Prostate abscess - symptoms and treatment

An abscess, also called an abscess or abscess, is a limited accumulation of pus in tissues, usually caused by some kind of inflammatory process (for example, as a result of the entry of a pathogenic organism). Often an abscess is accompanied by necrosis (death) of tissue. Along with abscess, there are such concepts as boil, carbuncle and empyema. It is necessary to distinguish between these concepts, since each of them is characterized by certain characteristics

, being, in fact, special cases of an abscess:

—

A furuncle is a small, localized abscess of the hair follicle and surrounding tissue.

—

A carbuncle is a large abscess usually caused by the fusion of several boils.

—

Empyema is a significant accumulation of pus inside a body cavity or inside a hollow organ.

As mentioned above, an abscess is most often caused by a bacterial infection, which can enter the body in various ways. For example, bacteria can be introduced under a person's skin by using a contaminated needle. In addition, bacteria can spread from the inflammatory focus

arising in any part of the body. In some cases, even those bacteria that usually live in our body constantly and do not cause any harm to it can cause an abscess. Sometimes they talk about such a thing as a secondary abscess that occurs at the site of the surgical suture.

Once the bacteria invades healthy tissue, the infection begins to spread from the area. Some cells die and begin to decompose

, forming certain voids in which fluid and infected cells accumulate.
White blood cells (leukocytes), which protect the human body from infections, rush to the site of infection. Bacteria surround white blood cells and kill them, which, in fact, leads to the formation and accumulation of pus. As it accumulates, the pus literally pushes the healthy tissue apart. Walls of healthy tissue eventually grow around the abscess, preventing the infection from spreading
. If an abscess ruptures, it can cause infection to spread within the body (particularly under the layer of skin).

An abscess can occur anywhere in the human body, including the mouth, bones, rectum, muscle tissue and internal organs (liver, lungs and even the brain)

.
Additionally, it is quite common for an abscess to occur just under the skin, especially on the face. The most common cause of the appearance of a so-called pyogenic abscess (essentially an abscess) is poor body hygiene. Even poorly washed hands can lead to an abscess. Abscess very often occurs in hot weather. It is often possible to observe the formation of abscesses in people without a fixed place of residence, which is primarily a consequence of neglected unsanitary conditions
. In addition, abscesses are not uncommon in the groin area, as they are the result of friction (friction of individual areas of skin against each other).

An abscess in the groin can appear in any person.

But more often they occur with reduced immunity, against the background of HIV or diabetes.

Let's consider the main reasons for the appearance of pustular formations.

• Causes of an abscess in the groin
• With rubbing ulcers in the groin
• With diaper rash, ulcers in the groin
• How itching provokes ulcers in the groin
• Folliculitis in the groin
• Furuncle in the groin
• Ulcers in the groin with furunculosis
• Hidradenitis in the groin
• Inflammation of atheroma in the groin
• Wen in the groin
• Ulcers in the groin due to STDs
• Tests for ulcers in the groin
• How to anoint ulcers in the groin
• What antibiotics should I take for an abscess in the groin?
• Abscess in the groin: where to go?

Causes of an abscess in the groin

The direct etiological factor is bacteria, less often fungi.

Usually the appearance of ulcers is provoked by staphylococci or streptococci.

But it could also be other pathogens.

All types are divided into three groups:

• resident flora – constantly present on the skin;
• temporary resident – ​​can remain in the body for a long time;
• transient - bacteria infect the skin, but quickly disappear.

The first and second groups are gram-positive and negative bacteria.

The positive ones include:

• Staphylococcus epidermidis;
• propionic acid bacteria;
• corynebacteria.

To gram negative:

• coli;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• Proteus;
• enterobacter.

When the skin becomes infected, ulcers in the groin can be caused by transit microorganisms.

These are Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci.

Less commonly, pathology is caused by resident flora.

But since the body has protection against it, inflammation can develop only in the presence of predisposing factors.

