About all

Abscesses in the groin area: Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment

by alexxlab

Содержание

Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment

Abscess Overview

A skin abscess is a tender mass generally surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red. Abscesses are often easy to feel by touching. The vast majority of them are caused by infections. Inside, they are full of pus, bacteria and debris.

Painful and warm to touch, abscesses can show up any place on your body. The most common sites on the skin in your armpits (axillae), areas around your anus and vagina (Bartholin gland abscess), the base of your spine (pilonidal abscess), around a tooth (dental abscess), and in your groin. Inflammation around a hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess, which is called a boil (furuncle).

Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not usually cure an abscess. In general an abscess must open and drain in order for it to improve. Sometimes draining occurs on its own, but generally it must be opened with the help of a warm compress or by a doctor in a procedure called incision and drainage (I&D).

Abscess Causes

When our normal skin barrier is broken, even from minor trauma, or small tears, or inflammation, bacteria can enter the skin. An abscess can form as your body’s defenses try to kill these germs with your inflammatory response (white blood cells = pus). Obstruction in a sweat or oil (sebaceous) gland, or a hair follicle or a pre-existing cyst can also trigger an abscess. 

The middle of the abscess liquefies and contains dead cells, bacteria, and other debris. This area begins to grow, creating tension under the skin and further inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Pressure and inflammation cause the pain.

People with weakened immune systems get certain abscesses more often. Those with any of the following are all at risk for having more severe abscesses. This is because the body has a decreased ability to ward off infections.

Other risk factors for abscess include exposure to dirty environments, exposure to persons with certain types of skin infections, poor hygiene, and poor circulation.

Abscess Symptoms

Most often, an abscess becomes a painful, compressible mass that is red, warm to touch, and tender.

  • As some abscesses progress, they may “point” and come to a head so you can see the material inside and then spontaneously open (rupture).
  • Most will continue to get worse without care. The infection can spread to the tissues under the skin and even into the bloodstream.
  • If the infection spreads into deeper tissue, you may develop a fever and begin to feel ill.

Abscess Treatment: Self-Care at Home

  • If the abscess is small (less than 1 cm or less than a half-inch across), applying warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes 4 times daily may help.
  • Do not attempt to drain the abscess by squeezing or pressing on it. This can push the infected material into the deeper tissues.
  • Do not stick a needle or other sharp instrument into the abscess center, because you may injure an underlying blood vessel or cause the infection to spread.

 

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your doctor if any of the following occur with an abscess:

  • You have a sore larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across.
  • The sore continues to enlarge or becomes more painful.
  • The sore is on or near your rectal or groin area.
  • You develop a fever.
  • You notice red streaks, which can mean the infection is spreading.
  • You have any of the medical conditions listed above.

Go to a hospital’s Emergency Department if any of these conditions occur with an abscess:

  • Fever of 102°F or higher, especially if you have a chronic disease or are on steroids, chemotherapy, or dialysis
  • A red streak leading away from the sore or with tender lymph nodes (lumps) in an area anywhere between the abscess and your chest area (for example, an abscess on your leg can cause swollen lymph nodes in your groin area)
  • Any facial abscess larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across

Exams and Tests

The doctor will take a medical history and may ask you:

  • How long the abscess has been present
  • If you recall any injury to that area
  • What medicines you may be taking
  • If you have any allergies
  • If you have had a fever at home

The doctor will examine the abscess and surrounding areas. If it is near your anus, the doctor will perform a rectal exam. If an arm or leg is involved, the doctor will feel for a lymph gland either in your groin or under your arm.

Medical Treatment

The doctor may open and drain the abscess.

  • The area around the abscess will be numbed with medication. It is often difficult to completely numb the area, but local anesthesia can make the procedure almost painless.

  • The area will be covered with an antiseptic solution and sterile towels placed around it.
  • The doctor will cut open the abscess and totally drain it of pus and debris.
  • Once the sore has drained, the doctor may insert some packing into the remaining cavity to allow the infection to continue to drain. It may be kept open for a day or two.
    • A bandage will then be placed over the packing, and you will be given instructions about home care.
    • Most people feel better immediately after the abscess is drained.
    • If you are still experiencing pain, the doctor may prescribe pain pills for home use over the next 1-2 days.
    • You are usually sent home with oral antibiotics.

 

Next Steps: Follow-up

Follow carefully any instructions your doctor gives you.

  • The doctor may have you remove the packing yourself with instructions on the best way to do this. This may include soaking or flushing.
  • Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments.
  • Report any fever, redness, swelling, or increased pain to your doctor immediately.

Prevention

Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your skin with soap and water regularly.

  • Take care to avoid nicking yourself when shaving your underarms or pubic area.
  • Seek immediate medical attention for any puncture wounds, especially if:
    • You think there may be some debris in the wound.
    • The puncture wound was caused by a bite – human, insect or animal.
    • You have one of the listed medical conditions.
    • You are on steroids or chemotherapy.

Outlook

Once treated, the abscess should heal.

  • Many people require antibiotics, but you may not.
  • The pain often improves immediately and subsides more each day.
  • Wound care instructions from your doctor may include wound repacking, soaking, washing, or bandaging for about 7 to 10 days. This usually depends on the size and severity of the abscess.
  • After the first 2 days, drainage from the abscess should be minimal to none. All sores should heal in 10-14 days.

Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment

Abscess Overview

A skin abscess is a tender mass generally surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red. Abscesses are often easy to feel by touching. The vast majority of them are caused by infections. Inside, they are full of pus, bacteria and debris.

Painful and warm to touch, abscesses can show up any place on your body. The most common sites on the skin in your armpits (axillae), areas around your anus and vagina (Bartholin gland abscess), the base of your spine (pilonidal abscess), around a tooth (dental abscess), and in your groin. Inflammation around a hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess, which is called a boil (furuncle).

Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not usually cure an abscess. In general an abscess must open and drain in order for it to improve. Sometimes draining occurs on its own, but generally it must be opened with the help of a warm compress or by a doctor in a procedure called incision and drainage (I&D).

Abscess Causes

When our normal skin barrier is broken, even from minor trauma, or small tears, or inflammation, bacteria can enter the skin. An abscess can form as your body’s defenses try to kill these germs with your inflammatory response (white blood cells = pus). Obstruction in a sweat or oil (sebaceous) gland, or a hair follicle or a pre-existing cyst can also trigger an abscess. 

The middle of the abscess liquefies and contains dead cells, bacteria, and other debris. This area begins to grow, creating tension under the skin and further inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Pressure and inflammation cause the pain.

People with weakened immune systems get certain abscesses more often. Those with any of the following are all at risk for having more severe abscesses. This is because the body has a decreased ability to ward off infections.

Other risk factors for abscess include exposure to dirty environments, exposure to persons with certain types of skin infections, poor hygiene, and poor circulation.

Abscess Symptoms

Most often, an abscess becomes a painful, compressible mass that is red, warm to touch, and tender.

  • As some abscesses progress, they may “point” and come to a head so you can see the material inside and then spontaneously open (rupture).
  • Most will continue to get worse without care. The infection can spread to the tissues under the skin and even into the bloodstream.
  • If the infection spreads into deeper tissue, you may develop a fever and begin to feel ill.

Abscess Treatment: Self-Care at Home

  • If the abscess is small (less than 1 cm or less than a half-inch across), applying warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes 4 times daily may help.
  • Do not attempt to drain the abscess by squeezing or pressing on it. This can push the infected material into the deeper tissues.
  • Do not stick a needle or other sharp instrument into the abscess center, because you may injure an underlying blood vessel or cause the infection to spread.

 

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your doctor if any of the following occur with an abscess:

  • You have a sore larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across.
  • The sore continues to enlarge or becomes more painful.
  • The sore is on or near your rectal or groin area.
  • You develop a fever.
  • You notice red streaks, which can mean the infection is spreading.
  • You have any of the medical conditions listed above.

