An abscess is an infection and inflammation due to the accumulation of pus in a cavity. The cause is usually a bacterial infection. It can be internal or external. Abscesses are very common in children.
Causes of abscess
Isolation of an infection
Abscesses can form in almost any part of the body and are caused by infections, mainly bacterial, such as Staphylococcus aureus, parasites and foreign materials. The immune system directs white blood cells, leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, to the infected area so that they accumulate in the injured tissue. This produces inflammation and pus, which is the accumulation of live and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, bacteria and other substances.
There are several types of abscesses:
– Tooth abscess. In a tooth.
– Gingival abscess. In the periodontal tissue.
– Abdominal abscess. In the abdominal cavity.
– Liver abscess. In the liver.
– Lung abscess. In the lung.
– Peritonsillar abscess. Around the tonsils.
– Anorectal abscess. In the area of the anus and rectum.
– Bartholin’s abscess. In the Bartholin’s glands located on both sides of the vaginal opening.
– Brain abscess. In the brain.
– Epidural abscess. In the spinal cord, bones of the skull, spine, or outer covering of the brain.
– Breast abscess. Breast obstruction. It could be mastitis.
– Skin abscess. On the skin.
– Subcutaneous abscess. Under the skin.
– Psoas abscess. In the long muscle lateral to the lumbar region of the spine and the pelvic cavity.
– Boil.
– Soft palate abscesses. It can be a symptom of HIV positive.
Symptoms of abscess
Inflammation and accumulation of pus
External abscesses are detected thanks to the redness, inflammation and pain caused by the accumulation of pus. internal abscesses
Diagnosis of abscess
Physical examination, sample and imaging tests
Physical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose an external abscess; To identify the cause, a fluid sample can be taken. However, for internal abscesses, imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be needed.
Abscess treatment and medication
Depends on the type of abscess
The abscess is usually drained, in some cases surgery is required, and antibiotics are prescribed.
Abscess prevention
Good personal hygiene
Prevention measures are mainly proposed for external abscesses since they are usually caused by lack of adequate hygiene or an untreated wound. Good hand hygiene, washing them with soap and water for about 20 seconds, and personal hygiene, can be very effective in preventing infection. Additionally, it is also important to keep cuts and wounds clean, dry and covered.
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