A painful collection of pus anywhere in the body caused by bacterial infection is called abscess. This collection of the pus is within the tissue. While pressing, you can feel the swelling. There are mainly two types of abscess:
- Skin abscesses: They develop under the skin
- Internal abscesses: They develop inside the body, in an organ or in the spaces between organs.
Among the two, skin abscess is more common.
Abscesses form when the body's immune system tries to fight off bacteria that have entered the skin. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer, AIDS, diabetes, or severe burns, are more susceptible to abscesses
Diagnosis
At Rama Hospital, our experienced doctors diagnose abscesses through a thorough physical examination and medical history review. Blood tests may be ordered to rule out underlying conditions.
Treatments
Treatment for abscesses depends on the severity and location. Options include:
Incision and drainage: This is the primary treatment for most abscesses, involving a small incision to drain the pus. It's often combined with antibiotics to prevent infection.
Antibiotics: Prescribed for large or complex abscesses, or when there's a risk of the infection spreading.
Percutaneous abscess drainage: A minimally invasive procedure using a needle to drain the abscess, guided by ultrasound or CT imaging.
Surgery: May be necessary for deep or complex abscesses that don't respond to other treatments.
