have noticed these symptoms, then treatment should be started as early as possible. In mild cases, you can get rid of the abscess yourself with pharmacy or home remedies, but if they did not immediately bring relief, then you need to see a doctor.
Varieties of panaritium
An abscess most often begins near the nail, but its course can be different.It is customary to distinguish several types of abscesses on the finger.
- Superficial cutaneous felon often develops on the dorsum of the toe.
- Subcutaneous.
- Paronychium – an abscess forms only around the nails.
- The subungual form is characterized by the appearance of a fairly deep inflammation in the corresponding area.
- Articular – develops in the area of the phalanx of the finger as a result of injury. In case of complication, it can go into the osteoarticular.
- Bone felon.It develops as a result of damage to bone structures or complications of previous types.
- If treatment is not started on time, then the most severe form – pandactylitis – may appear as a complication. In this case, the inflammation spreads to the adjacent tissues, ligaments and tendons.
Treatment methods
What to do if an abscess suddenly appears on your finger? Treat him, of course. If the inflammation is severe, then it is better not to postpone the visit to the doctor in order to prevent possible complications .An abscess on a finger can be cured only with the help of an integrated approach. You should not try to open the abscess on your own or burn it – this can lead to the spread of infection and the development of complications. Treatment is prescribed after diagnosis, depending on the causes and severity of the disease. Three large groups can be distinguished among the main methods.
- Medicines of local and general action.
- Compresses and baths.
- Using folk recipes.
In severe cases, when conservative treatment does not give the desired effect, the doctor may decide on surgical intervention.
Drug therapy
There are various medications that can be used to treat inflammation. Their choice will depend on the cause of the abscess on the finger.
- Antibiotics are prescribed for severe inflammation.
- If the root cause is a fungal infection, then all measures will be aimed at treating it.
- Local use of ointments that relieve inflammation and draw out pus – “Ichthyol”, “Vishnevsky”.
In addition, it may be recommended to consult another narrow specialist for the treatment of concomitant diseases that provoke the formation of abscesses.
Surgical treatment
If it is not possible to get rid of the problem by conservative methods, and there is a threat of the development of an abscess, the spread of infection and loss of the nail, then a decision is made about surgical intervention. The procedure is simple and performed under local anesthesia. If the abscess is localized near the nail, then you can do without anesthesia.In the area of the exfoliated epidermis, a small incision is made, sufficient to remove purulent masses. After that, an aseptic bandage is applied for several days.
In other cases, the procedure is somewhat more complicated. The method of surgical treatment is determined by the localization of the inflammatory process and the depth of its occurrence. After cleansing the wound from pus, the condition quickly improves. Do not be afraid of such an operation, any qualified doctor will do everything perfectly.
Treatment with folk remedies
If the suppuration is superficial, localized in the most common area near the nail, then you can try to treat it with folk remedies.It is recommended to make compresses, herbal baths. We offer you several ways to help quickly remove unpleasant symptoms.
- Try soap and salt compresses. This is an old proven method that helps with the removal of pus, reduces soreness and the degree of inflammation. A piece of bandage should be moistened, sprinkled with salt and rubbed well with ordinary laundry soap. Apply the compress to the sore finger at night. Repeat the procedure the next day if necessary.
- Treatment with pine or cedar resin is very popular. A piece of the product must be tied to the finger for several hours. The only problem is getting the healing ingredient.
- It is also helpful to make compresses with heated castor oil. The dressing should be changed every two hours.
An abscess can occur on a toe or toe – in any case, it is unpleasant and painful. Today we told you what to do in such cases, so you can quickly and effectively alleviate your condition.You can find out a few more popular “grandmother’s” recipes by watching the final video.
90,000 bump on the bone behind the ear
bump on the bone behind the ear
bump on the bone behind the ear
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What is a bump on the bone behind the ear?
MagnetFix is an innovative magnetic fixation for the big toe, an effective development for the treatment of hallux valgus.It is convenient and easy to use, literally in 1 month the bone on the leg will disappear. A magnetic plate is integrated inside, which is an advantage. Examine real reviews about MagnetFix and its medicinal properties will become clear, and you will understand that this is not a divorce. Of the advantages, it can be noted – a short course of treatment, preservation of natural mobility, rapid relief of pain and straightening of the joint in a few weeks.
Effect of a bump on the bone behind the ear
Bumps on the legs are unpleasant neoplasms that any woman encounters at least once in her entire life.Once I went all day in uncomfortable shoes, as a result I rubbed my leg and subsequently a bone grew, which was not so easy to cope with. With the help of the MagnetFix magnetic bus, the bone disappeared in two months. I wore a valgus splint at home without taking it off.
Expert opinion
It is quite easy to get used to the tire, after the 1st week I no longer notice it. It’s comfortable to wear in shoes, you can wear sneakers, it’s more comfortable for me in ballet shoes.
How to order
In order to place an order for a bump on the bone behind the ear, you must leave your contact information on the website.The operator will contact you within 15 minutes. Will clarify all the details with you and we will send your order. In 3-10 days you will receive the parcel and pay for it upon receipt.