These could be:

• diabetes;
• skin damage;
• decreased immunity;
• HIV;
• hypothermia;
• serious illness.

Pathogenetic mechanisms realized under the influence of various risk factors for pustules in the groin:

• suppression of immunoreactivity;
• decrease in the general resistance of the body;
• creation of entry gates for infection;
• reducing the bactericidal properties of sweat and sebum;
• suppression of microbiological protection of the skin.

Is it possible to get infected with furunculosis?

There is no clear answer to the question of whether chiria and boils are contagious to other people. Numerous medical studies have shown that the likelihood of infection increases with close contact with a patient, a tendency to pathology, or the presence of provoking factors in a healthy person. Some types of staphylococci can survive in an open environment for several weeks. The disease does not occur in people with strong immunity. The skin performs a protective function. Prevents the entry and penetration of staphylococci. Bacteria and skin have the same positive charge. It is difficult for microorganisms to gain a foothold on the skin. The strength and constant renewal of the stratum corneum of the skin prevents the internal penetration of staphylococci.

Infection occurs when microorganisms enter the skin of a weakened body by air. Through microcracks and abrasions quickly penetrate into the underlying structures.

Close contact with a sick person leads to the development of pathology. Several boils may appear on the skin at the same time. The pathological condition is called furunculosis. The risk of infection increases several times.

The disease develops in healthy people with predisposing factors:

1. Working in a workplace with hazardous working conditions causes another person to become ill. Dust particles get on the skin and cause microcracks. If there is close contact with a sick person, the potential victim has a chance of becoming infected. A similar situation is with people who have scratches and microtraumas on their bodies.
2. Constant stress and poor nutrition negatively affect the immune system. A person becomes infected with furunculosis and other bacterial infections from the carrier of the disease.
3. People with dermatological skin problems (eczema, dermatitis) are recommended to avoid contact with a patient with furunculosis for 2 weeks. Skin diseases are often accompanied by itching. The patient constantly scratches the pathological areas of the body. Creates a gate for the penetration of staphylococcus. The same applies to patients with diabetes and various metabolic disorders.
4. Hypo- and vitamin deficiency negatively affect the immune system. First strengthen the body's own defenses, then help patients with boils.

Pathology poses a danger even to the sickest. Pus flows from the boil and enters neighboring areas of the body. Furunculosis develops. New chiryaks complicate the course of the disease. In the absence of antibacterial therapy, chirias unite into fused lesions. A carbuncle or abscess appears. Both diseases require immediate surgery and long-term antibiotic therapy.

With rubbing ulcers in the groin

Chafing is a risk factor that creates an entry point for infection.

You can rub the skin of the groin:

• underwear;
• your own pubic hair;
• tight trousers, etc.

Sometimes chafing appears after sex.

Less often - after domestic injuries.

They can occur when riding a bicycle or exercising on certain exercise machines.

Whatever the reasons, the result is traumatic inflammation and abrasions.

Therefore, the affected area is easily infected with staphylococci or streptococci.

Infection can occur:

• from another person;
• from other foci in the body - including those without signs of inflammation.

Pyoderma is transmitted from other people by contact or airborne droplets.

Given the location of the inflammation (groin area), patients are more often infected through sexual contact.

Whereas the airborne route does not have much epidemiological significance.

It can only be realized during oral sex.

Since in young people, staphylococci are often isolated from the nasopharynx.

Ways of transmission of boils

Are boils and styes contagious to another person? Infectious diseases are dangerous. Furunculosis is transmitted in various ways:

• a healthy child cannot become infected from a sick mother. Breastfeeding provides the baby with a strong immune system. The risk of infection is present in premature, weakened children;
• A decent number of diseases are transmitted through sexual contact. If the boil is localized in the groin or genital area, a healthy sexual partner cannot become infected. In the presence of predisposing factors, the boil becomes contagious;
• staphylococci inhabit public places (baths, swimming pools, clinics). Many people think that infectious agents attack from the air. The disease is never transmitted by airborne droplets (through kissing, talking);
• heredity does not affect the risk of boils;
• contact transmission is possible when working with contaminated instruments, catheters, and dressings.

