Medical Centric

SKIN ABSCESS

Skin Conditions / By

SKIN ABSCESS

A skin abscess is a localized collection of pus that can form under the skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or multiple hair follicle.

  • At first, the skin turns red in the infected area, and a tender lump develops.
  • Eventually, the center of the lump softens then fills with pus as white blood cells from the bloodstream rush in to fight and eradicate the infection.
  • This collection of dead skin, white blood cells, and bacteria is known as pus
  • A skin abscess can develop anywhere on the body, including the armpit, the trunk, groin, buttocks, extremities, or other areas.
  • A skin abscess is also called boils. When individual boils cluster together they are referred to as carbuncles.
  • Carbuncles often occur on the back of the neck, shoulders or thighs.
  • Carbuncles are more likely to leave a scar because they form a deeper and more severe infection as compared to boils.

CAUSES

The most common cause of skin abscess is Staphylococcus aureus, although other organisms can lead to its formation. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and in the nose.  Skin abscess sometimes forms at the site where the skin has been broken by a small injury or an insect bite giving the bacteria easy entry.

The following factors can increase the chance of getting the infection;

  • Having a close contact with someone that has a staph infection
  • Diabetes
  • Having a weakened immune system such as from HIV/AIDS
  • Other skin condition such as acne, or eczema.
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Malnutrition
  • Alcoholism

SYMPTOMS

  • A painful, red bump
  • A red, warm skin around the bump
  • A yellow-white tip that develops and eventually ruptures allowing the pus to drain out.
You should seek medical attention if:
  • You start running a fever over 102F
  • The boil does not drain
  • A second boil appears
  • The pain becomes severe
  • The boil occurs on the face, at the top of the buttock crease, or is in or near the rectal or grain area
  • The boil hasn’t healed in 2 weeks and continues to enlarge
  • The boil is larger than 1cm
  • You are pregnant

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The doctor may be able to make a diagnosis by looking at your boil. The doctor may suggest sending a sample of the pus to a lab for testing. This may be required if there is a recurring infection or the infection is not responding to treatment.

TREATMENT

Small boils can be treated at home by applying a warm compress to relieve pain.

For carbuncles and boils that are larger, the treatment option may include:

  • Incision and drainage where the abscess is opened and the pus is drained. A sterile gauze may be used to soak up pus that can’t be completely drained.
  • Antibiotics

Do not squeeze or open the boil with a needle as this can cause the infection to spread.

To help prevent skin abscess:

  • Wash clothes and other personal belongings of any family member with boils
  • Clean and treat minor wounds
  • Stay as healthy as possible
  • Practice good personal hygiene.