Customer Reviews:
Nika
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Sofia
I remember suffering from this bump on my leg, in general I suffered from a bone on my leg for more than a year, it was a very big problem to pick up shoes, the joint became inflamed, hurt, the bump gradually grew. I already thought that I would have to do an operation, but I heard about Magnetfix from my neighbor and decided to try it. The fixator quickly relieved the pain, and during the course of application, the lump completely resolved! I am even surprised at such a quick recovery 🙂
Magnetic Valgus Splint is a great thing! Yes, the result is not instantaneous, you need to get used to it.At first it seemed that it was complete nonsense, but I didn’t give up wearing it, because at some point I realized that it became easier to want with it. And over time, I began to notice that the lump is getting smaller. Where to buy a bump on the bone behind the ear? It is quite easy to get used to the tire, after the 1st week I no longer notice it. It’s comfortable to wear in shoes, you can wear sneakers, it’s more comfortable for me in ballet shoes.
A hard lump or lump on the bone behind the ear. … By itself, the detected lump behind the ear cannot cause any complications, but it signals a violation from the side of various body systems, including from the ENT organs.Nevertheless, complications are possible: sepsis, abscess. A lump behind the ear is a lump in the bone that can be of various sizes. The appearance of such a neoplasm causes serious concern for any person, because many are faced with the fact that the lump behind the ear hurts and causes discomfort. That’s why. Hard lump behind the ear. Valeria, Krasnodar. 6,915 views. August 30, 2019. Good evening! I really need your help, today I accidentally discovered a bump behind my right ear, hard, small, but the feeling that the bump is on the bone, it is not soft, does not roll, but hard, like on the forehead, let’s say after.the lump behind the ear is as hard as a bone does not hurt reviews. bump behind the ear reviews. a bump on the head behind the ear. the bone behind the ear is larger than the other. Hard lump behind the ear. Edward Male, 19 years old. Belarus Vitebsk. Registered user. The lump behind the ear is a rounded, most often painless mass that appears. A lump on the bone behind the ear, which is a wen, as such, does not require treatment and goes away on its own after a while. In case of pain of such a lump, as well as its increase.The fistula is palpable as a hard lump on the ear (behind) on the cartilage (on the bone) along the perimeter of the cartilaginous base. … If the lump behind the ear on the bone in an adult patient, according to his description, is swollen and sore, there is a high probability of developing a pathology of bacterial origin – the transition of inflammation after. Consultation on the topic – Hard lump behind the ear – Hello! 1.5 months ago, my head was blown out. … Good afternoon. My name is Maxim, two days ago I noticed a lump (the size of a pea) behind the ear on the bone does not hurt when you press it then it hurts a little, and so everything is normal the lump itself.A lump on the bone behind the ear, which is a wen, as such, does not require treatment and goes away on its own after a while. In case of pain of such a lump, as well as an increase in its size, treatment is necessary. Only an experienced physician can determine the true nature.
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Bumps on the legs are unpleasant neoplasms that any woman encounters at least once in her entire life. Once I went all day in uncomfortable shoes, as a result I rubbed my leg and subsequently a bone grew, which was not so easy to cope with. With the help of the MagnetFix magnetic bus, the bone disappeared in two months.I wore a valgus splint at home without taking it off.
a bump on the bone behind the ear
MagnetFix is an innovative magnetic big toe fixator, an effective development for the treatment of hallux valgus. It is convenient and easy to use, literally in 1 month the bone on the leg will disappear. A magnetic plate is integrated inside, which is an advantage. Examine real reviews about MagnetFix and its medicinal properties will become clear, and you will understand that this is not a divorce. Of the advantages, it can be noted – a short course of treatment, preservation of natural mobility, rapid relief of pain and straightening of the joint in a few weeks.
A bump on the foot on the side from the outside is formed with Kohler’s disease. … In babies, a bump on the outside of the foot is formed quite often. The reason for this is injuries sustained during active games, wearing improperly selected shoes. Most often, a child has corns. Painful lump on the back of the side. The appearance of a bump on the foot from the outside is provoked by a hygroma. The cause of the appearance of a bump on the inside of the foot can be both hallux valgus and hygroma.In the latter case, it is easier to cope with the neoplasm as well. A bump on the foot under the skin is the most common problem as an adult. Localization is different: it occurs on the top, side or bottom of the foot. … Education is localized on the inner and outer sides, often arises. A bump on the side of the foot on the outside hurts when walking. The foot hurts, a bone grows from the inside. … Speaking about the reasons for the appearance of bumps on the inner side of the foot, it should be said that there are a lot of them.The most common are: wearing tight shoes. The surgeon’s response to treatment is a neoplasm (lump) on the outside of the foot. … Hello Two weeks ago I noticed a small bump on my right foot. I was worried only recently. Bumps on the feet are enlarged bones located on the foot. They are even visible visually. … The bumps can be located on the side of the big toe, on top of the instep of the leg, below, on the outside of it. A bone, or a bump on the foot, which brings a lot of inconvenience and discomfort, c.Changes in the foot can be different: the neoplasm can be located above or below, on the inside or outside, and even on the sole. Lumping on the foot at the present time. A bump on a child’s foot: on the side under the skin, on the outside or inside, on top of the instep, in the middle. Sooner or later, every person encounters bumps on the feet. Alternative methods of treating bumps on the foot on the side. Side bumps are a case where traditional medicine is beneficial and effective. …It is much more difficult to cope if a lump appears on the inside of the joint. This means that the joint is severely damaged and requires. A bump on the side of the leg on the outside of the foot. For various reasons, people of any age can form a lump on the ankle of the leg, which is a hygroma and requires the close attention of doctors. Most often, such an education occurs in the railway. 21 A leg bone on the side of the outside of the foot: causes and treatment. 21.1 Prerequisites for the formation of cones…. 24 Causes of pain in the foot from the side from the inside. 24.1 Plantar fasciitis. 24.2 Cuboid syndrome. Varieties of foot seals and provoking factors.