ABSCESS

A localized pocket of pus in a cavity formed by tissues that have broken down as the result of infection or injury. The inflamed area forming the cavity is red, painful, and swollen. An abscess is caused when bacteria enter a small wound, such as that caused by a splinter.

White blood cells collect at the infected area to seal of the infection, to absorb the bacteria, and to liquefy them. The formation of thick yellowish pus result from this activity. The accumulating pus and the swelling of inflamed tissues press against the nerves, creating pain. The redness is caused by a concentration of blood in the area. An abscess “comes to a head” as the wall of surrounding tissue becomes thin. When the abscess ruptures and the pus escapes, the pain and swelling subside.

A large, extremely painful abscess, such as a boil, should be professionally treated. A physician will open abscess saaafely with a sterilized instrument and remove the pus without unnecessarily irritating the tissue. Even a small skin abscess should not be squeezed, since this is likely to spread the infection.

An abscess may form within the body as well as on the skin surface. They can occur, for example, in the chest, abdominal cavity, joints, glands, or at the root of a tooth. Sometimes, a doctor may have to cut into and drain an abscess to prevent its sac of infection from spreading into surrounding tissues or escaping into the bloodstream. If an abdominal abscess ruptures, the resulting general infection (called peritonitis) requires immediate emergency care. A widespread body infection, or sepsis, results from the emptying of an abscess in the bloodstream