Abscess

Abscess punctured

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Draining an abscess is a complex and risky procedure and must be done by a professional to ensure it doesn’t get further infected. While draining an abscess few things are an absolute mandate such as the instruments being sterile. This includes the gloves, blades, syringe, and dressing material. Never squeeze the abscess or press it with your fingers. Doctors usually begin the procedure by numbing the area with local anesthesia. The area will be covered with antiseptic agent and bandages to prevent further infection.
If the abscess is relatively small in size it can be treated at home. Applying heat can improve circulation to the affected area; brings more WBCs closer to the surface. This can be done 4-5 times a day for 20 minutes each time. You can also make use of anti-bacterial home remedies such as turmeric, tea tree oil, and Epsom salt for treating an abscess. Neem oil and castor oil are also beneficial in treating an abscess. Note that essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying on the skin. If the abscess is larger, consult a doctor for treating/draining it.
Never attempt to drain a large abscess at home. If the abscess is small, it can be treated at home however it is unsafe to pop it. Popping, squeezing, and picking on the abscess will result in further infection and inflammation. Never touch an abscess with your bare hands. Always apply warm compress on it. Use a clean washcloth and lukewarm water and apply it gently on the abscess for few minutes, 4-5 times a day. In most cases it will drain naturally and heal on its own.
Abscess on tooth or periapical abscess doesn’t heal on its own and requires medical attention. If left untreated (or poorly treated) it can easily spread to other areas in your mouth and even your head and neck. A simple endodontic procedure called root canal can be done if the tooth abscess is small. In case it has spread to a larger area, the tooth would require extraction. An antibiotic course would be prescribed till the region has completely healed.

Overview

When bacteria invade the body, the immune system responds by attacking the pathogens and creating inflammation at the site of their entry. White blood cells arrive at the site to disable the bacteria. This process produces some amount of debris containing dead tissue, worn out immune cells and dead bacteria. You may have noticed this in the form of a thick, opaque fluid that is usually white or yellowish in color, although it can sometimes be greenish or blood-tinged as well. This is known as pus. The presence of pus indicates a bacterial infection.

What Is An Abscess?

Abscess woundWhen a pocket of pus accumulates somewhere beneath the skin or even deeper within the body’s tissues, it forms what is known as an abscess. Abscesses can be painful. Those located closer to the surface of the skin produces noticeable reddening and swelling. This can happen when a hair follicle or gland becomes clogged. Common skin boils are examples of abscesses.

When you have an infection somewhere within the body and it remains untreated, it can worsen to the extent of producing an abscess. In fact, abscesses are even known to form in vital organs such as the lungs and the brain. Those located deeper within the body are more difficult to pinpoint as the patient may only have a fever and some pain in the general area.

Unlike a pustule on the skin that may rupture and drain spontaneously, abscesses are usually treated by opening them and draining them by artificial means.

What Is Responsible For Abscess Formation?

Generally speaking, an abscess is the result of bacterial infection. The infection itself may be contracted in any number of ways. Bacteria may penetrate the skin through minor cuts or large wounds. Alternatively, other kinds of abscesses such as those in the anal region may arise as the result of sexually transmitted infections. In other cases, the infection is already present in an organ such as the lungs or it may spread to that spot from a nearby organ and when this is allowed to go untreated, it can worsen and give rise to an abscess.

Hence, any condition that increases the probability of contracting infection is automatically treated as a potential risk factor for abscess formation. This is especially true of individuals with a weakened immunity.

Here are some scenarios that may be considered risk factors for abscesses:

  • Cuts or breaks in the skin.
  • Lack of personal hygiene.
  • Sharing personal products with individuals who have infections, particularly skin infections.
  • Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected individual.
  • Untreated or severe infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
  • Having an immune deficiency which may be acquired or congenital.
  • Weak immunity as a result of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
  • HIV infection.
  • Long-standing illness such as cancer or diabetes.
  • Any condition that impairs blood circulation.
  • Postoperative infection.
  • Having intravenous tubes or catheters.
  • Substance abuse.

What Are The Signs And Indication Of An Abscess?

Abscess puncturedIf you have a relatively superficially located abscess, you will most probably notice the following indications:

  • Localised swelling, forming a lump or a boil.
  • The pus within may be visible.
  • Reddening at the site and around it.
  • The area is warm to the touch.
  • It may be tender or painful. Sometimes there is a throbbing pain at the site of the abscess.
  • You may have a fever and chills.

More specific symptoms related to the exact location of the abscess. Those in the anal region will tend to cause pain during bowel movements. However, if an abscess is located internally, you may display no external signs apart from a fever.

What Are The Different Types Of Abscesses?

