What are the common causes of skin abscesses. How can you identify the symptoms of an abscess. What are the most effective treatment options for skin abscesses. When should you seek medical care for an abscess. How can abscesses be prevented.

Understanding Skin Abscesses: A Comprehensive Overview

A skin abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms beneath the skin’s surface. These painful, swollen lumps are typically caused by bacterial infections and can occur anywhere on the body. Abscesses are characterized by their tenderness, warmth, and redness, often accompanied by a soft, fluid-filled center.

Skin abscesses are relatively common and can affect people of all ages. While some may resolve on their own, others require medical intervention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for abscesses is crucial for proper management and prevention of complications.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Skin Abscesses

Skin abscesses primarily develop due to bacterial infections. When bacteria enter the skin through a break or opening, such as a cut, puncture, or hair follicle, the body’s immune response triggers inflammation and pus formation. Several factors can increase the risk of developing an abscess:

• Poor hygiene
• Compromised immune system
• Chronic skin conditions (e.g., eczema, acne)
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Certain medications (e.g., steroids)

Additionally, specific types of bacteria are more likely to cause abscesses. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a common culprit in skin abscess formation.

What role does personal hygiene play in abscess prevention?

Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial in preventing skin abscesses. Regular handwashing, keeping cuts and wounds clean, and avoiding sharing personal items like razors or towels can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial infections leading to abscess formation.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Skin Abscess

Identifying a skin abscess early can lead to prompt treatment and faster recovery. Common symptoms include:

• A painful, swollen lump on the skin
• Redness and warmth around the affected area
• A soft, fluid-filled center that may be visible or palpable
• Fever and chills in some cases
• Drainage of pus from the abscess

It’s important to note that the appearance of an abscess may vary depending on skin tone. While redness is more easily visible on lighter skin, individuals with darker skin tones may notice changes in skin color, warmth, or swelling as primary indicators.

How can you differentiate between a skin abscess and other skin conditions?

While abscesses share some similarities with other skin conditions, such as boils or cysts, there are key differences. Abscesses tend to be larger, more painful, and filled with pus. They also often develop more rapidly than other skin growths. If you’re unsure about a skin condition, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Approaches for Skin Abscesses

When you visit a healthcare provider with a suspected abscess, they will typically perform a physical examination to assess the affected area. In most cases, a visual inspection and palpation are sufficient for diagnosis. However, additional tests may be necessary in certain situations:

1. Culture and sensitivity testing: A sample of the pus may be collected to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotics will be most effective.
2. Blood tests: These may be ordered if there’s concern about a systemic infection or to check for underlying conditions that may increase abscess risk.
3. Imaging studies: In cases of deep abscesses or those in sensitive areas, ultrasound or CT scans may be used to assess the extent of the infection and guide treatment.

When are advanced imaging techniques necessary for diagnosing abscesses?

Advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans are typically reserved for complex cases. These may include deep abscesses, those near vital organs, or when there’s suspicion of a more extensive infection. Imaging can help determine the size and location of the abscess, aiding in treatment planning and ensuring all infected areas are addressed.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Skin Abscesses

The primary goal in treating a skin abscess is to eliminate the infection and promote healing. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the size, location, and severity of the abscess. Common treatment options include:

1. Incision and Drainage (I&D)

This is the most common and effective treatment for most skin abscesses. The procedure involves:

• Cleaning the affected area
• Administering local anesthesia
• Making a small incision to allow pus drainage
• Cleaning the cavity
• Packing the wound (if necessary)

2. Antibiotics

While not always necessary, antibiotics may be prescribed in certain cases, such as:

• Large or severe abscesses
• Abscesses in sensitive areas
• Presence of cellulitis or systemic symptoms
• Patients with weakened immune systems

3. Warm Compresses

Applying warm, moist compresses to the affected area can help promote drainage and relieve pain. This method is particularly useful for small abscesses or as a complement to other treatments.

What are the potential complications of untreated skin abscesses?

Untreated abscesses can lead to serious complications, including:

• Spread of infection to surrounding tissues (cellulitis)
• Formation of deeper abscesses
• Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
• Organ damage in severe cases

Prompt treatment is essential to prevent these potential complications and ensure proper healing.