Go to a hospital’s Emergency Department if any of these conditions occur with an abscess:

  • Fever of 102°F or higher, especially if you have a chronic disease or are on steroids, chemotherapy, or dialysis
  • A red streak leading away from the sore or with tender lymph nodes (lumps) in an area anywhere between the abscess and your chest area (for example, an abscess on your leg can cause swollen lymph nodes in your groin area)
  • Any facial abscess larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across

Exams and Tests

The doctor will take a medical history and may ask you:

  • How long the abscess has been present
  • If you recall any injury to that area
  • What medicines you may be taking
  • If you have any allergies
  • If you have had a fever at home

The doctor will examine the abscess and surrounding areas. If it is near your anus, the doctor will perform a rectal exam. If an arm or leg is involved, the doctor will feel for a lymph gland either in your groin or under your arm.

Medical Treatment

The doctor may open and drain the abscess.

  • The area around the abscess will be numbed with medication. It is often difficult to completely numb the area, but local anesthesia can make the procedure almost painless.

  • The area will be covered with an antiseptic solution and sterile towels placed around it.
  • The doctor will cut open the abscess and totally drain it of pus and debris.
  • Once the sore has drained, the doctor may insert some packing into the remaining cavity to allow the infection to continue to drain. It may be kept open for a day or two.
    • A bandage will then be placed over the packing, and you will be given instructions about home care.
    • Most people feel better immediately after the abscess is drained.
    • If you are still experiencing pain, the doctor may prescribe pain pills for home use over the next 1-2 days.
    • You are usually sent home with oral antibiotics.

 

Next Steps: Follow-up

Follow carefully any instructions your doctor gives you.

  • The doctor may have you remove the packing yourself with instructions on the best way to do this. This may include soaking or flushing.
  • Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments.
  • Report any fever, redness, swelling, or increased pain to your doctor immediately.

Prevention

Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your skin with soap and water regularly.

  • Take care to avoid nicking yourself when shaving your underarms or pubic area.
  • Seek immediate medical attention for any puncture wounds, especially if:
    • You think there may be some debris in the wound.
    • The puncture wound was caused by a bite – human, insect or animal.
    • You have one of the listed medical conditions.
    • You are on steroids or chemotherapy.

Outlook

Once treated, the abscess should heal.

  • Many people require antibiotics, but you may not.
  • The pain often improves immediately and subsides more each day.
  • Wound care instructions from your doctor may include wound repacking, soaking, washing, or bandaging for about 7 to 10 days. This usually depends on the size and severity of the abscess.
  • After the first 2 days, drainage from the abscess should be minimal to none. All sores should heal in 10-14 days.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: MedlinePlus Genetics

In most cases, the cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown. The condition probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Originally, researchers believed that the disorder was caused by the blockage of specialized sweat glands called apocrine glands. However, recent studies have shown that the condition actually begins with a blockage of hair follicles in areas of the body that also contain a high concentration of apocrine glands (such as the armpits and groin). The blocked hair follicles trap bacteria, leading to inflammation and rupture. It remains unclear what initially causes the follicles to become blocked and why the nodules tend to recur.

Genetic factors clearly play a role in causing hidradenitis suppurativa. Some cases have been found to result from mutations in the NCSTN, PSEN1, or PSENEN gene. The proteins produced from these genes are all components of a complex called gamma- (γ-) secretase. This complex cuts apart (cleaves) many different proteins, which is an important step in several chemical signaling pathways. One of these pathways, known as Notch signaling, is essential for the normal maturation and division of hair follicle cells and other types of skin cells. Notch signaling is also involved in normal immune system function. Studies suggest that mutations in the NCSTN, PSEN1, or PSENEN gene impair Notch signaling in hair follicles. Although little is known about the mechanism, abnormal Notch signaling appears to promote the development of nodules and lead to inflammation in the skin. Researchers are working to determine whether additional genes, particularly those that provide instructions for making other γ-secretase components, are also associated with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Researchers have studied many other possible risk factors for hidradenitis suppurativa. Obesity and smoking both appear to increase the risk of the disorder, and obesity is also associated with increased severity of signs and symptoms in affected individuals. Studies suggest that neither abnormal immune system function nor hormonal factors play a significant role in causing the disease. Other factors that were mistakenly thought to be associated with this condition include poor hygiene, the use of underarm deodorants and antiperspirants, and shaving or the use of depilatory products to remove hair.

Abscess in Adults: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures – Overview

51001
34

Information for
AdultsChildInfantTeen

caption goes here…

Images of Abscess

Overview

An abscess is an infection characterized by a collection of pus underneath a portion of the skin. Bacteria commonly causing abscesses are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. These bacteria enter the skin through any cracks or injury to the skin. That area of skin then becomes red, tender, warm, and swollen over days to 1–2 weeks and a fever may develop. Abscesses can sometimes form if minor superficial skin infections are not treated appropriately and in a timely fashion. Most abscesses resolve quickly once appropriately treated.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a strain of “staph” bacteria resistant to antibiotics in the penicillin family, which have been the cornerstone of antibiotic therapy for staph and skin infections for decades. CA-MRSA previously infected only small segments of the population, such as health care workers and persons using injection drugs. However, CA-MRSA is now a common cause of skin infections in the general population. While CA-MRSA bacteria are resistant to penicillin and penicillin-related antibiotics, most staph infections with CA-MRSA can be easily treated by health care practitioners using local skin care and commonly available non-penicillin-family antibiotics. Rarely, CA-MRSA can cause serious skin and soft tissue (deeper) infections. Staph infections typically start as small red bumps or pus-filled bumps, which can rapidly turn into deep, painful sores. If you see a red bump or pus-filled bump on the skin that is worsening or showing any signs of infection (ie, the area becomes increasingly painful, red, or swollen), see your doctor right away. Many patients believe incorrectly that these bumps are the result of a spider bite when they arrive at the doctor’s office. Your doctor may need to test (culture) infected skin for MRSA before starting antibiotics. If you have a skin problem that resembles a CA-MRSA infection or a culture that is positive for MRSA, your doctor may need to provide local skin care and prescribe oral antibiotics. To prevent spread of infection to others, infected wounds, hands, and other exposed body areas should be kept clean and wounds should be covered during therapy.

Factors that predispose individuals to developing an abscess include:

  • Any skin infection, especially those that are untreated
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Intravenous drug abuse
  • Weakened immune system due to underlying illness or medication

Who’s at risk?

Abscesses can occur in anyone and occur anywhere on the body.

You might be able to sense fluid in an abscess when you press on the abscess with a finger.

Signs and Symptoms

A worsening red, tender swelling that arises over a period of 1–2 weeks. The pus underneath the skin is usually not visible. You may have a fever or a general sense of not feeling well.

Self-Care Guidelines

There are no self-care options for abscesses. While waiting to see your doctor, you can try applying a warm compress to the affected area and take ibuprofen to help with the swelling and pain.

When to Seek Medical Care

A worsening red, tender swelling should prompt you to make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. If the area involves your face, is spreading rapidly, or is in an area that severely limits your functionality, you should seek emergency care.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Your doctor may drain the pus and fluid collection by making a small incision in the skin after it has been numbed. This will drain a majority of the bacteria, helping the body fight the small amount that remains. This fluid may then be sent to a laboratory for testing (culture), but not necessarily. The culture can tell the doctor not only what type of bacterium is causing the infection but also what antibiotics will work best to treat it. This may take as little as 2–3 days. Your doctor may choose to have you start oral antibiotics aimed at treating the most common bacteria that cause abscesses while awaiting these results. However, if the infection is small and it has been drained, your doctor may decide to not treat you with oral antibiotics.

If your symptoms are not improving or it is determined that the bacterium is not one of the common types, your doctor may prescribe different antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it is important to take the entire course as prescribed, even if you are feeling better or the infection appears to be gone after just a few days. If you have been taking antibiotics and the infection itself or the way you are generally feeling have not improved in about 2–3 days, return to see your doctor.

