Abscess: Signs and symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

What is abscess? 

Abscess means the accumulation of pus within any tissue of the body, which is tender to touch, appears red due to inflammation and is marked by apparent swelling. 

The collection of pus is a result of the defence reaction against the bacterial infection. The fluid may come out when abscess is pressed. Some abscesses are closed and appear as raised lumps with pus filled inside. If the pain continues, then such abscesses are drained by incision and drainage method by the doctor.

What is pus? 

Pus is a thick fluid which is formed due to the accumulation of the debris of the foreign particles, bacteria and the white blood cells activated in response to the infection in that particular site. Whenever there’s a break in the continuity of the skin, the bacteria or other foreign body enter the tissue and as a result our body’s immune system becomes active due to the trigger mechanism and lots of WBCs and platelets reach the site to fight with the foreign particles. The resultant product of the immune response is termed as abscess. It takes time from days to week to form an abscess. In the beginning, the tissue turns red and inflamed and then gradually progresses in size and structure forming further accumulation of the pus. When the pressure in the centre of the swelled tissue increases it creates a painful response. When the pus concentration becomes high, it becomes apparently visible as the surrounding skin gets stretched and the skin shines clearly depicting the presence of fluid within the capsule of the abscess. 

See also : Acne

Abscesses are an indication that body has met with some infectious agent.

What are the cause and risk factors for abscess formation? 

Causes and risk factors:

Bacterial infection: Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common cause of abscess formation. 

There are several risk factors that contribute to the formation of abscess in the body. They are: 

• Premorbid conditions: some chronic infections of the vital organs such as liver, lungs, brain or kidneys may result into abscess formation due to recurrent infections in same particular area.  Though these are rare condition, such abscess may be life threatening requiring immediate medical or surgical intervention.
• Skin disorders: Conditions like acne may sometimes turn into abscess formation when squeezed with unclean hands.
• Most of the abscess are commonly seen on skin. The use of intravenous drug therapy may also predispose a person to the formation of abscesses.
• Improper hygiene: formation of pus surrounding anus, vagina or in groin may be a result of improper hygiene.

What are the signs and symptoms of abscess? 

Signs and Symptoms:

The symptoms of abscess includes:

• Redness at the affected site
• Swelling or edema which extends the area of affection.
• Feeling of warmth over the affected site
• The site is tender or painful to touch
• Fluid can be felt moving inside the involved tissue mass.
• Sometimes the pus oozes out from the center of the site where the concentration and pressure of pus is high.
• Some abscess that occur into the vital organs can be associated with the same symptoms such as tenderness of the organ, loss of function, discomfort or severe pain.

How can abscess be diagnosed?

Diagnosis:

Abscesses can occur anywhere in the body. The common sites are the skin, area surrounding the surgical incision, around anus, axilla, Bartholin glands in vaginal walls, around the hair follicles, in the inguinal region.

The diagnosis is made based on the physical assessment of the affected part and medical history of the patient.

Skin abscess are diagnosed by inspection of the site and taking patient history of any recent infection or any prevalent skin disease. Blocked sebaceous glands may also form cysts in the concerned site and lead into the formation of the abscess.

Dental abscess may be well examined by the dentists through thorough dental checkup.

Axillary abscess are a result of the swelling and infection of the lymph nodes. The doctor examines the edematous site and assesses the severity of the abscess in the armpits of the patient.

Anorectal abscess may post anorectal-fistula repair. Per rectal examination may be done to check the condition of the abscess.

Per-vaginal examination is required in case of abscess surrounding the vaginal or perineal area.

Incisional abscess occurs at the site of the surgical incision. When the surgical incision is not taken care of, such abscesses occurs. Pus or sero-sanguineous fluid starts to ooze out from the incisional site. The swelling may sometimes turn into painful tender mass causing discomfort to the patient.

What is the treatment for abscess? 

Abscess are treated by the surgical procedure of Incision and Drainage. In this procedure, the abscess is surgically incised and pus is drained out completely under sterile technique. It is required to follow strict aseptic techniques to avoid further infections. The cavity is then packed using sterile material and dressing is done. Some surgeons prefer a loose bandaging or others may advise you to let it heal open.

The doctor prescribes antibiotics and Pain killers after the procedure.

Multivitamins and zinc tablets are also prescribed for speeding up the healing of the skin. Some local applications such as ointments are also advised for preventing any further infections.

Foods rich in vitamin C and Zinc must be taken in order to help up the speed recovery of the drained site.

How can we prevent the formation of abscess in our body? 

Here are some of the preventive tips that can help: 

1. In case of small abscesses, warm compress the area for twenty to twenty five minutes with clean cotton cloth. Apply antiseptic creams after drying the area. Do not apply pressure on the affected site.
2. Never try hard to squeeze the contents of the abscess. Sometimes it may push the contents deep within the nearby tissues thus further spreading the infection.
3. A hard lump must never be attempted to break open unless some fluid starts oozing out on its own. It should be preferably shown to the doctor first before attempting any procedure on your own.
4. The abscess on the face if extends beyond one centimeter must be immediately sought medical attention.
5. Proper perineal care involving the inguinal area and private parts must be done to avoid any bacterial infections.
6. Eat well balanced diet. Include vitamin C and Zinc rich food sources in the diet. They help us in maintaining the skin integrity and health.
7. Proper hygiene of the body must be maintained to avoid the formation of abscess anywhere in the body.
8. Acne, boils or carbuncles must never be exploded or scratched with unclean hands as they may turn into the formation of the abscess.
9. Surgical dressing should always be done using strict sterile technique to avoid infections.
10. Proper hand washing must be encouraged to save yourselves from any infection.

Note: This blog post is for informational and educational purpose only. It is not a substitute to medical advice, consultation or treatment. Please see your doctor in any case.