Broadly, abscesses may be classified depending on whether they are located closer to the skin surface or deeper within the body. As we have already seen, the kinds of symptoms that each type creates can vary significantly.

Further, abscesses may be described on the basis of their specific location. For example, there are documented instances of brain abscesses, lung abscesses, stomach abscesses and even abscesses in the prostate gland. The last mentioned type can occur as a result of untreated infection in the prostate gland which might itself be a complication of urinary tract infection or an STI. Lung abscesses can develop when the patient has an untreated lung infection.

Should I Be Worried About Any Complications?

Patients should avoid poking at an abscess or attempting to drain it on their own because this can cause the infection to spread even deeper into the body. This may give rise to more abscesses or even infections in nearby organs. In fact, the bacteria may even spread into the bloodstream and set off a potentially fatal condition known as sepsis. A less critical but nevertheless severe outcome may involve the localized death of tissue or gangrene in the affected area.

Stop the abscess from growing in size and getting infected with these doctor-recommended solutions.

How Are Abscesses Diagnosed And Treated?

Abscess eyelidIf you have a skin abscess, your doctor will be able to identify it upon visual and physical examination. Testing a pus sample from the site will help to identify the specific pathogen involved. Internally located abscesses may only be identified and precisely located with the help of imaging procedures such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If you have multiple abscesses or recurring ones, your doctor may suspect a deeper underlying problem, one that impairs the immunity in some way. Depending on other symptoms displayed by the patient or guided by their medical history, other tests may be performed in order to pinpoint the underlying problem.

Smaller abscesses may rupture and clear up on their own. Larger ones will require incision and drainage. This task is best left to a medical professional. Drainage of an abscess may involve a minor surgical procedure and the wound will then be bound up to keep it sterile until it heals. In some cases, especially when the abscess is severe, the patient will also be prescribed antibiotic medications.

If it is a small skin abscess then it may well simply shrink or drain naturally, dry up, and disappear. In such situation, no treatment will be required.

But, if it is a large abscess then for clearing the infection you may have to take antibiotics. Additionally, it may become necessary to drain out the pus. For draining the pus your doctor will normally make a small incision in the skin at the location of the abscess.

Prevention

Skin abscesses occur when bacteria get into the root of a hair, a minor wound, or a blocked sweat gland. You can prevent chances of skin abscesses by making sure skin remains clean and healthy.

Few things you can do to stop bacteria from spreading include:

  • Wash hands regularly.
  • Use separate towels and do not share baths.
  • Wait for the abscess to fully heal before using any type of communal equipment like gym equipment.

Abscesses are fairly common and can be painful and inconvenient. They should not be ignored because allowing the infection to fester can actually lead to worse outcomes if the bacteria spread further into the body. With superficial abscesses, the good news is that treatment is fairly simple and quick and the condition is actually preventable if one does not have an underlying condition that permanently weakens one’s immunity. Maintaining basic personal hygiene and in one’s immediate surroundings can help to avoid such infections.

Draining an abscess is a complex and risky procedure and must be done by a professional to ensure it doesn’t get further infected. While draining an abscess few things are an absolute mandate such as the instruments being sterile. This includes the gloves, blades, syringe, and dressing material. Never squeeze the abscess or press it with your fingers. Doctors usually begin the procedure by numbing the area with local anesthesia. The area will be covered with antiseptic agent and bandages to prevent further infection.
If the abscess is relatively small in size it can be treated at home. Applying heat can improve circulation to the affected area; brings more WBCs closer to the surface. This can be done 4-5 times a day for 20 minutes each time. You can also make use of anti-bacterial home remedies such as turmeric, tea tree oil, and Epsom salt for treating an abscess. Neem oil and castor oil are also beneficial in treating an abscess. Note that essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying on the skin. If the abscess is larger, consult a doctor for treating/draining it.
Never attempt to drain a large abscess at home. If the abscess is small, it can be treated at home however it is unsafe to pop it. Popping, squeezing, and picking on the abscess will result in further infection and inflammation. Never touch an abscess with your bare hands. Always apply warm compress on it. Use a clean washcloth and lukewarm water and apply it gently on the abscess for few minutes, 4-5 times a day. In most cases it will drain naturally and heal on its own.
Abscess on tooth or periapical abscess doesn’t heal on its own and requires medical attention. If left untreated (or poorly treated) it can easily spread to other areas in your mouth and even your head and neck. A simple endodontic procedure called root canal can be done if the tooth abscess is small. In case it has spread to a larger area, the tooth would require extraction. An antibiotic course would be prescribed till the region has completely healed.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Do take care while shaving underarms or face to avoid cuts.
  • If tissues are used for wiping the pus then such tissues should be disposed immediately. This will help in preventing germs from spreading.
  • Do consult your medical practitioner if you think there is something trapped under the skin.
Don'ts
  • Squeeze the pus out since it can easily spread bacteria to other parts of the skin.
  • Share toothbrushes and razors with the infected person.
  • Stick a needle into the abscess since there could be underlying blood vessels which will get injured.

