Abscess
localized collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An abscess (Latin: abscessus) is pus that has built up within the tissue of the body.[1] Signs and symptoms of abscesses include: redness, pain, warmth, and swelling. This swelling feels like it is filled with fluid if it is pressed.[1] The area of redness is often bigger than the area of swelling.[2] Carbuncles are an abscess in the hair follicles.[3]
An abscess is usually caused by a bacterial infection.[4] Often many different types of bacteria can be part of a single infection.[2] In the United States and many other areas of the world the most common bacteria present is MRSA (a strain of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.).[1] Rarely parasites can cause abscesses and this is more common in the developing world.[5] Diagnosis of a skin abscess is usually made based on what it looks like and is proved by cutting it open.[1] Ultrasound imaging may be useful in cases in which the diagnosis is not clear.[1] In abscesses around the anus, computer tomography (CT) may be important to look for deeper infection.[5]
Treatment for most skin or soft tissue abscesses is to cut it open and drain out the pus.[6] Antibiotics are usually not needed for healthy people.[1] New studies have found that it is better to close the wound after draining, instead of packing it with gauze.[1] This can speed healing and not increase risk of the abscess returning.[7] Sometimes simply sucking out the pus with a needle is not enough.[1]
Skin abscesses are common and have become more common in recent years.[1] As many as 65% of people who take intravenous drugs get abscesses[8] In 2005 in the United States 3.2 million people went to the emergency department for an abscess.[9] In Australia around 13,000 people were put in hospital in 2008 for the disease.[10]