Home Care and Self-Management of Skin Abscesses

While medical treatment is often necessary for skin abscesses, there are several steps you can take at home to support healing and manage symptoms:

1. Apply warm compresses: Use a clean, warm, damp cloth on the affected area for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. This can help draw the abscess to a head and promote natural drainage.
2. Keep the area clean: Gently clean the abscess and surrounding skin with mild soap and water, then pat dry.
3. Avoid squeezing or attempting to drain the abscess yourself: This can push the infection deeper and cause it to spread.
4. Cover the area: Use a clean, dry dressing to protect the abscess from further irritation or contamination.
5. Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

How can you safely care for a draining abscess at home?

If an abscess begins to drain on its own or after medical treatment, proper care is essential:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after caring for the wound
• Clean the area gently with antimicrobial soap and water
• Apply an antibiotic ointment if recommended by your healthcare provider
• Cover the area with a clean, dry dressing, changing it as needed
• Monitor for signs of worsening infection or incomplete drainage

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Skin Abscess

While some small abscesses may resolve on their own with proper home care, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Seek medical care if:

• The abscess is larger than 1 cm in diameter
• It’s located on your face, near your eyes, or in the groin area
• The abscess is extremely painful or rapidly growing
• You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
• The redness or swelling spreads beyond the initial area
• You have a weakened immune system or chronic health condition
• The abscess doesn’t improve with home treatment after a few days

What are the signs that an abscess may be developing into a more serious infection?

Watch for these warning signs that may indicate a worsening infection:

• Rapidly spreading redness or warmth around the abscess
• Red streaks extending from the affected area
• Increasing pain or tenderness
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Chills or sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention as they may indicate a spreading infection or the development of sepsis.

Prevention Strategies for Skin Abscesses

While it’s not always possible to prevent skin abscesses, several measures can significantly reduce your risk:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and keep your skin clean.
2. Treat cuts and scrapes promptly: Clean any breaks in the skin and apply an antibiotic ointment.
3. Avoid sharing personal items: This includes towels, razors, and clothing.
4. Manage underlying conditions: Keep chronic skin conditions and diabetes well-controlled.
5. Boost your immune system: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.
6. Quit smoking: Smoking can impair your body’s ability to fight infections.
7. Practice safe hair removal: Use clean razors and avoid ingrown hairs.

How can you create an environment that reduces the risk of abscess formation?

Creating a clean and healthy environment can help prevent abscess formation:

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home
• Wash bedding and towels in hot water weekly
• Keep your living space well-ventilated to reduce humidity and bacterial growth
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like gyms or locker rooms
• Promptly wash and dry sweaty clothing and gym gear

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin abscesses and maintain overall skin health.

Skin abscess – NHS

A skin abscess is a painful lump on the skin that contains pus. Some abscesses go away by themselves, but you may need to get treatment from a GP.

Check if you have a skin abscess

A skin abscess is a lump or swelling on your skin that contains pus. There are different types and they can appear anywhere on your body.

A skin abscess will often be round and feel painful and warm. The middle of the lump may feel soft when touched.

Pus may leak from the abscess and you may have a high temperature.

On white skin, an abscess will often appear red. The colour of an abscess may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Credit:

Zay Nyi Nyi / Alamy Stock Photo: https://www. alamy.com/large-carbuncle-or-abscess-at-forearm-of-asian-burmese-male-patient-image463724256.html?imageid=69C6F365-AF39-4F78-93C1-3D6D637BE3DF&p=1295683&pn=1&searchId=4a7d479b79736515b93d9424d30356c3&searchtype=0

Credit:

Zay Nyi Nyi / Alamy Stock Photo: https://www.alamy.com/large-carbuncle-or-abscess-at-trunk-of-asian-burmese-male-patient-image443693289.html?imageid=F279679E-5A66-4511-AC66-D73D96F25AC5&p=1295683&pn=1&searchId=e44bfaee7c7d2fe650d67350ad47df65&searchtype=0

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:

• a lump that is getting bigger
• a lump anywhere on your body that lasts more than 2 weeks
• a lump that is hard and does not move
• a lump or swelling in your breast
• a lump and you have a weakened immune system or a long-term condition such as diabetes

A GP can check what could be causing the lump and if you need treatment.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

• a lump that is painful, red or hot, or you feel hot and shivery
• swelling or redness spreading away from the lump – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Treatments for skin abscesses

Treatment for a skin abscess will depend on what type of abscess you have.