 

 

 

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carrageenan seaweed
Carrageenan: How a simple seaweed extract could better your gut health & immunity Eat more ice cream to prevent cold and flu? –With carrageenan you get one simple seaweed extract that…
Rubella IgM test
Rubella IgM Test The Rubella IgM test is a blood test that is performed to diagnose the presence of the rubella…
dandelion weight loss
Caralluma Fimbriata: How to eat this cactus to lose weight Caralluma fimbriata is a miracle cactus that can be safely consumed by most for losing weight and boosting…
Pumpkin Seeds: Why pumpkins are more than just for pies! Pumpkins have been long associated with Halloween carvings and delicious pies. But did you know that pumpkin seeds…
Cordyceps: How the Caterpillar fungus works as a proven cancer-shield Strange as it may sound, but cordyceps or "caterpillar fungus", a fungus variety native to the Himalayas may…
green poop causes
Green poop : What are the reasons and how can you correct it Ever sneak a peek down the toilet only to shockingly find green poop? Why does our poop turn…
complement c4 test
Anemia Profile Anemia Profile test (Basic) is a blood screening test that measures the levels of important components of the…
apolipoprotein a1 test
Apolipoprotein -A1 (APO-A1) Test Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo-A1) constitutes 70% of protein content in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and helps in lipid metabolism.
aspartame or sugar
Aspartame – Hidden truths about this storm in a teacup Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, has gone under the scanner on several occasions for allegedly doing more harm than…
Juice Plus: Can you really replace actual fruits with pills?  Juice Plus supplements intend to fill nutritional gaps present in our daily diet. But how successful have they…
Diabetes blood test
Diabetic Profile The diabetic profile is a set of tests used for testing and monitoring the various kinds of Diabetes…
Jack in the box fast food
Jack In the Box : The perils of surging fast food culture in the USA Jack in the Box - How a culture of fast-food can clog your arteries, weaken your heart, fatten…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
Is bronchitis contagious? And how to prevent this infection? It is acute bronchitis that is contagious which means you can contract it from another person or you…
cytomegalovirus iGG
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)- IgG Test The cytomegalovirus IgG is the immunoglobulin protein produced by our immune system when the body is infected by…
woman with abdominal pain holding ovulation calendar
Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
phenytoin test
Phenytoin test Phenytoin is a drug that is administered mainly to epilepsy patients. The phenytoin blood test measures the level…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A tTg test is…
Chlorella: Therapeutic powers of the billion-year-old algae now within your reach Chlorella - A billion year old nutrient-rich algae that can potentially ward off cancers and high cholesterol; the…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
tonometry
Tonometry Tonometry uses a device called tonometer to measure the pressure inside the eye. This pressure is depends upon…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level in past 2-3…
dhea adrenal
Androstenedione Test Androstenedione is produced by the adrenal gland, the test of the levels of Androstenedione helps in the evaluation…
GM Diet: The fastest way to lose weight or yet another hoax diet? General Motors started this trend of extreme dieting for 7 straight days to ensure its employees were able…
How can Kegels help you overcome weak pelvic muscles & incontinence? Kegel exercises are pelvic floor strengthening exercises that can help you overcome incontinence issues that rise out of…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
about mediterranean diet
Why you should be adopting a Mediterranean style of diet today Ever wondered why the Mediterranean diet is so healthy? One simple solution to lowering risk of several deadliest…
CERULOPLASMIN- triple marker
Triple Marker Test A triple marker test is an important prenatal test that is performed to detect the presence of chromosomal…
working mom with kids
Practical Motherhood Tips for Working Women Check out these effective tips for working mothers to manage motherhood and work life. Raise your children easily…
kidney stones
Kidney stones Kidney stones are solid substances made up of crystals. They can be of various sizes. Treatment depend on…
Dragon Fruit – Blessing from Nature’s Basket Dragon fruit is packed with nutrients but low on calories. It is the dream food that can help…
Bubble Tea: Bubbling with nutrition or a hidden sugar mine? The tapioca pearls present in the tea looks like bubbles and hence the name bubble tea became popular.…
shakeology woman
Meal replacement or protein drink? Learn all about Shakeology and its claims Shakeology from Beachbody claims to be the most suitable shake that can aid in weight loss, regulate blood…
BRAT Diet: What is the right way to follow this diarrhea-relieving diet? BRAT diet, a simple diet consisting of just bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help you combat the…

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