All About Abscesses

Abscesses come in two forms: septic and sterile. Septic abscesses, which are the result of an infection, are more common than sterile abscesses. A septic abscess can appear in any part of the body. Germs are the only thing that is required. From there, the immune system kicks in. To fight back against the invading germ, white blood cells appear at the site of the infection. From there, the cells produce enzymes to attack the germ. Enzymes are similar to acid. They break the germs into small pieces and kill them. From there, the germs are eliminated by the body. When this process occurs, body tissue can also be digested. The germ or germs may also produce chemicals as a defense mechanism. This can result in the appearance of pus. The liquid, which is thick and yellow, contains a mix of digested germs and tissue, enzymes, and white blood cells.

An abscess is essentially a crack in the skin. It is surrounded by pus, and it may look like it is leaking. Because the tissue surrounding the abscess is inflamed, it can cause a great deal of physical discomfort. In most cases, an abscess forms because of a localized infection. If an abscess is external, it will respond to localized treatment. An external abscess is also easy to identify. If an abscess is internal, however, only a doctor or a medical examiner will be able to identify it.

Abscesses can be found throughout the body. They commonly appear in the perirectal region, the gums, the armpit, the breasts, and the groin. The location of the abscess and the severity of the symptoms vary based on the patient. For the most part, the symptoms of an abscess are visible. There are also a number of complications related to an abscess. The severity of these complications will change from person to person. The most common sign of an abscess is swelling; the skin around the abscess may be red. An abscess will be sensitive when touched, and it will feel warm, even through the skin. Abscesses tend to be painful, but the degree of pain a person experiences may vary.

When an abscess is fully mature, complications may increase. The abscess could rupture, and pus could drain from the abscess. That’s why an abscess should be treated by a medical professional before this happens. A doctor can drain the pus from the abscess before it has a chance to mature. If an abscess is not treated, it could cause more serious problems. It could even lead to septicemia.

An abscess is typically caused by a bacterial infection. As mentioned above, they can appear internally and externally. Boils are a prime example of surface abscesses. However, it is most common for an abscess to appear under the skin. Even a small gland becoming infected can lead to an abscess. It isn’t unusual for a minor cut or another small abrasion to lead to an abscess. Abscesses are more likely to occur in parts of the body that are moist. This is why the gums, groin area, and armpits frequently see abscesses. People that suffer from diabetes are also more prone to abscesses.

An abscess isn’t just an infection; it occurs because of the body’s response to that infection. When the immune system fights off an infection, pus may form. That pus may consist of dead tissue, dead blood cells, living cells, bacteria, and other substances. While abscesses are primarily caused by bacteria, they can also be caused by parasites or foreign substances. To avoid abscesses, you should take care to prevent infection, especially in parts of the body that are prone to developing abscesses. If you suspect that you may have an infection, you should see a doctor right away.