Abscesses
What are Abscesses?
An abscess is a collection of pus, made up of living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria. Abscesses can develop in almost any area of the body, but most commonly occur in the skin, under the arms, in the groin area, around the anus, or in the mouth.
Symptoms of Abscesses
Symptoms of abscesses vary depending on their location. Common symptoms include:
- pain
- tenderness
- swelling
- redness
- warmth
- foul-smelling discharge
Causes of Abscesses
The most common cause of an abscess is a bacterial infection. Bacteria can enter the body through small cuts, insect bites, or other breaks in the skin. Bacterial infections can also be spread through sexual contact or sharing needles. Fungi, parasites, and viruses can also cause abscesses.
Risk Factors of Abscesses
Anyone can develop an abscess, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- having a weakened immune system due to illness or medications
- having diabetes, which may lead to poor circulation and slow healing
- having poor hygiene, which can increase your risk of developing an infection
- having a piercing or tattoo, especially if it’s not done in a sterile environment
- having a history of drug use, especially intravenous (IV) drug use
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They may also recommend certain tests, including blood tests or cultures to check for infection. Your doctor will also likely examine the area, feeling for a mass and checking for redness and tenderness. In some cases, imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, may be necessary.
Treatment
The treatment for an abscess depends on the type, size, and location of the abscess. Treatment may include:
- draining the abscess
- taking antibiotics to treat any underlying infection
- taking anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce swelling and pain
- applying hot compresses to the area to help reduce swelling and encourage drainage
Complications
If left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the body and cause further complications. These can include:
- sepsis, a serious infection of the blood
- infection of the bone (osteomyelitis)
- tissue death (necrotizing fasciitis)
- organ damage