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Abscesses
Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Abscess

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, p. 1126. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Wolff, Klaus, ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed, pp. 874, 1702. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa | HS | Causes, Tests & Treatment

The skin and sweat glands

            There are two different types of sweat gland in the skin on the human body. These are:

  • Apocrine sweat glands.
  • Eccrine (or merocrine) sweat glands.

Apocrine sweat glands

These are larger than the eccrine sweat glands and are found only in the skin on certain areas of the body. These areas include:

  • The underarms (axillae).
  • Under the breasts and around the nipples
  • In the groin and genital region.

The main difference between apocrine and the more common eccrine sweat glands is that apocrine glands release their fluid (secretions) into the hair follicles, rather than directly on to the skin. The secretions are a thick, milky fluid, which can easily be turned into smelly body odour by germs (bacteria). The secretions from apocrine glands do not appear to have any specific function. They contain pheromones which are chemicals that are supposed to help humans find a mate!

The apocrine glands only start working at puberty, due to the action of the hormone changes that occur at this time.

Eccrine (merocrine) sweat glands

There are many more of these smaller sweat glands. They are found all over the body, with the largest numbers being found on:

  • The palms of the hands.
  • The soles of the feet.
  • The forehead.

These sweat glands release sweat directly on to the skin surface through pores. They are located in the skin but not as deep as the apocrine glands. This sweat is watery and clear; it contains various salts and other waste chemicals the body needs to get rid of. The sweat helps to cool us down and is also secreted as an emotional response – for example, when anxious or stressed.

The nervous system controls both types of sweat glands. However, each type responds via different nerve fibres and different chemical messengers (neurotransmitters).

What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a long-term (chronic) inflammatory skin disease with recurrent boil-like lumps. These boils often become bigger and turn into collections of pus (abscesses). The abscesses leak pus and become difficult to heal.

The problem affects only areas of the skin containing apocrine sweat glands.

Commonly, the problem affects the groin and armpits. Other areas are sometimes affected such as under the breasts and on the vulva, the scrotum, the buttocks and the skin in front of the anus (the perineum). Women tend to develop it more commonly in the armpits, groin and under the breasts. Men more commonly develop disease that affects the skin around the anus.

The wounds caused by the boils and abscesses heal poorly, leaving scars. In severe cases, the pus tunnels down under the skin surface. The tunnels (channels) formed are called sinus tracts. Multiple areas of hidradenitis can become linked under the skin surface, by a network of interconnected sinus tracts. This means the inflammation (and sometimes infection) travels deeper and becomes more widespread.

The eventually healed areas are full of thick scar tissue. The scarring left behind can be as unsightly as the discharging wounds.

Is hidradenitis suppurativa known by any other names?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is known by several other names, which can cause confusion. These are:

  • Acne inversa
  • Apocrine acne
  • Verneuil’s disease
  • Apocrinitis
  • Velpeau’s disease

What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?

The cause is not well understood. It is thought to happen due to blockage of the hair follicles on the skin, or the sweat gland openings themselves. This blockage could be from sweat itself, or skin secretions, such as sebum from the sebaceous glands. The blocked sweat gland continues to make sweat. The sweat cannot escape on to the skin surface and so is forced deeper into surrounding tissue. Germs (bacteria) that normally live on the skin surface may have been trapped in the blocked gland or hair follicle. The germs can multiply in warm moist surroundings. As the sweat is forced back deeper into the tissues, it takes with it the germs. This leads to inflammation and sometimes to infection. This is how the hard boil-like lumps are thought to form to start with. As the problem becomes worse, abscesses, which contain pus, develop.

It may also be that the sweat glands in some people don’t develop correctly and completely. These glands might not allow the sweat they make to reach the skin surface. Instead, the sweat is trapped and travels into the surrounding tissues. There may also be an excessive response by the body’s immune system, causing the inflammation.

Who develops hidradenitis suppurativa?

Around 1 in every 100 people in Europe have hidradenitis suppurativa, meaning it is quite common. Many people will have very mild problems with it.

Hidradenitis suppurativa usually affects people between puberty and middle age. It is three times more common in women than in men. It is rare in Asian people and far more common in white-skinned people (Caucasians) or Afro-Caribbean people.

Hidradenitis suppurativa only develops after puberty. This is because the sweat glands are activated by hormones called sex hormones, the levels of which increase during puberty. The problem tends to improve for women if they take the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill (often just called the ‘pill’), or if they are pregnant. It rarely occurs after the menopause. These things all suggest that hormones play a part in causing this disease.

The disease can run in families (about 1 in 3 cases) but the exact pattern of inheritance is not known.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common in overweight or obese people and in cigarette smokers. Obesity and smoking are not direct causes. However, they can be thought of as risk factors. Hidradenitis suppurativa also seems more common in people with acne and possibly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

What are the signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa usually starts with a single inflamed, boil-like, firm, raised skin lump (nodule). Sometimes this stage can result in itching but usually there is discomfort or pain.

The nodule either slowly disappears (between 10 and 30 days) or remains (persists) to become a draining (suppurative) collection of pus (abscess). Abscesses are usually very painful.

Eventually, healing occurs but the affected skin is permanently damaged, leaving deep scarring. In more severe disease the affected areas spread. Either single or multiple abscesses occur. The formation of tunnels (channels), called sinus tracts, causes the overlying skin to feel hard and lumpy (indurated).

A staging system (Hurley’s staging) can be used to describe the severity of the disease:

  • Stage 1 – here there are either single or multiple areas affected but the abscesses are separate from one another. There is no scarring or sinus tract formation.
  • Stage 2 – involves recurrent abscesses which can be single or multiple. Although there are sinus tracts, the affected areas are usually widely separated.
  • Stage 3 – generally, large areas are affected with multiple interconnected sinus tracts and abscesses.

For some people, the disease is extremely distressing and painful, with a constant succession of new nodules and abscesses forming as soon as older ones have finally healed.

Do I need any tests to diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa?

There are no tests used to diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa. The diagnosis is usually based on the typical signs and symptoms that a person may have.

Sometimes hidradenitis suppurativa is confused with other similar-looking skin conditions such as common boils, collections of pus (abscesses), skin infections and ingrowing hairs. Other diseases can cause tunnels (channels) known as sinus tracts – for example, Crohn’s disease. Tests might be needed to exclude these other conditions, although they often have many other symptoms.

Sometimes, if there are signs of infection, small samples (swabs) can be taken. This is to see what germs (bacteria) are growing in the pus. This can help in deciding whether antibiotic medicines (and which ones) should be used.

Occasionally, it might be helpful to test your blood for sugar (glucose) to make sure you do not have diabetes. This is because skin infections are more common in people with diabetes. Your doctor might also take blood tests to make sure you are not anaemic and to monitor the level of infection or inflammation.

Scans, such as CT scans, are not needed to diagnose the condition. They may, however, be used in very severe disease, to plan surgery, as it is important to know where the sinus tracts go and how deep they are.

What is the treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa?

General advice

Try to lose weight if you are obese, and stop smoking if you smoke.

Also, the following may help relieve some of your symptoms:

  • Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Avoid tight underwear.
  • Wash the affected areas carefully and gently, preferably using an antibacterial or antiseptic soap or shower gel. This is to try to get rid of germs (bacteria) on the skin. (Note: it is normal to have germs harmlessly living on the skin.)
  • Avoid shaving affected areas, such as the underarms.
  • Avoid using deodorants and antiperspirants if the underarms are affected and avoid perfumes on affected areas too.
  • You can use a hot flannel to hold against affected areas and encourage the collections of pus (abscesses) to come to a ‘point’, so that they start draining. A tense hard abscess that has not burst is more painful than one where the pus is draining out.
  • Try to minimise heat exposure and sweating. This might mean avoiding sitting next to the fireplace, or avoiding intense exercise in the gym.
  • Try to minimise getting affected areas moist. Tampons may be better than sanitary pads for women.
  • Some people have found that certain diets help symptoms. Diets being studied are diets low in dairy products, and low glycaemic-index diets. However there is not yet any evidence that making changes in diet is helpful. (A low glycaemic index diet can be a healthy way to lose weight, however, if you are overweight. Weight loss is thought to benefit people with hidradenitis suppurativa.)

