Abscess

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What is An Abscess?

An abscess occurs in two stages. First, below the surface, the abscess is a pus filled cavity where tissue used to be. Second, above the skin’s surface, the abscess is a small, sensitive reddish lump in the skin that is painful even when left alone. ¹ Basically, an abscess is the liquefied tissue in place of other tissues that have disintegrated.^{1, 2} Within approximately a week, the abscess will break the skin and form a head, much like that of a pimple. ¹ After that, the abscess can be lanced or, if left alone, it will drain in three to four days. ¹

What Causes An Abscess:

An abscess is caused by a bacterial infection or another foreign invasive material (most are bacterial, or what is called septic) ³.The bacterium, Staphylococcus, is commonly known as staph ¹ hence, staph infections.The bacteria invade the body tissues usually via a cut, scrape, or another small break in the skin.The abscess is actually the body’s way of attempting to isolate the infectious agent.As the bacteria, or other infectious agents, eat away at tissues, the body is working hard to wall ¹ this agent off from getting to the rest of the body. ² Also in response to the infection, the body hurries blood to the area surrounding the infection, causing redness.As the bacteria, dead tissues, and cells get encased they mesh to form a sort of creamy liquid stuff known as pus.The abscess will fill up and apply pressure to the surrounding nerves resulting in pain and sensitivity. ²

Signs and Symptoms: ^{1, 3}

Who is at Risk:

Based purely on the nature of the acquisition of the infection (primarily cuts, and scrapes ²), those probably at highest risk of infection are children.After all, children are always falling and nicking themselves, and then they go back to playing.Children seldom stop to think about disinfecting cuts on their knees, so the cut heals with bacteria in and around it.Other people who may be more susceptible to an abscess would be a person who works outside, with their hands, or simply someone who has no means or concept of good daily hygiene. ¹If an abscess is breeched and the infection is allowed to spread throughout the body then your condition could become quite serious, ³ beware of the last four symptoms listed above.

How Abscesses Can Be Prevented:

Abscesses can be prevented with heat or antibiotics, these will often resolve infection before an abscess develops. ³ Also daily use of an antibacterial soap when showering and washing your hair is recommended.Bathing, however, is not advisable because bacteria can be spread easily through the still water.¹