Abscesses

Abscesses can form in different places in the body, and they are typically a result of a bacterial infection in most of the cases.

Abscesses

Abscesses are pockets filled with pus that can form in almost any part of the body, and they have different types, including:

• Skin abscesses (cutaneous abscesses), which develop under the skin and mostly manifest in the armpits, breast, and around the anus or the rectum.
• Abscesses in the mouth, like tooth abscesses (they form in the gum, at the tip of the root of the tooth, or in the bones and tissues that support the tooth), tonsil abscesses, peritonsillar abscesses, and retropharyngeal abscesses.
• Internal abscesses, like spinal cord abscesses, brain abscesses, and inside the abdomen near the liver, kidneys, pancreas, or any other organ.

Causes of abscesses

• An abscess usually forms due to a bacterial infection, especially Staphylococcus bacteria. When the bacteria attack the body, the immune system sends white blood cells to fight them, which causes inflammation and the death of the tissue nearby. This leads to the formation of the abscess, and the pus inside it consists of dead tissue, living and dead white blood cells, fluid, and germs.

Symptoms of abscesses

• A skin abscess appears raised, swollen, and red. It may also appear white or yellow due to the pus. It can feel tender and warm when touching, and it can also cause pain, fever, and chills.
• Mouth abscesses can cause severe toothache, swelling in the gum, swelling in the jaw or cheeks, tooth sensitivity, fever, and difficulty opening the mouth.
• Internal abscesses aren’t visible, and they can cause pain, fever, chills, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, and other symptoms depending on the affected organ.

Diagnosis of abscesses

• Physical exam.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of abscesses

• Tiny abscesses are typically resolved on their own.
• Other cases may require antibiotics or surgical drainage.