With diaper rash, ulcers in the groin

Diaper rash is another factor that increases the risk of infection.

This term refers to an inflammatory process that has developed against the background of maceration of the epidermis.

Its softening under the influence of moisture is another pathogenetic mechanism for reducing protection against transit and resident microflora of the skin.

Moisture itself is a favorable factor for bacterial growth.

In addition, the softened epidermis becomes easily permeable to pathogens.

Fungal flora is often associated with the inflammatory process.

These may be fungi of the genus Candida.

Infection with staphylococci often occurs.

Including auto-infection.

Many adolescents and young adults (up to 40%) are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus in the nasopharynx.

Moreover, it does not die under the influence of most antibiotics.

It is very difficult to get rid of such carriage.

And it increases the risk of pustular skin lesions.

When diaper rash occurs, it is advisable to ensure sufficient air ventilation in the groin area.

Because otherwise the inflammation will progress.

First, inflammatory spots and erosions appear.

Then small pustules appear in the groin.

They occur more often in men.

Because males produce more sweat and the skin macerates faster.

Hidradenitis in the groin

This term refers to ulcers in the groin or other area that occur as a result of infection of the sweat gland.

Most often, the pathology is caused by gram-negative bacterial flora.

In women, such ulcers often appear on the labia majora.

A fairly large node appears.

The skin over it is bluish-red.

The lesion is sharply painful.

How itching provokes ulcers in the groin

Often, inflammatory skin lesions occur against the background of itchy dermatitis, allergic reactions, scabies, etc.

That is, any pathologies that provoke skin itching.

A person constantly scratches an itchy spot.

He himself does not notice how he injures the skin.

At the same time, he introduces a bacterial infection into the wound with his hands.

Similar article - Remove papillomas on the neck at home

Therefore, diseases accompanied by itching are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection.

It is manifested by the formation of ulcers in the groin.

Furuncle in the groin

A furuncle is a large ulcer in the groin area.

This is a complication of folliculitis, in which nearby tissues are involved in the inflammatory process.

The most common pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus.

It is highly pathogenic and secretes a large number of enzymes.

Therefore, the disease is severe.

Against the background of folliculitis, a large node forms.

It quickly increases in size.

Can reach the size of a walnut.

Among the symptoms of an abscess in the groin:

• severe pain;
• enlarged inguinal lymph nodes;
• redness and swelling of the skin.

The boil may be “dry” or abscessed.

An abscess appears if limited purulent melting of tissue occurs.

Complications of an abscess in the groin with a boil:

• carbuncle - the appearance of several adjacent boils, united with each other;
• lymphangitis and lymphadenitis – inflammation of lymphatic vessels and nodes;
• phlegmon - purulent melting of subcutaneous fat, often involving fascia and muscles;
• osteomyelitis is a purulent-necrotic process of bones and bone marrow.

The outcome of furunculosis can be chronic pyoderma.

In weakened patients it becomes ulcerative.

Complications may include breakthrough of ulcers into the bladder and other nearby organs.

In this case, fistulas are formed - pathological passages in the tissues.

Boils in the groin in women and men - treatment, causes, symptoms

When they talk about a boil in the groin, they often mean a wider localization of the boil between the legs:

• directly inguinal fold;
• pubis;
• labia in women;
• penis and scrotum in men.

All these areas are richly innervated, so any inflammatory process causes significant pain. Even a single boil in the intimate areas of men and in the intimate area of ​​women (see photo) has pronounced symptoms and requires treatment from the moment it is detected.

Causes of a boil in the groin

Any boil is an infectious inflammatory process localized in the hair follicle and surrounding tissues, including the sebaceous glands. It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is found on the skin of most people, and some are carriers of the microbe in the nasopharynx.

