Abscesses and common treatments for them
An abscess is a collection of pus surrounded by inflammation that has formed in the tissue on any part of the body. Pus is an accumulation of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, bacteria, foreign substances, and dead tissue. The abscess is actually a defense reaction caused by the tissue itself to help prevent infectious materials from spreading to other parts of the body and tissues from the original location.
Causes
• Infectious organisms
• Parasites
• Foreign substances
Types of abscesses
• Tooth Abscesses
• Subcutaneous Abscesses
• Amebic Liver Abscesses
• Brain Abscesses
• Epidural Abscesses
• Skin Abscesses
• Spinal Cord Abscesses
• Anorectal Abscesses
• Bartholin’s Abscesses
• Peritonsillar Abscesses
• Pyogenic Liver Abscesses
Complications
Major complications, such as Gangrene (regional tissue death), can result when abscessed materials spread to adjacent or remote tissues. Such abscesses rarely heal themselves so prompt medical attention must be sought so that proper treatment can be dispensed.
Testing
In order to determine what organism is causing the abscess, fluid samples are drawn from the abscess and tested.
Incision and Drainage involves surgical drainage (lancing) of the abscess. If surgery is considered risky, it will be used as a last resort. Packing may be used to fill the cavity once the abscess has been drained. This procedure is not always used because it is now thought to delay healing.
Primary closure is sometimes successful when used in combination with antibiotics and/or curettage. Curettage is often used without the antibiotics. Antibiotics such as flucloxacillin or dicloxacillin are often used to fight infection in combination with surgical drainage of the abscess. Some doctors will try using antibiotics alone on very small abscesses.
Recurrent Abscesses are sometimes treated using topical mupirocin and chlorhexidine baths. Magnesium Sulfate Paste applications have been used in the past to successfully treat abscesses, boils, and many other pus collections.
Preventing abscesses
Depending upon what causes the abscess and where it develops, prevention measures such as good hygiene, dental hygiene, and routine care may be utilized.
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