Medical treatment

It is difficult to control hidradenitis suppurativa with medical treatment. The aim is to catch the disease in its early stages and to treat and control milder forms of the disease. Medical treatment means using medicines, either on the skin (topically), or by mouth. Examples of medical treatment include:

  • Topical antibiotics. The one usually prescribed is clindamycin. This is a lotion used twice a day on the affected area for three months.
  • Short courses of antibiotic tablets. These can be used when there are new abscesses. The aim is to try to stop the infection from spreading and to help the abscess heal more quickly. Generally, a short course of antibiotics will last for two weeks.
  • Prolonged courses of antibiotic tablets. These are usually used for their anti-inflammatory action. They are prescribed for at least 3-6 months. Some antibiotics which may be used are:
  • Trial of the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill can be used. A trial of up to 12 months may be needed before deciding whether the skin has improved. Some COC pills (such as Dianette® or Yasmin®) might be better than others. They counteract some of the more ‘male’ hormone effects such as skin oiliness and spots. Contraceptive pills are, of course, only suitable for women. Not all women can safely use the COC pill, as contraceptive pills can have serious side-effects in some women. Your GP can discuss with you whether it is safe to use the COC pill.
  • Retinoids. Acitretin and isotretinoin are sometimes used. These are vitamin A-based medicines and should only be prescribed by a skin specialist (dermatologist). These medicines work by stopping the secretion of sebum from sebaceous glands. They also help the normal shedding of dead skin cells in the hair follicles, preventing pore blockage. They must not be taken in pregnancy, due to the risk of birth defects.
  • Corticosteroid tablets (steroids), such as prednisolone, may be used in short courses to reduce inflammation. Long courses of steroids are not usually advised. This is because they can cause serious side-effects such as ‘thinning’ of the bones (osteoporosis), weight gain, high blood pressure, cataracts and mental health problems. See the separate leaflet called Oral Steroids for more details.
  • Medicines that affect the immune system may be used for severe cases. These medicines can only be prescribed by a specialist (such as a dermatologist) and your treatment must be carefully monitored. This is because there are potentially very serious side-effects. The most promising of these treatments are anti-TNF medicines such as adalimumab. TNF stands for tumour necrosis factor. TNF is a chemical produced by the immune system which causes inflammation in the body. Anti-TNF medicines block excess TNF, thus preventing inflammation. Research studies show this to be very effective. It has to be given by injection under the skin. Another similar medicine called infliximab may also be effective, but has not been approved for this use yet in the UK. Other older medicines which affect the immune system which are occasionally used, such as ciclosporin.
  • Dapsone (usually used to treat leprosy) is used in hidradenitis suppurativa for its anti-inflammatory action.

Surgical treatment

Long-standing hidradenitis suppurativa often requires surgery. Generally, this would be performed under general anaesthetic. The surgical procedure chosen depends on the grade or extent of the hidradenitis suppurativa. Surgical treatments include:

  • Incision and drainage – this means piercing (lancing) a tense, hard abscess and allowing the pus to drain out. This is most appropriate for grade 1 hidradenitis suppurativa, and a course of antibiotic tablets would usually be given afterwards. Usually this is not the best treatment option for single lumps, as they usually come back.
  • Wide-scale removal (excision) of affected areas – this can be used for grade 2 and 3 disease. For stage 2 disease, the sinus tracts are surgically removed. In stage 3 disease, the operation needs to be more extensive, as the tracts and scarring go deeper and larger areas are involved. This means a lot of scarred, infected tissue has to be removed. Often skin grafts and other plastic surgery techniques are needed.
  • Deroofing and skin-tissue-saving excision is a less major operation option.
  • Carbon dioxide laser treatment can be used as an alternative to conventional surgery (where available) and dependent on the severity of the disease. The diseased tissue is ‘vapourised’ leaving an open wound which is left to heal. Admission to hospital overnight is not normally needed. Other similar options being studied are another type of laser treatment called Nd:YAG laser, and intense pulsed light treatment.

Are there any complications from having hidradenitis suppurativa?

The main complication is scarring of the skin and deeper tissues. In severe cases, this can cause swelling of the arm (if the armpit was affected) or of the leg (if the groin was affected). This is called lymphoedema. This means that the fluid (lymph) drainage from the limb is affected and the fluid builds up, causing the swelling. It is a difficult problem to treat and cure; often, tight elastic compression garments have to be worn long-term.

Other complications include:

  • A general feeling of being unwell and tired (malaise).
  • Depression.
  • Long-term (chronic) infection leading to problems such as anaemia, kidney problems and low levels of protein in the blood.
  • Joint pains and inflammation (arthropathy).
  • Skin cancer. This is rare but has been reported in very severe long-term hidradenitis suppurativa.
  • Fistula formation. A fistula occurs when channels, called sinus tracts, tunnel into other parts of the body, such as the bowel or bladder (this is rare).

What is the long-term outlook (prognosis)?

The prognosis is very variable. Not everyone progresses from stage 1 to stage 3.

For many affected people, hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful and debilitating condition. It has a tendency to flare up regularly, gradually causing more problems. Deep scarring and formation of tunnels (channels), called sinus tracts, are not uncommon.

Some people have mild (stage 1) disease only. Early surgical treatment can (in some cases) cure the disease and stop it from returning. In rare cases, the condition goes away on its own without treatment.

The condition can prevent normal working and social activities (for example, swimming). Psychological problems are common, as are difficulties in sexual relationships. These problems can either be directly due to the pain and messiness of the condition or to embarrassment and body image problems. As a result, it can cause a less good quality of life.

Groin abscess: A retrospective review of diagnosis and treatment

Highlights

•

Groin abscess is a very rare presentation to the Emergency department. It constitutes less than 0.04% of all Emergency Department presentations.

•

It is more common in intravenous drug users (IVDU) who inject into the groin.

•

Pseudoaneurysm is a very rare complication of groin abscesses.

•

The commonest organisms cultured are streptococcus (A, B or C) and staphylococcus aureus.

•

Most patients responded to treatment with antibiotics with or without incision and drainage of the abscess.

•

Asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis is not uncommon in IVDUs with groin abscesses.

Abstract

Objective

To determine the incidence, diagnosis and management of adult patients (over the age of 18 years) that presented to our Emergency department with a groin abscess over a 12-month period.

Method

Retrospective chart review of all adult patients presenting a large suburban hospital with a provisional diagnosis of groin abscess was undertaken from January 2019 to December 2019. A proforma was used to capture data such as the age, sex, co-morbidities, imaging, profile of micro-organisms and treatment.

Results

39 patients with groin abscess were identified, representing approximately 0.04% of all ED attendances. There were 21 males and 18 females. The age range was from 23 to 73 years (mean age 42). The abscess was located on the left side in 19 patients (49%), 18 (46%) on the right and 2 (5%) were bilateral. The majority of patient (64%) were intravenous drug users. 28 patients had either CT angiography or Ultrasound scan. 37 patients had some form treatment; either I&D or antibiotics. 2 patients were discharged without any treatment. There was no pseudoaneurysm identified. There were 2 cases of incidental DVT. 48% of organism cultured were staphylococcus or streptococcus (A, B or C).

Conclusion

Groin abscess is a rare presentation to the Emergency department. It is more common in intravenous drug users (IVDU). The most preferred imaging modality is CT angiography. Pseudoaneurysm is rare. The commonest organisms cultured are streptococcus (A, B or C) and staphylococcus aureus. Most patients responded to treatment with antibiotics with or without incision and drainage of the abscess.

