What are the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. How is hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosed. What treatments are available for hidradenitis suppurativa. Who is at risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa. How does hidradenitis suppurativa impact quality of life. What lifestyle changes can help manage hidradenitis suppurativa. Are there any complications associated with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Chronic Skin Condition

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful skin condition that affects approximately 1 in 100 people. This long-term ailment causes skin abscesses and scarring, primarily in areas where skin rubs together, such as the groin, armpits, and under the breasts. While the exact cause remains unknown, HS occurs near hair follicles with sweat glands. Interestingly, women are more commonly affected than men.

Key Characteristics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Painful, recurring skin abscesses
• Scarring of affected areas
• More prevalent in women
• Typically begins around puberty
• Often associated with obesity and smoking

Can hidradenitis suppurativa be confused with other skin conditions? Yes, HS can be mistaken for acne or ingrown hairs, which is why proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is crucial.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa can range from mild to severe, presenting a variety of skin issues that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and management of the condition.

Common Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Boil-like lumps
• Blackheads
• Cysts
• Scarring
• Channels in the skin that leak pus (sinus tracts)

How does hidradenitis suppurativa typically progress? The condition often starts with blackheads and pus-filled spots, developing into firm, pea-sized lumps. These lumps may disappear or rupture, leaking pus within hours or days. As the condition progresses, new lumps can form in nearby areas, potentially spreading if not controlled with medication.

Where do hidradenitis suppurativa lesions commonly appear? The most frequently affected areas include:

1. Around the groin and genitals
2. In the armpits
3. On the buttocks and around the anus
4. Below the breasts
5. Nape of the neck
6. Waistband area
7. Inner thighs

Is bacterial infection a concern with hidradenitis suppurativa? Yes, some lumps may become infected with bacteria, leading to a secondary infection that requires antibiotic treatment.

Unraveling the Causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

While the exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa remains elusive, researchers have identified several factors that contribute to its development and progression. Understanding these factors can help in managing the condition and potentially preventing its onset in at-risk individuals.

Potential Factors Contributing to Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Blocked hair follicles
• Hormonal influences
• Genetic predisposition
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Immune system dysfunction

Is hidradenitis suppurativa related to poor hygiene? No, it’s important to note that HS is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. This misconception can lead to unnecessary stigma for those affected by the condition.

How significant is the genetic component in hidradenitis suppurativa? Approximately one in three cases of HS runs in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. However, environmental factors also play a crucial role in its development and severity.

Diagnosing Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Challenges and Approaches

Diagnosing hidradenitis suppurativa can be challenging due to its similarity to other skin conditions. However, early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of disease progression.

Diagnostic Process for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

1. Physical examination of affected areas
2. Review of medical history
3. Swab tests of infected areas (if necessary)
4. Ruling out other skin conditions

Why is there no definitive test for hidradenitis suppurativa? The lack of a specific diagnostic test makes clinical evaluation and expertise crucial in identifying HS. Healthcare providers must rely on their knowledge of the condition’s characteristics and patterns to make an accurate diagnosis.

How does the absence of certain bacteria help in diagnosis? Interestingly, the lack of common skin infection-causing bacteria in HS lesions can actually aid in diagnosis. This distinguishes HS from typical skin infections and abscesses.

Treatment Options for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Multifaceted Approach

Managing hidradenitis suppurativa often requires a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual’s symptoms and disease severity. While there is no cure, various treatments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Common Treatment Strategies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Topical and oral antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Hormone therapy
• Biologic drugs
• Surgical interventions
• Laser therapy

Can early treatment prevent hidradenitis suppurativa from worsening? Yes, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing HS and potentially preventing its progression to more severe stages. This underscores the importance of seeking medical attention at the first signs of the condition.

What role do lifestyle changes play in managing hidradenitis suppurativa? Lifestyle modifications can significantly impact HS management. These may include:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight
2. Quitting smoking
3. Wearing loose-fitting clothing
4. Practicing good hygiene
5. Managing stress

Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Coping Strategies and Support

Hidradenitis suppurativa can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Developing effective coping strategies and seeking support are crucial aspects of managing the condition and maintaining a good quality of life.

Key Aspects of Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Pain management
• Emotional support
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Regular medical follow-ups
• Joining support groups

How can individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa manage pain effectively? Pain management strategies may include over-the-counter pain relievers, warm compresses, and prescription pain medications in severe cases. Some individuals find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture or meditation.

