An abscess is a collection of pus that can form anywhere on the body. There are many types of abscesses, and they can form on the skin, in the mouth, or around an organ.
When the body is exposed
to an infection, the immune system works to fight it. White blood cells travel
to the infected area and accumulate in the damaged tissue.
This buildup causes
inflammation, leading to the formation of a pus-filled pocket called an
abscess. This pus consists of living and dead white blood cells, bacteria,
fluid, and dead tissue.
Abscesses are generally
characterized by pain, redness, and warmth to the touch. Sometimes, abscesses
can enlarge over time if left untreated, and if located on the surface of the
skin, they can ooze pus.
The type of abscess
varies based on its location and cause, such as a skin abscess which often
appears due to an infected hair follicle, or a tooth abscess which occurs due
to an infection in the tooth or gums.
Abscesses can also
appear inside the body, such as liver or brain abscesses, which are usually
more serious and require further medical treatment.
Causes of Abscess
The main cause of an
abscess is a bacterial infection, to which the body responds by forming a
pus-filled pocket in an attempt to fight the germs.
The bacteria that most
often cause it areStaphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant
strains such as MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
These bacteria can enter
the body through open wounds, insect bites, sharp object punctures, or the
spread of infection from other organs.
Once bacteria enter, the
immune system sends white blood cells to fight the infection. This process
causes the surrounding tissue to become inflamed and pus to form, consisting of
dead cells, bacteria, and tissue debris.
In addition to direct
infection, the following factors can increase the risk of developing an
abscess:
- Poor body hygiene.
Skin that is rarely cleaned is more susceptible to bacterial colonization, especially in moist areas such as the armpits, groin, or neck.
- Weak immune system.
Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy therapy, or the use of immunosuppressive drugs can make it difficult for the body to fight infections.
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes.
- High blood sugar levels can inhibit wound healing and make it easier for bacteria to grow.
- Use of illegal drugs through
injection.
Unsterile syringes can be a direct route for bacteria to enter body tissues, so abscesses often occur in intravenous drug users.
Types of Abscesses and
Their Causes
There are several types
of abscesses. These can develop on the skin, in the mouth, or around the inside
of the mouth. The most common types of abscesses are:
1. Skin abscess
Skin abscesses form
under the skin. This condition is common and usually easily treated. Skin
abscesses are classified into several types, including:
- Armpit abscess. This occurs
when pus collects in the armpit. One cause is a condition called
hidradenitis suppurativa. Hidradenitis suppurativa causes red, tender
bumps on the skin of the armpit, which can turn into abscesses over time.
- Breast abscess. This condition
occurs when a pocket of pus forms in the breast. It's often caused by an
untreated breast infection. Breast abscesses are common in breastfeeding
mothers.
- Anorectal abscess. This condition appears under the skin around the anus or rectum. A perianal abscess is a type of anorectal abscess that affects the skin around the anus. Meanwhile, a pilonidal abscess is an abscess in the skin folds of the buttocks.
2. Oral abscess
Oral abscesses can form
in the teeth, gums, and throat. There are several types of dental abscesses,
including:
- Gingival abscess, or gum
abscess. This abscess develops in the gums but does not affect the teeth.
- Periapical abscess. This is an
infection that forms at the tip of the tooth root. A periapical abscess
can occur due to a tooth injury or a cavity.
- Periodontal abscess. A
condition that affects the bone and tissue that supports the teeth. It
usually occurs due to periodontitis or gum disease.
- Tonsil abscess. This is the
formation of a pocket of pus behind one of the tonsils. A tonsil abscess
is a type of tonsil abscess that most often occurs in adolescents and
young adults.
- Peritonsillar abscess. This is
a collection of pus around the tonsils and throat wall.
- Retropharyngeal abscess. An abscess forms in the back of the throat. This type of abscess occurs when the lymph nodes at the back of the throat become infected.
3. Internal Abscess
Internal abscesses are
rare. They can develop in the spinal cord, brain, and other parts of the body.
Internal abscesses are
often difficult to diagnose and treat. Some types of internal abscesses
include:
- Abdominal abscess. This is a
collection of pus in the abdomen. Abdominal abscesses can develop in or
near the liver, kidneys, pancreas, or other organs.
- Spinal cord abscess. This is a
buildup of pus in and around the spinal cord. It's caused by an infection
in the spine.
- Brain abscess. A rare accumulation of pus in the brain. A brain abscess can form when bacteria from an infection in another area of the head, the bloodstream, or a wound enter the brain.
Risk Factors for Abscess
Abscesses can appear in
various areas of the body, with common locations being the armpit (axilla),
around the anus and vagina (Bartholin's gland abscess), base of the spine
(pilonidal abscess), around the teeth (dental abscess), and groin.
Inflammation around a
hair follicle can also trigger the formation of an abscess, similar to a boil
(furuncle). Risk factors for an abscess can also vary depending on its
location.
Some risk factors
associated with abscesses include:
- Weak immune system
- Exposure to dirty environment
- Exposure to people with certain
skin infections
- Poor hygiene
- Poor metabolism
Meanwhile, the risk
factors for spinal abscess will increase when:
- Have a history of back injury
- Untreated boils on the back
- Use of non-sterile injection drugs.
In contrast to the risk
factors for spinal abscesses, the main risk factor for skin abscesses is
diabetes.
This is because diabetes
weakens the body's immune response and slows down the wound healing process,
making it more susceptible to skin infections that can develop into abscesses.
Knowledge of these risk
factors is important to prevent and detect abscesses as early as possible so
that complications can be avoided.
Symptoms of Abscess
Symptoms of an abscess
depend on where it develops on the body. Signs of a skin abscess can include:
- Subtle swelling under the skin.
- Pain and tenderness in the
affected area.
- Warmth and redness in the affected
area.
- A visible buildup of white or
yellow pus under the skin in the affected area.
- Fever.
- Body feels hot and cold.
Abscesses that develop
inside organs or in the spaces between organs can be more difficult to identify
than skin abscesses. Symptoms can be vague and there may be no obvious external
signs.
Symptoms of internal
abscesses can also vary depending on the exact location within the body where
the abscess develops. For example, a liver abscess can cause jaundice
(yellowing of the skin and eyes), while an abscess in or near the lungs can
cause coughing or shortness of breath.
Common symptoms of an
internal abscess may include:
- Discomfort in the area of the
abscess.
- High body temperature.
- Increased sweating.
- Feeling sick.
- Body feels hot and cold.
- Pain or swelling in the
stomach.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.