Introduction
An abscess forms where an infection has caused inflammation somewhere in the body and pus has collected at the site. Pus is simply a buildup of a mix of bacteria and dead white blood cells which have been fighting the infection.
Abscesses can form in any location and if large enough, can potentially be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on whether the abscess is located under the skin or internally.
Skin abscesses
- Burning sensation.
- Pain.
- Fever / chills.
- Swelling / redness at the site.
Internal abscesses
- Pain.
- Fever.
- A feeling of being ‘generally unwell’.
Causes
The immediate cause of an abscess is most frequently a bacterial infection.
Risk factors for developing abscesses include:
- Excess alcohol intake.
- Drug use / abuse (especially intravenous, and steroid abuse).
- Diabetes.
- Cancer, and some cancer treatments (e.g. chemotherapy).
- Immune disorders (including AIDS).
- Peripheral vascular disorders / poor blood circulation.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Some bowel conditions (e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Excessive sweating, especially in the groins and under the armpits.
Tests & Diagnosis
Skin abscesses are relatively straightforward to diagnose simply by looking at them. A physical examination may involve checking nearby lymph glands. Any medical history is reviewed to look for a cause.
Internal abscesses are generally diagnosed via imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.
Treatment
Generally all abscesses require a surgical drainage under anaesthetic to release the infected fluid and wash the abscess space. Internal abscesses may require drainage under x-ray guidance. Abscesses cannot be treated with antibiotics, particularly if there is pus within the abscess. Early medical attention should be sought to prevent abscesses from becoming serious and life-threatening infections.
