How to recognize an abscess
An abscess is manifested by local swelling, redness, throbbing pain and increased local temperature. The key sign is fluctuation: when pressing, you feel the movement of fluid inside, which indicates a formed cavity. Until this point, at the stage of dense infiltration, conservative treatment is possible. If in doubt, an ultrasound of soft tissues is performed, which accurately shows the presence and volume of the cavity.
The main principle of purulent surgery
A formed abscess cannot be cured with ointments and antibiotics: the drugs do not penetrate into the cavity delimited by the pyogenic capsule. The only approach that works is to open it up, evacuate the pus and ensure drainage.
After opening, the pain and fever go away within 24 hours. Further treatment is aimed at cleansing the wound and healing it.
What are the differences between purulent processes?
- abscess - a limited accumulation of pus with a clear capsule
- phlegmon - diffuse purulent inflammation without borders, spreading throughout the cellular spaces
- carbuncle - purulent-necrotic inflammation of several adjacent hair follicles with extensive necrosis
- panaritium - purulent inflammation of the tissues of the finger, dangerous by spreading to the tendons and bone
What not to do
Squeeze out the abscess, warm it up, apply warm compresses and ointment dressings to the unopened lesion. All this contributes to the spread of infection deeper. Such actions are especially dangerous for ulcers on the face and felon.
When to look for a reason
Repeated boils, carbuncles and abscesses are a reason to check your blood glucose levels: they are often the first manifestation of diabetes. The state of immunity and the presence of chronic foci of infection are also assessed.