How is an abscess treated?
Having a skin bump? Here’s everything you need to know about it Abscess: All you need to know
An abscess is a trapped pocket filled with pus that appears in organs, or tissues inside the body.
In 2010, based on an estimated UK population of 62 million, there were at least 280,000 primary care consultations for an abscess.
- Is usually self-diagnosable
- Rarely requires lab testing or image testing to diagnose
- Can happen to men, women, or children
- Takes days to weeks to resolve short-term abscess
An abscess is caused by bacterial infection and tends to appear on any part of the body but most commonly on back, face, chest, or buttocks. It can also appear in the area of hair growth like armpits or pubic area. People with a weak immune system are more likely to be affected by it.
Age affected: between 0–5 - rare; between 6–18 - often; above 18 - most often
- A painful, swollen lump that's filled with pus
- Dull or sharp pain
- Having fever or body chills
- Skin pimples and redness
- Lump in the neck, swelling, swollen lymph nodes, or tenderness
Self-care: You can treat it at home by applying heat so that it can shrink and drain. You can compress the abscess with a warm towel.
Drainage: In case, an abscess is not treated at home, then your doctor might drain it with the help of medications or a simple incision.
Antibiotics: Doctors may prescribe antibiotics in case of severe abscesses.
Specialist: At mfine, you can connect with the right doctors for a holistic treatment program.