What resources are available for emotional support? Support groups, both online and in-person, can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice for living with HS. Mental health professionals can also help individuals cope with the psychological impact of the condition.

Complications and Associated Conditions of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

While hidradenitis suppurativa primarily affects the skin, it can lead to various complications and is associated with several other health conditions. Understanding these potential issues is crucial for comprehensive management of HS.

Potential Complications of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Scarring and skin changes
• Restricted mobility
• Secondary infections
• Fistulas (abnormal connections between organs or vessels)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (in rare, long-standing cases)

Are there any systemic conditions associated with hidradenitis suppurativa? Yes, HS has been linked to several systemic conditions, including:

1. Metabolic syndrome
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
3. Inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease)
4. Depression and anxiety
5. Arthritis

How does hidradenitis suppurativa impact overall health? The chronic inflammation associated with HS can have far-reaching effects on the body. It may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory conditions. Regular health check-ups and a holistic approach to treatment are essential for managing these potential health risks.

Research and Future Directions in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment

As our understanding of hidradenitis suppurativa grows, researchers are continuously working to develop new and more effective treatments. Ongoing studies aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the disease and identify novel therapeutic targets.

Emerging Areas of Research in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Genetic factors and biomarkers
• Role of the microbiome in HS development
• New biologic therapies
• Personalized treatment approaches
• Innovative surgical techniques

What promising new treatments are on the horizon for hidradenitis suppurativa? Several new biologic therapies targeting specific inflammatory pathways are in clinical trials. These drugs aim to provide more targeted and effective treatment options for individuals with HS.

How might personalized medicine impact hidradenitis suppurativa treatment? As researchers identify genetic and molecular factors associated with HS, there is hope for more personalized treatment approaches. This could lead to more effective therapies tailored to an individual’s specific disease characteristics and genetic profile.

In conclusion, hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex and challenging skin condition that requires a multifaceted approach to diagnosis, treatment, and management. While living with HS can be difficult, ongoing research and advances in treatment offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this condition. As always, individuals experiencing symptoms of HS should consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) – NHS

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, long-term skin condition that causes skin abscesses and scarring on the skin.

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, but it occurs near hair follicles where there are sweat glands, usually around the groin, bottom, breasts and armpits.

For reasons that are unknown, more women than men have the condition. It’s thought to affect about 1 in 100 people.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa range from mild to severe.

It causes a mixture of boil-like lumps, blackheads, cysts, scarring and channels in the skin that leak pus.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can cause fleshy lumps to grow on the surface of the skin

Credit:

GIRAND/BSIP/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www. sciencephoto.com/media/668613/view

Sometimes, narrow channels (sinus tracts) form under the skin, which can break out on the surface and leak pus

Credit:

Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-hidradenitis-suppurativa-52484079.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=B6F62B10-1A6C-45D2-B395-4D3CF16D45CE&p=17774&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dD1ARYB%26qt_raw%3dD1ARYB%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%7bA883FDE5-7F3D-4472-81F5-B61111916852%7d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d

The condition tends to start with blackheads, spots filled with pus and firm pea-sized lumps that develop in one place. The lumps will either disappear or rupture and leak pus after a few hours or days.

New lumps will then often develop in an area nearby. If these are not controlled with medicine, larger lumps may develop and spread. Narrow channels called sinus tracts also form under the skin that break out on the surface and leak pus.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can be very painful. The lumps develop on the skin in the following areas:

• around the groin and genitals
• in the armpits
• on the bottom and around the anus
• below the breasts

The lumps may also appear on the nape of the neck, waistband and inner thighs.

Some of the lumps may become infected with bacteria, causing a secondary infection that will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Many people with hidradenitis suppurativa also develop a pilonidal sinus, which is a small hole or “tunnel” in the skin at the top of the buttocks, where they divide (the cleft).

What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, but the lumps develop as a result of blocked hair follicles.

Smoking and obesity are both strongly associated with hidradenitis suppurativa, and if you’re obese and/or smoke it will make your symptoms worse.

Hidradenitis suppurativa usually starts around puberty, but it can occur at any age after puberty. This may suggest that sex hormones play a part. Many people with the condition also have acne and excessive hair growth (hirsutism).

In rare cases, hidradenitis suppurativa may be linked to Crohn’s disease, particularly if it develops around the groin area and the skin near the anus. Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes the lining of the digestive system to become inflamed.

