A boil, or skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the centre of the abscess softens and becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection. This collection of white cells is known as pus. Finally, the pus ‘forms a head’ and drains out through the skin. Skin abscesses may occur anywhere on the body. They affect people of all ages.
There are several different types of boils. Among these are:
Furuncle or carbuncle: This is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills.
Cystic acne: This is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: This is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the armpits and in the groin area. These are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands.
Pilonidal cyst : This is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.
Frequently asked questions about Abscess:
What are the causes of Abscess?
There are many causes of boils. Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair. Some are caused when a localized infection causes pus and infected material to collect in the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Others, such as those of acne, are caused by plugged sweat glands that become infected. Skin abscesses may follow a bacterial infection, commonly an infection with a bacteria called staphylococcus.
What are the symptoms of skin Abscess?
Skin lesion maybe seen.
Abscess will be in the form of open sore or closed, domed nodule.
There maybe localized swelling, redness and induration.
Affected area is tender and warm to touch.
How to diagnose an Abscess?
The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the abscess.
Culture or examination of drainage from the lesion is done to find the causative organism.
How can Abscess be treated?
Most simple boils can be treated at home. The main treatment for most boils is heat application, usually with hot soaks or hot packs. Heat may speed healing, reduce inflammation, and reduce discomfort.
Surgical incision and drainage of the abscess, with or without packing for 24 to 48 hours, cleans the area and allows infection to be controlled.
Antibiotics can be given.
Complications of abscess are:
Localized spread of infection.
Impingement on the functioning of adjacent structures.
Gangrene (tissue death).
Systemic spread of infection will cause:
Endocarditis.
Osteomyelitis.
Multiple new abscesses (‘seeding’ of infection).
Abscess formation on the joints, pleura, or other locations.
Which doctor should I consult for the treatment of skin abscess?
You can consult a General Physician.
Who is most likely to get a boil?
Anyone can get a boil. However, people with certain illnesses are more likely to develop boils. Among these illnesses are diabetes and kidney failure. Diseases that are associated with deficiencies in the normal immune system can increase the tendency to develop boils.
What can be done to prevent abscesses?
There are some measures that you can take to prevent abscesses from forming. Antibacterial soaps may help prevent bacteria build up on the skin and therefore reduce the chance for an abscess to form. In some cases, the doctor may recommend special cleansers to further reduce the bacteria on the skin.
Glossary
Abscess : Medical term for a common boil, a collection of pus beneath the skin.
Carbuncle : Painful localized bacterial infection. A circumscribed inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues that terminates in a slough and suppuration and is characterized by a painful node, at first covered by tight reddened skin which later becomes thin and perforates, discharging pus through several openings.
Furuncle : An acute circumscribed inflammation of the subcutaneous layers of the skin, gland or hair follicle.
Cyst : A closed sac or capsule, usually filled with fluid or semisolid material.
Antibiotic : A substance that inhibits the growth of or destroys bacteria or other microorganisms.
Pus : A thick whitish-yellow fluid which results from the accumulation of white blood cells (WBCs), liquefied tissue and cellular debris. Pus is commonly a site of infection or foreign material in the body.
Gangrene : A necrosis, or death of tissue, usually due to deficient or absent blood supply.
Osteomyelitis : Inflammation of the bone due to infection, by the bacteria salmonella or staphylococcus.
Pleura : The thin covering that protects and cushions the lungs. The pleura is made up of two layers of tissue that are separated by a small amount of fluid.