The abscess may need be drained to get rid of the pus. This usually involves a small operation to make a cut in the skin which will allow the pus to drain. You may be given a local anaesthetic so you do not feel anything when the abscess is drained.

You may also be given antibiotics if the abscess is infected.

Causes of skin abscesses

Skin abscesses are usually caused by an infection.

It’s normal to have bacteria on your skin without it causing an infection. However, bacteria can sometimes get into your skin, for example through a cut or along a hair follicle. This can cause pus to form, creating an abscess.

You may be more likely to get skin abscesses if you:

• smoke
• are living with obesity
• have diabetes
• are between 15 and 40 years old
• have a skin condition or inflammation such as eczema

Page last reviewed: 02 June 2023
Next review due: 02 June 2026

Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Abscess Overview
• Abscess Causes
• Abscess Symptoms
• Abscess Treatment: Self-Care at Home
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps: Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• More

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).

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.

• Chronic steroid therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• AIDS
• Sickle cell disease
• Peripheral vascular disorders
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Severe burns
• Severe trauma
• Alcoholism or IV drug abuse
• Obesity

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

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.

• 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.

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

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.

The doctor may open and drain the abscess.

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.

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.

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.

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An abscess is a collection of purulent contents in various tissues. Purulent inflammation is usually caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, in the process of tissue melting, a cavity is formed. The occurrence of an abscess is due to bacteria entering 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.

According to the location of the pus, superficial accumulations are isolated in the subcutaneous fat area and deep inside the 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, pain in muscles and joints, headaches;
• superficial location – redness and swelling of the skin immediately above the place of accumulation, pain on palpation or during movement;
• violation of the functioning of the damaged organ or corresponding tissues.

Chronic abscess does not have 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;
• Lung abscess is manifested by shortness of breath and weak breathing. 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 convulsions and incoordination;
• prostate abscess causes pain when urinating;
• Throat abscess causing cough spasms and pain;
• Bartholin gland abscess and others.

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

Causes of emergence and development

The main cause of an abscess is a bacterial infection that has entered the tissues from the outside world. Bacteria enter the body due to microtraumas that violate the integrity of the skin. Such injuries include cuts and minor abrasions/scratches/damages received in the process of shaving or cutting hair, manicures or pedicures, and others. At the same time, in case of ingress of dirt or small particles in the form of a splinter, the likelihood of the formation of a purulent accumulation increases.

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

• migration of infection from the primary focus of infection;
• festering hematomas and cysts;
• surgical manipulations – violation of sanitary rules in the form of non-sterile devices;
• violations in the administration of medicines and preparations, for example, violation of concentration during vaccinations.

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

Forms of the disease and routes of infection

An abscess can be an independent disease, but in the vast majority of cases it acts as a complication of some 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.

Forms of the disease are classified according to the localization of purulent accumulation:

• retropharyngeal abscess;
• parapharyngeal;
• paratonsillar abscess;
• subphrenic;
• soft tissues;
• periodontal;
• appendicular and others.

Complications

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

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

Clinic contact

A purulent accumulation is fraught with dangerous consequences, therefore, if there are the slightest signs of the presence of an accumulation of pus in tissues or organs, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. The ideal solution would be to call an ambulance.

In the center of Moscow, JSC “Medicina” (clinic of academician Roitberg) will provide you with the necessary assistance in treatment. In addition, JSC “Medicina” (Academician Roitberg’s clinic) 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 near the surface of the skin are easily diagnosed by external examination according to characteristic signs. Throat abscess is detected during 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 subdiaphragmatic, intraosseous, and pulmonary accumulations;
• Ultrasonography is aimed at detecting accumulations in the abdominal cavity and liver;
• computed tomography, as an auxiliary method, detects purulent accumulations in the brain, lungs and liver, subdiaphragmatic region and inside bones and joints;
• encephalography of various forms (echo-, electro-, pneumo-) is aimed at studying the brain;
• laparoscopy and angihepatography are used as an auxiliary method for examining the liver;
• abscess puncture and culture 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 bacilli, but other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are now becoming widespread.

Treatment

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

Principles of treatment:

• only superficially located purulent accumulations can be treated at home under medical supervision. 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 the abscess;
• drug therapy is based on taking the following drugs: antibacterial agents, antipyretics, painkillers, drugs to reduce intoxication, vitamin complexes, immunomodulators and others;
• balanced nutrition, sparing bed or semi-bed rest, as well as peace;
• physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy and spa treatment are possible as rehabilitation measures during the recovery phase.

