Facts you need to know about abscesses

Feb 25, 2018 News

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By Dr. Zulfikar Bux 
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

Having an abscess is a painful experience; some say it’s their most painful experience. Whether we like it or not, it’s becoming more common, mainly because of our unhealthy living. Today we will shed some light on abscesses, as there are different myths on how they form and are treated.

WHAT IS AN ABSCESS AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

An abscess is a collection of pus. Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue and germs (bacteria); it is usually called “information” by many locals. The pus may be yellow or green and may have a bad smell.
Abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Certain bacteria are more likely to be ‘pus-forming’, as they make chemicals (toxins) that can damage the body’s tissues. The infection causes our immune system to set off white blood cells and chemicals to fight the bacteria. In this ‘battle’ some tissue dies. A mixture of all these dead cells and bacteria forms the pus that is usually walled off in a cavity. The cavity becomes bigger if the infection continues and the pus can’t get out.

 WHERE DO ABSCESSES FORM?

• Skin – most abscesses form just under the skin. A boil is the most common example. In this case, a hair root becomes infected and develops into a small abscess. Occasionally, women who are breast-feeding can develop an infection in the breast that becomes a breast abscess. The symptoms of a skin abscess include swelling, redness, pain and warmth over the affected area.

 

• Inside the body – an abscess sometimes forms inside the body within an organ or in a space between organs. Various symptoms may occur, depending on the site of the abscess. An abscess inside the body usually happens because of another condition. Infection in the liver, for example, can result in a liver abscess. An ultrasound scanor other types of scan can confirm a suspected abscess. If infection occurs in the gums or teeth, a dental abscess can develop.

 WHO DEVELOPS ABSCESSES?

Most skin abscesses occur in people who are otherwise well. There is often no underlying cause and usually no further problems occur once it has gone. It usually happens when bacteria on your skin penetrate the protective barrier of your skin and get under into tissues. Your doctor may check to see if you are diabetic, as abscesses tend to occur more often in people with diabetes. Recurring skin abscesses may be the first indication of a problem with your immune system.

An abscess inside the body usually occurs in people who are ill with other problems, or in people whose immune system is not working well.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR AN ABSCESS?
The main treatment is to drain away the pus from the abscess. For a skin abscess, this involves a cut at the top of the skin to allow the pus to drain. Your doctor will usually numb your skin with an injection before cutting it. A scar will form as the skin heals. If the abscess is deep, a small piece of gauze (antiseptic wick) may be put in the drainage hole. This stops the hole from sealing over before all of the pus has drained and the cavity has shrunk.
A more complex surgery is done when an abscess forms inside the body. The techniques vary, depending on the site of the abscess. Sometimes a tube will be left in the hole to drain the pus.

Antibiotics may also be prescribed, especially if there is infection in the skin (cellulitis). However, they are often not able to treat an abscess on their own. The mainstay remains surgical drainage of the abscess.

 WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF AN ABSCESS WERE NOT TREATED?

A skin abscess would normally eventually burst on to the skin surface and let out the pus. This may be after it becomes larger and more painful. However, abscesses can also cause destruction of your tissues and form large tracts that are difficult to heal. They may also cause you to become very sick and septic if left untreated.

 WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT AN ABSCESS?
It is difficult to prevent an abscess inside the body, as it usually happens in people who are ill with other problems.
It may be possible to prevent a skin abscess. One in 10 people with a skin abscess develop another one within 12 months. It is more common in people who smoke or are obese, so stopping smoking or losing weight, may help to prevent boils. It is also more common in young people (aged below 30), people with diabetes and people who have taken an antibiotic in the previous six months.
Misuse of antibiotics is leading to “superbugs“ that are resistant to many antibiotics. These “superbugs“ can cause recurrent abscesses as they start to multiply. Some people seem to be particularly prone to developing boils. The boils can develop continuously, or occur from time to time.
The earlier you recognize that you may be having an abscess, the better it is for you. Getting treatment early can prevent the unnecessary pains and complications associated with abscesses.

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