Why is phlegmon more dangerous than an abscess?
Unlike an abscess, phlegmon is not delimited by a capsule: pus spreads through the cellular spaces along the vessels, nerves and muscles, and the patient’s condition quickly deteriorates - temperature, intoxication, and edema increase. Delay threatens sepsis. The autopsy is performed with wide incisions, sometimes several, with mandatory excision of necrotic tissue and complete drainage. Such interventions often require general anesthesia and subsequent hospital treatment with antibiotics.
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.