Contents:
- Medical Video: 13 Minutes of YouTube's Best Abscesses! What is an Abscess?
- How can an abscess appear?
- How to treat abscesses?
- How to prevent abscesses from happening?
- When should an abscess be seen by a doctor?
Medical Video: 13 Minutes of YouTube's Best Abscesses! What is an Abscess?
An abscess is a wound that results from a bacterial infection. Pus and feces accumulate under the skin, then form a painful lump, which is referred to as abes.
Abscesses can appear anywhere on the body, but are more common in the armpit, around the anus and vagina, at the bottom of the spine, around the teeth, and in your groin. Inflammated hair follicles can also cause abscess formation. This is known as a boil (furunucle).
How can an abscess appear?
If there is a bacterial infection, the body will respond by sending white blood cells to fight infection in the area of the body. White blood cells will then attack bacteria.
During this process, some surrounding tissue will die, leaving a hole filled with pus. Pus itself consists of dead tissue, white blood cells, and bacteria.
How to treat abscesses?
Mild skin abscesses can heal on their own, or dry out and disappear without the need for treatment. However, large abscesses often require antibiotic treatment to fight infection.
Certain procedures can also be performed to remove pus. Usually, the doctor will dry the abscess by inserting a needle into the skin, or making a small incision in the abscess.
If you have an abscess that has not fully recovered, do not use objects that are used with other people, for example equipment in the gym, gym, or swimming pool, to prevent bacteria in your abscess from spreading to other people.
Don't also try to remove pus yourself, because it can actually trigger the spread of bacteria on the surrounding skin. Dispose of all the tissue you use to clean pus, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
How to prevent abscesses from happening?
Because most abscesses on the skin are a result of bacterial infections in minor wounds, hair follicles, or oil glands or sweat glands, it's important to keep your skin clean and healthy. Here are a few tips:
- Wash your hands regularly and invite your family to also wash your hands regularly.
- Use each towel, don't borrow from one another.
- Don't bathe with other people.
- Be careful when shaving so as not to hurt your skin.
- All wounds must be cleaned perfectly. Visit a doctor or emergency unit immediately if you feel something under your skin.
When should an abscess be seen by a doctor?
Call a doctor if:
- You have a wound larger than 1 cm, or if the wound continues to get worse and feels more painful.
- Wounds are located in or near the area of the rectum or groin.
- You have a fever above 38oC.
- There is a red line spread from the abscess.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
