![]() What is an abscess and what causes it?An abscess is a collection of pus. Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria (germs). The usual cause of an abscess is an infection with bacteria. Certain bacteria are more likely to be 'pus forming' as they make toxins (chemicals) that can damage the body's tissues. These include: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The infection causes the immune system to activate white blood cells and chemicals to fight the bacteria. In this 'battle' some tissue dies. A cavity forms and fills with pus. The cavity becomes bigger if the infection continues. Where do abscesses form?
Who gets abscesses?Most skin abscesses occur in people who are otherwise well. There is often no underlying cause, and no further problems usually occur once it has gone. Your doctor may check your urine for sugar, as abscesses tend to occur more often in people with diabetes. Recurring skin abscesses may be the first indication of a problem with your immune system. What is the treatment for an abscess?Antibiotics are usually prescribed and the pus usually needs to be drained away. For a skin abscess, this involves a small operation to cut the top of the skin and allow the pus to drain. A scar will form as the skin heals. A more sophisticated operation is needed to drain an abscess from inside the body. The techniques vary, depending on the site of the abscess. What would happen if an abscess were not treated?A skin abscess would normally eventually burst on to the skin surface and let out the pus. This may be after it becomes larger and more painful. So, antibiotics and surgical drainage are usually best. However, a small boil may burst and heal without treatment. An untreated abscess inside the body is usually very serious. You are likely to become very ill and treatment is usually needed. References
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