Hidradenitis suppurativa runs in families in about 1 in 3 cases. It’s not infectious and isn’t linked to poor hygiene.

Diagnosing hidradenitis suppurativa

There’s no definitive test to help diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa.

A GP will examine the affected areas of skin, and they may take a swab of an infected area. This can be helpful in making a diagnosis because the condition is not usually associated with the presence of bacteria that cause skin infections.

Hidradenitis suppurativa could be mistaken for acne or ingrown hairs.

Treating hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a lifelong, recurring condition that is often difficult to manage, although the symptoms may improve or eventually stop with treatment.

It’s important to recognise and diagnose the condition in its early stages to prevent it getting worse.

In the early stages, it may be controlled with medicine. Surgery may be required in severe or persistent cases.

Antibiotics

If you have lumps that are particularly painful, inflamed and oozing pus, you may be prescribed a 1- or 2-week course of antibiotics, if test show that you have a bacterial infection.

If bacterial infection is not present, low doses of antibiotics may be used to prevent inflammation. This longer course of antibiotics will last at least 3 months, to reduce the number of lumps that develop.

You may be given antibiotics as a cream (topical) or as a tablet, capsule or liquid. Antibiotic types can include lymecycline, doxycycline, erythromycin or clarithromycin.

In severe cases of hidradenitis suppurativa, a combination of clindamycin and rifampicin can be effective.

Antiseptics

Antiseptic washes, such as 4% chlorhexidine, applied daily to affected areas are often prescribed alongside other treatments.

Retinoids

Retinoids, such as acitretin, are vitamin-A based medicines that help some people with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Retinoids are always prescribed by dermatologists. They must be used with caution and cannot be taken during pregnancy. It’s also important to avoid getting pregnant for 3 years after stopping treatment, so they’re not usually prescribed if there’s a chance you could get pregnant.

Contraceptives

If hidradenitis suppurativa flares up before a period you may benefit from taking oral contraceptives.

Immunosuppressive treatments (infliximab and adalimumab)

In severe cases of hidradenitis suppurativa, treatments that suppress the immune system, such as adalimumab or infliximab, can be useful.

However, there are risks associated with suppressing the immune system, so they are usually only prescribed by a dermatologist if other treatments do not work.

Infliximab and adalimumab are immunosuppressive treatments that are given by injection at regular intervals either at home or in hospital.

Steroids

Rarely, you may be prescribed steroids, such as prednisolone, to reduce severely inflamed skin. Steroids can be taken as skin creams or tablets, or you may have an injection directly into affected skin.

Possible side effects of steroids include weight gain, poor sleep and mood swings.

Read more about steroid creams (topical corticosteroids), steroid tablets and steroid injections.

Surgery

Surgery may be considered in cases where hidradenitis suppurativa cannot be controlled with medicine.

Lifestyle advice

If you have hidradenitis suppurativa you should:

• lose weight if you are overweight
• stop smoking if you smoke
• use an antiseptic skin wash or antiseptic soap – this may be prescribed alongside other treatment
• hold a warm flannel on the lumps to encourage the pus to drain
• wear loose-fitting clothes
• avoid shaving affected skin

Outlook

Although hidradenitis suppurativa can persist for many years, if it’s diagnosed early the symptoms can be improved with treatment.

However, the condition can have a significant impact on a person’s everyday life. Having to regularly change dressings and constantly live with the pain and discomfort of the symptoms can affect your quality of life and lead to depression.

Speak to a GP if you’re finding it difficult to cope.

Page last reviewed: 17 March 2023
Next review due: 17 March 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.

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

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What is an abscess? Why open up? Can an abscess be treated at home?

When harmful bacteria enter the body, it responds with a universal protective reaction – inflammation. Under certain circumstances, inflammation can become purulent. Pus is formed – a thick liquid that contains a lot of protein, dead leukocytes and microbial cells. If enough pus accumulates in one place, an abscess occurs, or, in simple words, an abscess.

Abscesses can appear in any part of the body, even in the bones. Most often, they form under the skin, in the armpit, groin, genitals, anus, and in other places. There are ulcers under the mucous membrane (for example, on the gums, if a carious tooth is not treated for a long time, or a pharyngeal abscess – inflammation of fatty tissue behind the pharynx), in internal organs: in the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, etc.

Most often surgeons have to deal with subcutaneous abscesses. We will talk about their treatment below.

Can you manage an abscess on your own?