Factors predisposing to the appearance of boils in the groin are as follows:

• intense hair growth, which means an abundance of follicles;
• an abundance of sweat glands, which means increased hydration;
• lack of ventilation;
• compression by underwear, tight-fitting jeans;
• natural discharge from the genital tract in women;
• urine entering the genitals of women during urination;
• pathological discharge in men and women with sexually transmitted diseases;
• menstruation (blood is an excellent breeding ground for microbes);
• increased friction when walking;
• microtrauma during sexual intercourse;
• shaving the intimate area;
• insufficient genital hygiene;
• intolerance to certain types of pads, tampons, chemical intimate hygiene products.

The role of risk factors is increasing:

• in persons with hormonal disorders;
• unhealthy diet with a predominance of simple carbohydrates and fast food;
• with endocrine pathology (diabetes mellitus);
• hypothermia;
• with decreased immunity.

Boils in the groin are of particular importance in pregnant women due to limited treatment options.

Symptoms of a boil in the groin

At the beginning of inflammation, discomfort and a burning sensation appear, sometimes accompanied by slight itching. Almost immediately, swelling and induration appear, in place of which a papule forms, rising above the skin. The patient complains of pain in the intimate area, the intensity is somewhat less when the boil is localized on the pubis.

As inflammation increases, the pain intensifies, the papule fills with pus, turning into a pustule. A core appears in the center of the formation, consisting of leukocytes and dead microbial cells. It appears as a yellowish or white dot in the center of the abscess. The pain reaches its maximum.

In 2-3 days of an uncomplicated course, this stage ends and the abscess breaks out. A purulent-necrotic core, ichor, and pus emerge from it. The patient feels relief and pain reduction. A depression remains at the site of the boil, which heals in 3-4 days without consequences.

The entire process takes approximately 10 days.

If the development of the disease does not follow such a favorable scenario, then it is possible:

• generalization of the infectious process with the formation of furunculosis;
• suppuration spreads to the subcutaneous fat with the formation of an abscess;
• pus breaks inside, the infection enters the blood, and sepsis develops.

In these cases, the patient’s complaints increase:

• the temperature rises, with an abscess it is hectic in nature;
• fatigue, general weakness;
• headache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• enlargement of regional lymph nodes.

With sepsis, failure of all organs and systems occurs; these patients are in the intensive care unit, the prognosis for life is severe.

Find out more

Boils on the penis

The area of ​​the foreskin that is most susceptible to the formation of a boil is because the sebaceous glands of the penis are concentrated there. On the skin of the trunk there are single hair follicles, which can become infected, but the development of furunculosis is unlikely.

The causes of the disease can be divided into external and internal.

External causes are largely related to shaving the genitals and associated injuries, hypothermia, and wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics. Men today prefer fashionable boxer briefs to family cotton briefs.

Hypothermia affects increased production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. The accumulated fat on the penis creates conditions for the development of infection.

Internal reasons relate to a decrease in the body's defenses, which are susceptible to many influences. These are stress, unhealthy diet, chronic diseases, bad habits, furunculosis of other areas of the body.

The advantages of a penile boil in men over a labia boil in women are obvious - they are easy to see and are more accessible for treatment.

In complicated forms, before starting treatment, it is advisable to take a bacterial culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant forms of staphylococcus.

Furuncle on the labia

When symptoms of a boil in intimate places occur in women, before starting treatment, the first thought that comes to mind is that they are infected with a sexually transmitted disease, and therefore they often attempt self-medication and treatment on the advice of friends or on the Internet, postponing a visit to the doctor for moral and ethical reasons.

In fact, there is nothing in common between these diseases.

A boil can only appear on the skin of the labia majora, since the labia minora are represented by folds of mucous membrane devoid of hair follicles.

Unlike a boil on the penis, boils on the labia are more prone to fusion and a complicated course. In addition, women may develop a complication such as a Bartholin gland abscess. These glands are located in the lower third of the labia majora.