Keywords

Groin abscess

Abscess

IVDU

Infection

Pseudoaneurysm

Recommended articlesCiting articles (0)

© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Infection Association.

Recommended articles

Citing articles

Abscess Symptoms | Abscess Drainage procedure

An abscess is an infection below the skin that can cause a red bump to start growing. Underneath this red bump white blood cells are sent by your body’s defense system to fight the infection. Sometimes too many can be sent and they start to collect in this one area combining with the damaged tissue and other cells and begin to form a liquid called pus.

Most of the abscesses are caused by bacterial infections and can be warm and sensitive to touch as well as painful. Although they can occur in any part of the body you will usually find them in armpits, around a tooth, skin area near the anus and vagina, in the groin area and at the base of the spine. Hair follicle can get stuck in the skin and cause inflammation which can lead to an abscess.

In all cases, the pus must be drained from the infection. Abscess Drainage can sometimes require a surgical incision if the problem is ignored.

Bacteria are all over your body at all times, but in most cases doesn’t cause any problems. However, when you have a wound that bacteria will travel into your bloodstream or underlying skin (below the skin you can see) and cause an infection which can lead to an abscess.

Symptoms related to Abscess

The most common symptoms associated with an abscess are

  • Painful, compressible area of skin that resembles a pimple or open sore
  • The skin around the affected area appears red and is warm and sensitive to touch
  • Swelling around the affected area
  • If ignored, the infection could become severe and patients might have a fever

When to seek medical attention

Not all abscess require medical attention since smaller abscesses could drain on its’ own after applying a hot compress. However, if ignored or if you develop a painful abscess, you should seek the health care services in Nashville for abscess drainage. Situations where you should get medical attention are

  • The continued growth of the sore skin
  • If the sore is more than 1/2 inch in diameter
  • If it is near the rectal or groin area
  • There are noticeable red streaks leading away from the growth (this indicates a bad bacterial issue)
  • If you have a fever

Abscess Drainage Procedure

Antibiotics alone cannot fix the abscess problem because the pus confined inside the abscess needs to be drained. However, antibiotics combined with the cleaning of the wound from Abscess drainage to treat the bacterial infection will help prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

  1. The doctors will clean and sterilize the site of the abscess
  2. A local anesthetic will be administered for the pain
  3. An incision will be made through the abscess
  4. Pus is drained out from the abscess
  5. With the help of a sterile saline solution, the area is cleaned
  6. The wound is covered with a dressing to absorb excess pus that might be produced after the procedure
  7. If it is a larger abscess doctors will “pack” the wound to keep the abscess area open. This helps the tissue heal from the inside out.
  8. Your doctor may have a sample of pus sent to the lab to be analyzed.

The healing process after your Abscess Drainage

Depending on the location and severity of the abscess, your healing time will vary post abscess drainage.

Medication – Doctors will probably prescribe antibiotics for the infection to make sure everything is destroyed and may suggest pain-relievers to deal with the pain.

Dressing of the wound – The dressing gauze should be checked frequently and replaced with fresh gauze as needed. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Cleaning of the wound – Your doctor will provide you will clear instructions on what to do and not do to help ensure this problem doesn’t continue or start again.

If you think you are developing an abscess, the sooner you have it checked the better.  It is a lot easier to deal with a small abscess than a large one. Contact your healthcare professionals at Clinica Hispana La Paz, a family healthcare clinic in Nashville for abscess drainage.

Visit https://clinicahispanalapaz.net/ or contact us at 615 627 1282 today.

90,000 Abscesses, phlegmon, carbuncles, hydradenitis | Dr. Pryakhin

Bacteria that cause the formation of skin abscesses are usually representatives of the skin flora in the area of ​​development of the lesion. Abscesses on the skin of the trunk, limbs, axillary fossa, or head and neck are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci. In recent years, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has become a more common cause.

Abscesses in the perineum (eg, groin, vagina, buttocks, perirectal area) contain pathogens found in the stool, usually anaerobes, or a combination of anaerobes and aerobes.Carbuncles and boils are follicular skin abscesses with characteristic features (boils and carbuncles).

Skin abscesses are more often formed in patients with increased contamination of the skin, preceding trauma (especially in the presence of a foreign body) or in violation of the functions of the immune system or microcirculation.

Clinical signs
Skin abscesses are usually erythematous, painful, tender, and rough formations. They can be of different sizes, the diameter usually reaches 1–3 cm, but sometimes they are much larger.At first, the swelling has a very dense consistency; then the central core is formed, the skin covering it becomes thinner, the fluctuation is determined. The abscess can then drain spontaneously. Skin changes can be accompanied in various combinations by local phlegmon, lymphangitis, regional lymphadenopathy, fever and leukocytosis.

Purulent hydradenitis is a chronic, scarring, acne-like inflammatory process that occurs in the axillary fossa, groin, around the nipples and anus.

Currently, purulent hydradenitis is considered a chronic inflammatory condition of the hair follicle and related structures. Follicular inflammation and subsequent occlusion lead to rupture of the follicle and the development of abscesses, sinus tracts and scars.

Edematous painful infiltrates are formed, resembling skin abscesses. These lesions are often sterile. Chronic disease is characterized by pain, fluctuation, the presence of discharge from lesions and the formation of sinus passages.In chronic cases, bacterial infection can occur in deep abscesses and fistulous passages. In chronic damage to the skin of the axillary region, merging inflamed nodules form palpable cord-like clusters. The disease can be disabling due to pain and foul odor.

Diagnostics
Clinical evaluation

The diagnosis is established by examination. Bacterial scrapings for research should be taken from deep abscesses and fistulous passages in patients with chronic disease, but often pathogens are not detected.The Hurley Disease Staging System describes the severity of the disease.

Purulent hydradenitis (II stage according to Hurley) Purulent hydradenitis (II stage according to Hurley)
Purulent hydradenitis (II stage according to Hurley)
© Springer Science + Business Media
Purulent hydradenitis (III stage according to Hurley) Purulent hydradenitis (III stage according to Hurley)
Purulent hydradenitis (Hurley stage III)
© Springer Science + Business Media
Stage I: Formation of an abscess, one or more, without fistulous tracts or scars

Stage II: One or more, far apart, recurrent abscesses with the formation of fistulous tracts or scars

Stage III: Diffuse or near-diffuse branching or several interconnected fistulous passages and abscesses throughout the affected area

90,000 symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

An abscess is an accumulation of purulent contents in various tissues.Suppurative inflammation is usually caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, in the process of melting the tissues, a cavity is formed. The appearance of an abscess is due to the ingress of bacteria into the tissues from the outside – through abrasions and injuries or from other infected tissues and organs. This disease differs from other similar diseases by the formation of a capsule that prevents the spread of inflammation.

At the location of the pus, superficial accumulations are isolated in the subcutaneous fat area and deep within organs and deep tissues.Depending on the method of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, there are exogenous accumulations (from the external environment) and endogenous (migration within the body of one person).

Symptoms and Signs

Regardless of the location of the purulent accumulation, the symptoms of an abscess are the same:

  • intoxication – fever, chills, weakness, malaise, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, muscle and joint pain, headaches;
  • superficial location – redness and swelling of the skin immediately above the site of accumulation, pain on palpation or during movement;
  • Disruption of the functioning of the damaged organ or related tissues.

A chronic abscess has no symptoms of an acute inflammatory process. Deeply located clusters have only general signs of intoxication and are detected by instrumental diagnostics. The most common abscess locations are:

  • inside the bones – the main symptom is pain from physical exertion or when the weather changes;
  • abscess of the lung is manifested by shortness of breath and weak breathing. A lung abscess is often confused with pneumonia;
  • in the abdominal cavity and liver is accompanied by signs of any disease of this organ;
  • in the brain causes seizures and impaired coordination;
  • abscess of the prostate gland causes pain when urinating;
  • Throat abscess causes cough cramps and pain;
  • abscess of the Bartholin gland and others.