In principle, if the abscess is less than 1 cm in diameter and does not cause much concern, you can try to deal with it yourself. Warm compresses for 30 minutes 4 times a day help.

Under no circumstances should an abscess be squeezed out. By pressing on the cavity with pus, you create increased tension in it, which contributes to the spread of infection. You can not pierce the abscess with a needle. The sharp tip of the needle can damage the healthy tissue or blood vessel under the pus. Malicious microbes will not fail to take advantage of this opportunity and rush to develop new “territories”.

If something resembling an abscess appears on your skin, it is better not to hesitate with a visit to the surgeon. Especially if:

• the abscess is very large or there are several;
• you feel unwell, your body temperature has risen to 38°C or more;
• an ulcer appeared on the skin;
• a red line “went” across the skin from the abscess – this indicates that the infection has spread to the lymphatic vessel, and lymphangitis has developed.

Can an abscess be cured without opening?

Even the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates liked to say: “where there is an abscess, there is an incision”. Since then, little has changed in the principles of abscess treatment.

Why must an abscess be opened? The human body is arranged very wisely, usually it gets rid of everything superfluous. If pus has accumulated somewhere, this indicates that the natural mechanisms have been ineffective. The body does not know how to bring it out. At the same time, the cavity with pus becomes like a time bomb. Pathogenic microbes can spread beyond the abscess, sometimes this leads to severe complications, up to sepsis.

The best solution in this situation is to drain the pus through the incision. As a rule, after this, improvement quickly occurs, the healing process begins.

After opening the abscess, the surgeon may prescribe antibiotics, but not all patients need them.

How is an abscess opened?

The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia. You will practically not feel pain. The doctor will make an incision and clean the wound from pus – using a special suction, or manually, armed with a gauze napkin.

Once the wound has been cleaned, the surgeon will insert a finger or a surgical forceps into the wound to check for pockets filled with pus. Sometimes there are partitions inside the abscess that divide it into two, three or more “rooms”. All partitions must be destroyed and all pus must be released.

Wash the wound with an antiseptic solution. But they are not in a hurry to sew it in. Pus may accumulate under the stitches again. The cavity must be left open so that it cleans better and heals faster. To drain excess fluid, a drain is left in it – a strip of latex, one end of which is let out. Subsequently, dressings are carried out with antiseptic solutions, healing and antibacterial ointments.

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How quickly will healing occur?

The further scenario of the development of events after the opening of the abscess usually looks like this:

• As a rule, immediately after the pus is released, the pain subsides and the general condition improves.
• After 2 days, liquid discharge from the wound almost completely stops.
• Within 7-10 days, you will have to periodically see a doctor and do dressings.
• After 10-14 days, the wound heals completely. Sometimes even faster – it depends on the size of the abscess.

Opening an abscess is practically painless and not scary at all. Much worse are the complications that can arise if treatment is not carried out on time. Make an appointment with a surgeon at the International Medica24 Clinic by phone: +7 (495) 120-19-58

autopsy and removal in Samara

An abscess is an abscess, inflammation of the tissues 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 neighboring 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 – this is very dangerous (possibly pouring pus into neighboring organs, tissues, melting part of nearby vessels with pus, etc.).

Abscess symptoms

An abscess can be suspected by the following signs:

● the appearance of a hard painful “bump”;

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

● possible enlargement of lymph nodes, temperature, lethargy.

Abscesses can form in the groin area, in the mouth (on the lip, 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 disposal

The main indications for an autopsy are:

● lack of effect from conservative treatment,

● temperature and weakness,

● Seal,

● redness,

● pain,

● Edema.

Abscess opening

Opening an abscess is a simple procedure, so often only local anesthesia is required in the abscess area. 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 the supervision of physicians in a day hospital for 30-40 minutes). Since this is a purulent inflammation, surgery is usually performed on on the day was called.

Stages of treatment:

1. Examination by a surgeon.

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

3. Preoperative preparation is underway, 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 simply – an elastic band that prevents tissue fusion. This is necessary for pus to come out).

7. After the operation, the patient needs to go for dressings for several days and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Self-treatment of abscess

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

Use of folk remedies

Self-medication and the use of folk remedies is highly discouraged, since an abscess can have serious complications that can be avoided by contacting a specialist in time. This warning can be all the more serious, 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 the 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 end 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, there will be no trace left on the body.

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

Are there traces left?

After about 10 days, you can finish making dressings, since the incision is almost completely healed. If the operation was done carefully and on time, then there will be no traces left.