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.

abscess, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, furuncles, hidradenitis suppurativa, pilonidal abscess, pustules, whiteheads

Top Picks

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.

abscess, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, furuncles, hidradenitis suppurativa, pilonidal abscess, pustules, whiteheads

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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.

Abscess – diagnosis and treatment at the medical center “Andreev Hospitals”

Abscess is a limited accumulation of pus in soft tissues. This pathology always requires surgical intervention, as it is dangerous due to its complications. spread to surrounding tissues and organs.It is the inner wall of the abscess and is a pyrogenic membrane lined with granulation tissue that produces inflammatory exudate.0003

Causes of abscess

The most common causative agents of infection are staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Proteus, and so on. Infection occurs in one of two ways:

• exogenous;
• endogenous.

In the first case, the entry gates are small wounds on the skin, into which the pathogen enters and, under satisfactory conditions, begins to actively multiply. The endogenous method of infection is the infection with the blood flow from neighboring foci.

Symptoms of an abscess

When an abscess occurs, redness, swelling and pain appear on the surface of the body, accompanied by an increase in temperature in the affected area. With progression, fluctuation may be observed, indicating the presence of accumulated fluid in the cavity of the abscess. The depth of the lesion and the severity of the symptoms depend on the type of pathogen, the state of the immune system, and also on the effectiveness of the treatment started.

In addition to local symptoms, there is a change in general well-being. In this case, there may be an increase in body temperature above 40 degrees, malaise, headache and nausea.

A general blood test is indicative, in which there is an increase in ESR, the number of leukocytes with a shift in the formula to the left. With the progression of the disease, changes in the blood picture become more pronounced.

Other symptoms depend on the localization of the process. Accordingly, if a certain organ is damaged, there will be signs of a violation of its work. The outcome of the disease may be an independent opening of the abscess.

Diagnosis of an abscess

Differential diagnosis of an abscess is carried out with phlegmon, characterized by the absence of limitation. Also, hematoma, cysts and tumor-like formations with an associated infection have similar symptoms. To clarify the diagnosis, a puncture of the contents is performed, which allows not only to establish the nature of the formation, but also the pathogen, and this greatly facilitates further treatment.

Treatment of an abscess

In the presence of an abscess within the subcutaneous tissue, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis by opening the abscess under local anesthesia.

In the event that the abscess is located on the internal organs, the disease is treated only in a hospital. In this case, after a thorough examination with the determination of the boundaries of inflammation under general anesthesia, an abscess is opened with the obligatory removal of the capsule. In the presence of chronic abscesses, such as lung damage, the capsule is removed along with the surrounding tissues. In the event that it is impossible to remove the capsule, the cavity is drained and subsequently treated with antibacterial drugs.

After the operation, antibiotic therapy is prescribed, as well as symptomatic treatment. In this case, as already mentioned, the selection of drugs should be carried out taking into account the causative agent of the pathology.

If untreated, possible
s such complications as spontaneous opening of an abscess or chronicity.

Prevention of abscess

The only prevention of pathology is personal hygiene and the use of antibacterial agents in skin care in the presence of damage. Also, a preventive measure is the timely sanitation of the source of infection.