Abscess Care and Treatment
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A tender, swollen lump on your skin could be an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops within the body, typically as a reaction to an infection. Abscesses can form almost anywhere, including the skin, the teeth, and internal organs.
What Causes an Abscess?
Most abscesses start with a bacterial infection. Bacteria get into the body through a cut in the skin or through an opening like a hair follicle. Once the immune system spots the bacteria, it dispatches white blood cells to the area to fight the infection. As those white blood cells and bacteria build up, they create a pocket of pus — the abscess itself.
Signs and Symptoms
What an abscess feels like depends on where it is. On the skin, it often shows up as a red, swollen bump that hurts when touched. It may feel warm and develop a “head” that eventually opens and drains pus. When an abscess forms inside the body, symptoms can include fever, chills, and pain in the affected area.
How Abscesses Are Treated
Treatment depends on where the abscess is and how serious it is. Sometimes it can be drained with a needle or a small incision. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the abscess.
Preventing Abscesses
Good hygiene goes a long way toward preventing abscesses, particularly when you have a wound or cut. Keep the area clean and dry, cover it with a bandage, and swap the bandage out regularly. It also helps to avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors, since that can spread bacteria.
In short, abscesses can be painful and uncomfortable, but they can usually be treated with antibiotics and drainage. With good hygiene and proper wound care, you can help stop abscesses from forming in the first place.
References:
“Abscess.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Mar. 2022, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001353.htm.
“Abscess.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Mar. 2021, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20370894.