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

Purulent accumulations in the lungs are initially treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and after receiving the results of culture studies, the medications taken are corrected. In severe cases, bronchoalveolar lavage may be performed. 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 accumulations, namely the location in the deep parts of the brain, forces the purulent content to be washed by puncture. Treatment of purulent accumulations at home with traditional medicine is unacceptable.

Prophylaxis

Abscess prevention is based on the following recommendations:

• timeliness of primary treatment of wounds and injuries;
• sanitation of foci of infection;
• strengthening immunity;
• careful observance of antiseptic and aseptic measures during surgical procedures that damage the skin.

How to make an appointment

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

Opening and treatment of abscess in St. Petersburg

A localized purulent process in soft tissues is called an abscess. In this case, the purulent contents are separated from the surrounding tissues by a capsule. However, if the treatment is delayed, then the enzymes released in the focus of inflammation gradually lyse (dissolve) the capsule and contribute to the development of a widespread purulent process. This condition is called phlegmon, while pus freely spreads between the muscles, connective tissue membranes, and subcutaneous tissue. To avoid such a dangerous scenario, a timely opening of the abscess is carried out.

Surgical treatment under adequate anesthesia is performed at the Tauras-Med Clinic. Experienced surgeons, after the minimum necessary examination, will immediately begin an autopsy in order to stabilize the patient’s condition in a short time. In our clinic, comfortable conditions and a high level of service.

Types of abscess

Abscesses can be very diverse. It is customary to distinguish the following types.

1. Acute abscess, when purulent inflammation is in the active phase.
2. Cold abscess, when the pus has encapsulated, and does not disturb the patient at the moment, but at any moment the process can become aggravated.

These 2 types of abscess require a different approach to surgical treatment.

Superficial and deep abscesses are classified according to their depth.

Single and multiple abscesses are distinguished by the number of purulent cavities.

Why do abscesses appear

The immediate cause of purulent inflammation lies in the microbial contamination of a certain tissue area. Most often, the inflammatory process is caused by bacteria. The classic “purulent” pathogens are:

• staphylococcus;
• streptococcus;
• Escherichia coli;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The following conditions predispose to infection:

• traumatic tissue injury;
• presence of hematomas – local accumulation of blood;
• inflammatory processes of adjacent organs;
• not completely sterile medical procedures.

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Symptoms

Superficial abscesses may involve the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and adjacent muscles and fascia. Symptoms of a purulent process are clearly visible to the naked eye. The inflamed area looks red, swollen, and shiny (shiny). A person is worried about pain, which increases when touched, over time (as a rule – no more than a day), takes on a pulsating character. In the center of the purulent focus, a zone of fluctuation can be determined, which corresponds to the greatest melting of tissues. In this place there may be a small hole from which pus is released. Systemic manifestations of purulent inflammation are an increase in body temperature (fever), weakness and general malaise.

If the abscess is located deep in the tissues, then it usually affects a specific organ. This determines the features of the symptoms. So, in the presence of a large abscess in the liver, there may be pain in the right hypochondrium, yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes, nausea, bloating, etc. These symptoms are usually accompanied by fever, weakness, and general malaise.

Surgical treatment of an abscess

Surgical treatment of an abscess is the only correct one. The task of surgical intervention is to ensure the outflow of purulent contents to the outside, thereby preventing its spread into the internal environment of the body. Before the operation, a standard examination is required, which allows you to determine the general status of the body.

Treatment of a purulent abscess depends on its stage, that is, whether it is acute or chronic. In one and in the other case, surgical intervention is indicated. In “Tauras-Med” an abscess is opened under anesthesia. Around the circumference of the pathological focus, the doctor makes injections of local anesthetics.

• Treatment of an abscess in the acute stage involves opening the pus of the cavity, removing the contents, treating the cavity with antiseptics and antibiotics. Purulent wounds are not sutured, because. it is necessary to ensure a constant outflow of pathological secretions. For this, drainage can also be additionally installed, which are removed after a few days.
• The treatment of a cold abscess is somewhat different. It involves not only opening the purulent cavity, but also removing the formed capsule. Often there are also fistulous passages that are subject to excision. This is a prerequisite in order to prevent relapse.

The price of opening an abscess

The cost of surgical treatment of a purulent process in Tauras-Med is indicated in the corresponding section of the site.