Cold proceeds without signs of intoxication and appears with immunodeficiencies. The leaky excludes the presence of an inflammatory process in the tissues. Acute abscess has more pronounced symptoms in comparison with other forms.

Do you have symptoms of an abscess?

Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the disease.
Do not delay the consultation – call

+7 (495) 775-73-60

Reasons for the emergence and development

The main cause of an abscess is a bacterial infection trapped in the tissues from the surrounding world.Bacteria enter the body due to microtraumas that violate the integrity of the skin. Such injuries include cuts and minor abrasions / scratches / injuries resulting from shaving or hair cutting, manicure or pedicure, and others. At the same time, in the case of dirt or small particles in the form of a splinter, the likelihood of the formation of a purulent accumulation increases.

The appearance of an accumulation of pus can occur for other reasons of an abscess:

  • migration of infection from the primary focus of infection;
  • suppurative hematomas and cysts;
  • Surgical manipulations – violation of sanitary rules in the form of non-sterile devices;

    • 90,049 violations in the administration of drugs and drugs, for example, impaired concentration during vaccinations.

The abscess develops further under the influence of reduced immunity or circulatory disorders in the area of ​​the abscess.

Forms of the disease and routes of infection

An abscess can be an independent disease, but in the overwhelming majority of cases it acts as a complication of any underlying disease, for example, purulent tonsillitis causes a paratonsillar abscess. Pathogenic microorganisms have a lot of ways to get inside – through damage to the skin as a result of injuries and cuts, from other organs and tissues previously infected, through non-sterile equipment during surgical procedures, and others.

The forms of the disease are classified according to the localization of purulent accumulation:

  • retropharyngeal abscess;
  • periopharyngeal;
  • paratonsillar abscess;
  • subphrenic;

    • 90,049 soft tissues;

  • periodontal;
  • appendicular and others.

Complications

In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, complications of abscesses are very dangerous for the life and health of the patient:

  • phlegmon;
  • neuritis;
  • osteomelitis;
  • internal bleeding of the vessel walls;
  • peritonitis,
  • sepsis as a result of a purulent abscess of the appendicular region;
  • purulent meningitis and others.

Contacting the clinic

A purulent accumulation is fraught with dangerous consequences, therefore, if the slightest signs of an accumulation of pus in tissues or organs appear, an urgent need to consult a doctor. The ideal solution would be to call an ambulance.

In the center of Moscow in JSC “Medicine” (the clinic of Academician Roitberg) you will be provided with the necessary assistance in treatment. In addition, JSC “Medicine” (the clinic of Academician Roitberg) has the ability to accommodate patients in a round-the-clock hospital and has the function of calling a doctor at home around the clock.

Diagnostics

Purulent accumulations located at the surface of the skin are easily diagnosed by external examination by characteristic signs. A throat abscess is detected on examination by an otolaryngologist.

Diagnosis of an abscess located deep inside requires special laboratory and instrumental studies:

  • biochemical blood test will show the inflammatory process in the body with an increased content of leukocytes and ESR, as well as shifts in protein fractions;
  • Radiography is used to detect subphrenic, intraosseous and pulmonary congestion;
  • Ultrasound is aimed at detecting congestion in the abdominal cavity and liver;
  • Computed tomography, as an auxiliary method, detects purulent accumulations in the brain, lungs and liver, subphrenic region and inside bones and joints;
  • encephalography of various forms (echo-, electro-, pneumo-) is aimed at examining the brain;
  • laparoscopy and angihepatography are used as an auxiliary method for examining the liver;
  • puncture of an abscess and inoculation of its contents is performed to determine the specific type of pathogen and its sensitivity to certain antibacterial drugs.

Most often, purulent accumulations are caused by streptococci, staphylococci in combination with various kinds of rods, but now other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are also spreading.

Treatment

The key to the success of abscess treatment lies in its timely detection. That is why it is so important to see a doctor immediately if you have any symptoms.

Treatment principles:

  • Only superficially located purulent accumulations can be treated at home under the supervision of a physician.All other cases require hospitalization;
  • opening and drainage of the area of ​​purulent accumulation is carried out by a surgeon, it is necessary to remove an abscess;
  • drug therapy is based on taking the following drugs: antibacterial agents, antipyretics, pain relievers, drugs to reduce intoxication, vitamin complexes, immunomodulators and others;
  • balanced nutrition, gentle bed or semi-bed rest, as well as rest;
  • Physical therapy, physiotherapy and spa treatment are possible as rehabilitation measures during the recovery phase.

As an aid in the treatment of subcutaneous fatty suppuration, special ointments are used.

Purulent accumulations in the lungs are initially treated with antibiotics of a wide range of effects, and after receiving the results of studies of the culture of the culture medium, the correction of the medications taken is carried out. In severe cases, bronchoalveolar lavage is possible. In the absence of a positive effect of classical therapy, an abscess operation is forced to remove the affected part of the organ.

Treatment of purulent accumulations in the brain is carried out by surgical methods. Contraindications for the removal of clusters, namely, the location in the deep parts of the brain, forces the purulent contents to be washed by puncture. Treatment of purulent accumulations at home with traditional medicine is unacceptable.

Prevention

Abscess prevention is based on the following guidelines:

  • Timeliness of primary treatment of wounds and injuries;
  • rehabilitation of foci of infection;
  • strengthening the immune system;
  • Careful adherence to antiseptic and aseptic measures during surgical procedures that damage the skin.

How to enroll

In JSC “Medicine” (the clinic of Academician Roitberg), experienced specialists are receiving appointments. You can sign up on the website, by phone +7 (495) 775-73-60. Our clinic is located at 10 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskaya lane, Mayakovskaya metro station.

How to get rid of an abscess and not earn blood poisoning

From Latin the word abscess is translated simply – an abscess. With this Latin term, doctors denote an active inflammatory process, in which a cavity filled with pus is formed in living tissue.

Photo: Tavarius / Shutterstock

See what an abscess looks like

Hide

An abscess can occur in any part of the human body, including internal organs. But most often it affects the skin in the armpits, groin, the area around the anus, the base of the spine and the gums near the teeth.

Inflammation around the hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess – this type of abscess is commonly called a boil.

How to tell if you have an abscess

Symptoms of an external abscess developing inside the skin are usually obvious :

  • it looks like a dense swelling, a “bump” that has grown under the skin;
  • touches are painful;
  • the skin on the affected area turns red and feels hot to the touch;
  • Not always, but quite often you can see an accumulation of white or yellow pus under tight skin.

Extensive subcutaneous abscesses can also be accompanied by an increase in temperature.

Abscesses on internal organs or in the tissues between them are more difficult to recognize. The signs of an abscess in this case are vague and may vary depending on which organ is affected. For example, a liver abscess is often accompanied by jaundice – a yellowing of the skin of the body and the whites of the eyes. A lung abscess causes coughing and shortness of breath.

If we talk about the general and most common symptoms of an internal abscess, here they are:

  • discomfort and pain in the area of ​​the organ on which the abscess occurred;
  • temperature rise;
  • loss of appetite up to complete unwillingness to eat;
  • active sweating;
  • distinct weakness.

Small abscesses often resolve on their own. However, much more negative scenarios are also possible.

When you need to seek help faster

Immediately consult a physician or surgeon if:

  • the diameter of a subcutaneous abscess exceeds 1 cm;
  • the abscess continues to grow and becomes more painful;
  • inflammation occurred in the groin or anus;
  • abscess is accompanied by an increase in temperature.

Go to the emergency department or call an ambulance if:

  • An abscess more than a centimeter in diameter appears on the face.
  • Temperature has risen to 38.8 ° C and above.
  • You notice red streaks under the skin that extend to the sides of the abscess.
  • There are enlarged lymph nodes in the area between the abscess and the breast. For example, an abscess in a leg can cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.

