 Basic facts about abscess
Added: 12/05/2005 |
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An abscess is known as a tender and easily pressed mass of infected fluid with white blood cells and dead tissue. Abscesses can appear as a result of a puncture wound in any part of the human body. However, the most common areas for abscess are armpits, areas around vagina and anus, the base of the spine, in the groin or around a tooth. This article will provide you with basic information about abscess, its causes and symptoms.
An abscess refers to the pus collection (large number of white blood cells in response to a bacterial infection) surrounded by inflamed tissue in a particular part of the human body. White blood cells release special chemicals with the purpose of killing the bacteria and cause the blood vessels enlargement (inflammation). This attracts more white blood cells to the fight with different foreign materials.
What is evident about abscess? It is the human body reaction to bacterial infection. Abscess usually appears, enlarges or subsides depending on the type of microorganisms or leucocytes. Abscesses are possible to develop in any part of the body, in any organ or in soft tissues under the skin.
What is worth mentioning about abscess is that common areas for abscess include gums, breast, peri-rectal areas (congenital cyst or pilonidal cyst) and rarely brain and liver. Speaking about abscess under skin it is necessary to know that groin and armpits are likely to suffer from it. The reason is that the mentioned areas have a large number of lymph glands responsible for combating infections. There are several types of abscess. For example furuncle is considered to be a smaller, single abscess on the skin surface; multichambered (larger) abscesses are called carbuncles.
Are you aware about abscess risk factors and common causes? Usually, abscesses can be caused by different minor breaks and skin punctures, obstruction of oil or sweat glands or hair follicles inflammation. The reason of them causing pain and irritation is that they contain bacteria, dead cells and other debris. The most common cause of abscess is bacteria called staphylococcus. At the same time, one of the important abscess-forming type is bacillus which is responsible for tuberculosis.
It is important to know that infection reaches variable human body organs via bloodstream; it can also penetrate the tissues beneath the skin via any infected bite or wound. The more prone to abscesses are people with a weakened immune system.
As time goes by abscesses tend to grow and become more painful. What should be clear about abscess is its symptoms: pain and skin susceptibility in the abscess area, it is warm to touch. When the abscess is a large source of infection it can cause malaise, sweating, chills or fever.
The abscesses located too close to the skin surface may cause skin inflammation with redness, tenderness and increased human body’s temperature. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above let the doctor know about it to examine you and choose the most appropriate type of treatment. Be aware that abscess is a kind of disease possible to be diagnosed clinically. It is carried out by means of a physical and history exam (a tender mass is usually demonstrated with the overlying erythema).
Speaking about abscess treatment it is impossible not to mention that it should be performed in a special clinic. Very often people are given antibiotics, but still the most efficient way to treat abscesses is a surgical one.
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