Definition
An abscess is an enclosed
collection of liquefied tissue, known as pus,
somewhere in the body. It is the result of the body's
defensive reaction to foreign material.
Causes
Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes
infected and the body's immune system tries to fight
it. White blood cells move through the walls of the
blood vessels into the area of the infection and
collect within the damaged tissue. During this
process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid,
living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and
bacteria or other foreign substances.
The most common agents that cause abscess are the
pus-forming pyogenic bacteria
Staphyloccocus aureus.
Specific Types of Abcesses
- Amebic liver abscess
- Anorectal abscess
- Bartholin's abscess
- Brain abscess
- Epidural abscess
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Pyogenic liver abscess
- Skin abscess
- Spinal cord abscess
- Subcutaneous abscess
- Tooth abscess
Diagnostic Tests
Often, a sample of fluid
will be taken from the abscess and tested to see what
organism is causing the problem.
Treatment
Treatment varies, but often requires antibiotics.
Prevention
Good hygiene can help
prevent a skin abscess.