These symptoms indicate that there is a high risk of blood poisoning.And this is a deadly condition.

What to do if you have an abscess

Ideally, any abscess, even if it looks small and relatively harmless, should be shown to a physician, surgeon or dermatologist. A specialist will examine the abscess, assess its location and size, and analyze your health status. And after that he will give recommendations on how and how to treat the abscess in your particular case. Please note: antibiotics or surgical removal of the abscess may be required.

Before you go to the doctor, you can try to relieve the condition with home methods .

Apply warm compresses

They will help reduce pain and accelerate the maturation of the abscess. Apply gauze soaked in warm water 3-4 times a day for 15 minutes.

Use ointments

Apply antiseptic ointments with a pulling effect to the abscess. About which is better and safer to use in your case, consult a doctor.

Do not forget about the antiseptic

If the abscess opened on its own, wash the wound with antibacterial soap and treat with any antiseptic, it is possible on an alcohol basis. Then apply an antibacterial ointment (such as levomekol or tetracycline) and apply a bandage. Rinse the wound with warm water 2-3 times a day and apply warm compresses until it heals.

You should never do anything if you have an abscess

Trying to squeeze out the pus

Pressure can drive it deeper, which means the abscess will only increase in size.

Piercing an abscess with a needle

You can accidentally damage a blood vessel, which means that pus will enter the bloodstream – with the expected consequences in the form of sepsis.

Rely only on home methods

Do not continue home treatment if the abscess does not decrease in size (and even more so if it continues to grow) for a couple of days. Consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Do not take into account general health

Do not take risks, but see a doctor immediately if an abscess develops on the background of problems with the cardiovascular system, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, any problems with the immune system, or taking immunosuppressive drugs.In this case, the body’s defenses may not be enough to defeat the infection on its own.

Read also 👂🤦‍♀️👃

opening and removal in Samara

An abscess is an abscess, tissue inflammation with the further formation of a purulent cavity. If a lot of pus appears in one location, a purulent abscess occurs there. Treatment in the clinic allows you to quickly get rid of suppuration and avoid further complications associated with the spread of infection to adjacent tissues.The cost of this procedure does not apply to expensive operations, so you should not delay visiting the surgeon’s office.

With an abscess, you must immediately consult a doctor – it is very dangerous (it is possible that pus may pour out into neighboring organs, into tissues, melt pus of a part of nearby vessels, etc.).

Symptoms of an abscess

An abscess can be suspected by the following:

● the appearance of a hard, painful “bump”;

● redness, swelling, softening of the center of the “bump”;

● possible enlargement of lymph nodes, fever, lethargy.

Abscesses can form in the groin area, in the mouth (on the lip, on the gums and pharynx), in the armpits, genitals, anus, under the skin and on internal organs: in the kidneys, liver, Bartholin’s gland, lungs, spleen.

Most often, surgeons have to deal with subcutaneous abscesses.

Indications for removal

The main indications for autopsy are:

● lack of effect from conservative treatment,

● fever and weakness,

● seal,

● redness,

● pain,

● edema.

Lancing of abscess

Opening an abscess is a simple procedure, so often only local anesthesia in the area of ​​the abscess is required. After a small incision, the pus is removed with special equipment.

Depending on the situation, the operation lasts 20-60 minutes (after that the patient is under medical supervision in the day hospital for 30-40 minutes). Since this is a purulent inflammation, operations are usually performed on the day of treatment .

Stages of treatment:

1. Examination by a surgeon.

2. In the absence of contraindications, the patient changes into sterile clothing and is sent to a sterile manipulation room.

3. Undergoes preoperative preparation, local anesthetic is applied.

4. The abscess is opened with a sterile scalpel.

5. The contents are washed, the cavity is processed.

6. Drainage is applied to drain the contents (drainage – if it is simple – an elastic band that prevents tissue from growing together. It is necessary for the pus to come out).

7. After the operation, the patient needs to dress for several days and adhere to the doctor’s recommendations.

Treatment of an abscess independently

In order not to risk beauty and health, it is better not to experiment and consult a doctor on time. Do not try to squeeze out an abscess, as this can spread the infection to surrounding tissues.You also should not pierce or cut the abscess with sharp objects on your own, since without proper experience you can touch the neighboring tissues after which the condition will only worsen. Sometimes a section with accumulated pus has several sections, so only an experienced surgeon can perform the removal process correctly.

Using folk remedies

Self-medication and the use of folk remedies are highly discouraged, since an abscess can have serious complications that can be avoided by contacting a specialist in time.The more serious this warning can be, since on the pages of sites you can often find a proposal to use techniques that will only aggravate the situation.

The doctor in the clinic has all the necessary conditions to diagnose and treat an abscess in the most effective way, after which you will not even have traces of inflammation or incisions.

Abscess treatment without opening

The accumulation of microbes can result in sepsis or phlegmon, so relying on ointments in this case is not the most effective and safe option.The incision made by the surgeon is often so small that soon after the procedure, not a trace will be left on the body.

After the incision is made, improvement occurs very quickly, the temperature drops, the swelling in the place of accumulation of pus decreases and the general condition improves. In difficult cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to consolidate the result and help the body finally cope with the infection.

Are there traces left?

After about 10 days, you can finish dressing, as the incision is almost completely healed.If the operation was done accurately and on time, then there will be no traces. Since all complications occur due to attempts to cope with the disease on their own, the tissues at the site of the formed abscess may already be partially damaged, so you should not delay treatment with a doctor.

The surgeons of the Vocation clinic have extensive experience in the treatment of abscesses, so you can make an appointment today with any complexity of an abscess on the skin, as well as consult on non-surgical treatment if the abscess is still small and possible.

You can sign up for an atheroma autopsy by phone – 8 (846) 300-40-72

90,000 Abscess and its causes :: Infoniac

Health

An abscess, which is also called an abscess or an abscess, is a limited accumulation of pus in the tissues, usually caused by some kind of inflammatory process (for example, as a result of the ingress of a pathogenic organism). Often an abscess is accompanied by tissue necrosis (necrosis).Along with an abscess, there are concepts such as boil, carbuncle and empyema. It is necessary to distinguish between these concepts, since each of them is characterized by certain signs , being, in fact, special cases of an abscess:

– A furuncle is a small, limited abscess of the hair follicle and surrounding tissues.

– A carbuncle is a large abscess usually caused by the fusion of several boils.

– Empyema is a significant accumulation of pus inside a body cavity or inside a hollow organ.

As mentioned above, an abscess is most often caused by a bacterial infection, which can enter the body in various ways. For example, bacteria can be introduced under a person’s skin by using a contaminated needle. In addition, bacteria can spread from the inflammatory focus , which has arisen in any part of the body.In some cases, even those bacteria that usually live in our body constantly and do not bring it any harm, can cause an abscess. Sometimes they talk about such a concept as a secondary abscess that occurs at the site of the surgical suture.

As soon as bacteria invade healthy tissue, the infection begins to spread from the area. Some cells die and begin to decompose , forming certain voids in which fluid and infected cells accumulate.White blood cells (leukocytes), which protect the human body from infections, rush to the site of infection. The bacteria surround the white blood cells and kill them, which, in fact, leads to the formation and accumulation of pus. As it accumulates, pus literally pushes the healthy tissue apart. The walls of healthy tissue eventually grow around the abscess, preventing infection from spreading. If the abscess breaks out inside, it can spread the infection inside the body (in particular, under the layer of skin).

An abscess can occur anywhere in the human body, including the mouth, bones, rectum, muscle tissue and internal organs (liver, lungs and even the brain) . In addition, an abscess is very common when it occurs directly under the skin, especially on the face. The most common cause of a so-called pyogenic abscess (essentially an abscess) is poor body hygiene. Even poorly washed hands can lead to an abscess.An abscess often occurs in hot weather. It is often possible to observe the formation of abscesses in persons without a fixed place of residence, which is primarily a consequence of neglected unsanitary conditions . In addition, abscesses are not uncommon in the groin area, as they are the result of frictions (friction of individual areas of the skin against each other).

Abscess | Veterinary clinic of Dr. Shubin

Description and reasons

Abscess – an accumulation of pus and infected material in the body (under the skin), the cavity does not connect with the body cavities and the environment.In the case of accumulation of pus in the chest cavity, the lesion is referred to as pyothorax, with accumulation of pus in the abdominal cavity – purulent peritonitis, when the abscess joins the environment, a fistula is formed.

Abscess formation is the normal response of an animal’s body in an attempt to delimit and “throw” harmful material out of the body. When recognizing such material, the body activates the production of leukocytes of the surrounding dangerous components, and also slightly changes the blood flow of the affected area.Leukocytes are the main component of pus, they surround foreign material, envelop it, melt the skin and go out.

An abscess develops when a foreign infected material is brought into confined spaces (more often under the skin, sometimes under the mucous membranes). Most often, an abscess develops after fights between animals, with a pinpoint tear of the skin and a drift of infectious material on the canines or claws. An abscess can also form with various penetrating wounds of the skin with small objects, a classic example is the piercing of the skin with a chip or thin wire (a dog or cat is pricked).In rare cases, an abscess is formed when eating some food (eg fish bones), while the mucous membrane is punctured and dirty material is carried into the body.

Separately, it should be said about abscesses resulting from various manipulations or operations in a veterinary clinic. The reason for this may be the initial strong tissue damage (eg, fragmentation of bones), the peculiarities of the response of the animal’s body and the failure to comply with the sterility technique. Treatment of such abscesses should be discussed separately with your veterinarian.)

Clinical signs

A painful swelling quickly forms in the zone of introduction of a foreign substance, at first it is hard, softens over time, then the skin over the abscess becomes thinner, breaks through (fistula) and pus flows out. The average period from the moment of penetration of foreign material into the body to the breakthrough of pus outside is 3 days.

The formation of an abscess is an infectious process, with an increase in temperature, a decrease in appetite and a general depression of the animal.When the pus flows out, the general condition is often normalized.

When an abscess is localized in different areas, it can disrupt the work of certain organs, for example, when an abscess is localized on the paws – lameness is usually noted).

Diagnostic tests

A presumptive diagnosis based on the features described above, some diagnostic tests may be required to make a definitive diagnosis. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) can determine the degree of maturation of an abscess (cavity formation), the extent of the spread and involvement of nearby organs.Puncture of the abscess with a syringe and retrieving the contents – helps to determine the presence of pus as such, sometimes it may be necessary to examine the contents obtained under a microscope (cytological examination).

In case of severe severe depression of the animal, as well as suspicion of involvement of neighboring organs, some other methods of examination, such as X-rays, blood tests, etc., may be required.

Treatment

The basis of abscess treatment is the evacuation of pus, both at the time of the initial admission and over the next two weeks.After the diagnosis of an abscess, an autopsy is performed, more often this is done under anesthesia. After the initial opening, the period of restructuring of the abscess cavity takes about 2 weeks, and, along this entire length, an adequate outflow of pus is required. If the drainage site of the abscess closes (overgrows), then a relapse of the disease will develop, and it will need to be treated again. Usually, a piece of a plastic tube from a dropper is sutured to the outlet of the abscess, this does not allow the pus exit site to close, it should be removed after 2 weeks (the stitches are simply cut and the tube is pulled out, the manipulation usually does not require anesthesia).

The animal must be prescribed systemic antibiotic therapy, its duration is 2 weeks. In cats, the best solution is a single shot of a long-acting antibiotic (usually convolution). This antibiotic is also suitable for dogs, but, in order to save money, antibiotic therapy can be carried out in other ways (pills, injections).

It should be remembered that with an abscess – the main process is under the skin, and external treatments do not lead to an acceleration of recovery.The only thing that is necessary is to keep the outer skin clean, the wound should be periodically treated with an antiseptic solution (approx. 3% hydrogen peroxide solution) and removed the formed crusts.

A number of animals intensively lick the affected area and do not allow it to heal properly. In such cases, the “Elizabethan collar” or various options for blankets can be an option for protection.

Predictions

The prognosis in most cases is favorable, the recovery period against the background of the installation of drainage and antibiotic therapy is 2 weeks, usually the problem is solved in one course of treatment.A recurrence of an abscess in the future may mean that a piece of foreign material (eg a sliver) remains in the body and a complete surgical excision of the affected area may be required. Further actions for recurrent abscess should be discussed separately with your veterinarian.

Subcutaneous abscess adjacent to the lower jaw. The owners went to the veterinary clinic for a lump, during the examination they diagnosed an abscess, the animal was anesthetized, after opening the abscess, drainage was put through a silicone tube.

Owners of the Martin Spaniel went to the veterinary clinic for a long and unsuccessful treatment of an abscess with fistulas in the groin area. It was decided to completely excise the fistula formation zone along the border of healthy tissues. When examining the excised tissue, the root cause was discovered – a small sliver, which can be seen in the photo in the area of ​​the scissors’ tips.

This is also an abscess, although not subcutaneous. Presumably, the cat pierced the tongue with something during a meal and brought the infection into the tissues, within three days the body delimited the infection with the formation of an abscess – a rounded formation is clearly visible in the tissues of the tongue.In the center of the abscess, the zone of tissue melting is clearly visible, the body is preparing to free itself from the accumulated pus.

Veterinary clinic of Dr. Shubin, Balakovo

90,000 Skin abscess – causes, symptoms and treatment – Medical compass

Skin abscess

Skin abscess, furuncle and carbuncle are the most common purulent skin diseases.

This is a purulent-necrotic inflammation of the hair follicle and adjacent tissues (sebaceous glands, adipose tissue).The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Such purulent formations are located throughout the skin, except for the soles and palms. The appearance of more than two abscesses indicates a pustular infection.

Symptoms of the disease

While developing, an abscess, furuncle or carbuncle undergo three stages, which determine their general symptoms:

  • Over time, the infiltrate thickens and expands.
  • Regional lymph nodes can become inflamed and symptoms of intoxication of the body appear – weakness, drowsiness, headache.
  • Then the top of the abscess (pustule cover) is opened, and purulent contents flow out from there. After the rejection of the rod, the symptoms decrease, and the next stage begins.
  • Healing stage. The remaining crater is granulated and scarred within 2-3 days. All symptoms disappear.

Causes of the disease

Abscess of the skin, furuncle and carbuncle develop due to the ingress of microorganisms on the injured skin. Also, the disease is provoked by:

  • Injuries, abrasions, scratches and scratches of the skin;
  • Violation of rules of personal hygiene;
  • Increased sweating;
  • Weakening of the immune system;
  • Long-term use of drugs that reduce immunity;
  • Physical and mental fatigue;
  • Avitaminosis;
  • Chronic diseases and metabolic disorders;
  • Infectious diseases.

Diagnostics

As a rule, the diagnosis of a pustular infection does not cause difficulties, since it has a characteristic appearance and clinical course.

First of all, the doctor will find out whether the patient often suffers from colds, whether he has had hypothermia recently. For the differential diagnosis of anthrax, you need to find out if the patient has been in contact with animals.

The diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory, a bacteriological study is performed, which inoculates the pathogen.For analysis, take the purulent contents of a boil, abscess or carbuncle.

Multiple and frequently recurring boils are an indication for a more detailed examination of the body, which includes general blood and urine tests, blood tests with determination of glucose levels, urine culture for sterility, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, appendages and kidneys. It is also necessary to consult an ENT specialist and a dentist to exclude chronic diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx.

Complications

If the abscess is squeezed out and improperly processed, it may increase with the spread of infection.

Depending on the location, three types of complications are distinguished:

  • Local – phlegmon, erysipelas.