They produce lubricant for the genitals. The outflow from the gland occurs through a small duct, which is easily clogged during inflammation.

The abscess is accompanied by high fever, difficulty walking and is subject to surgical treatment (opening and drainage) followed by a course of antibiotics.

Treatment of a boil in the groin

How to treat a boil in the groin in women and men? Are there any differences in the treatment of boils in the groin in women?

The principles of treatment do not differ from the treatment of ulcers in other locations.

Treatment is carried out by a doctor; no self-medication is allowed.

The first thing to do before going to the hospital is to treat with salicylic alcohol or chlorhexidine and cover the lesion with a sterile napkin.

The doctor decides on active management, which involves opening the boil regardless of its location on the pubis or genitals and local treatment with antibiotics (this is what it looks like in the photo).

After opening the abscess, the cavity is sanitized with hydrogen peroxide, and ointments that accelerate repair are prescribed under a sterile bandage.

Treatment of boils in a couple of folk remedies

Boils on the pubic area in women and men can be treated with folk remedies shown in the photo. Their use on the genitals should be very careful due to the risk of damage to the mucous membranes and should be agreed with a doctor.

1. You can put a honey cake on the pubic boil by mixing honey with rye flour.
2. The flatbread can be made from chewed, salted rye bread.
3. Baked onion.
4. Aloe juice.
5. Powder of dried calendula flowers on Vaseline.

Before and after performing any actions on the site of inflammation, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and treat them with chlorhexidine.

Treatment of boils in the groin with medications

The main question that the doctor decides is whether it is necessary to use antibiotics for a boil in the groin.

A single boil on the pubis, uncomplicated, can be treated with local treatment.

Transition to a chronic form, furunculosis, abscess formation or a sluggish process, as well as localization on the penis, labia or groin, is more reliably treated with the prescription of antibiotics.

The drugs of choice are semisynthetic penicillins (amoxicillin, amoxiclav), tetracycline, doxycycline, macrolides, cephalosporins.

Antibiotics for boils in the groin can be purchased at the pharmacy only as prescribed by a doctor. He will recommend a regimen and course of treatment.

Pain relief is provided by the administration of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The issue of prescribing medications that do not affect immunity is decided individually for single boils. In other cases, a consultation with an immunologist and an individual immunocorrection program are possible.

Locally use antiseptic solutions and ointments for boils in the groin. At the maturation stage, it is better to use Levomekol, ichthyol, syntomycin, tetracycline ointment. After opening the abscess, the purpose of prescribing the ointment is to accelerate healing. Vishnevsky ointment and Solcoseryl are suitable.

Prevention of boils in the groin

• Hygienic washing of intimate areas with clean warm water 2 times a day.
• The right approach to choosing underwear.
• Treatment of microtraumas during shaving or hair removal with antiseptics.
• Healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition.

Source: https://www.dermatit.net/furunkulez/v-pahu-u-zhenshhin-i-muzhchin/

Ulcers in the groin with furunculosis

The appearance of a single boil is not considered furunculosis.

This term is used in relation to patients in whom boils appear frequently and in large quantities.

Usually - in limited areas of the body, for example in the groin.

In severe cases, ulcers appear throughout the skin.

This is possible against the background of severe immune deficiency.

Furunculosis often manifests itself with general symptoms.

Body temperature can rise to 39 degrees or more.

The person feels unwell and complains of muscle pain and headache.

With a single abscess in the groin, such symptoms are also possible, but are less common.

Inflammation of atheroma in the groin

Atheroma is a sebaceous cyst.

It occurs when the excretory duct is blocked.

Secrets accumulate inside.

Then it thickens.

Inside there are drops of fat, cholesterol, and flakes of dead skin.

Very often such atheromas become inflamed.

Abscesses form in their place.

A chronic inflammatory process may form.

Then granulation growths appear in the walls of the atheroma.

Treatment of atheroma is carried out for medical or cosmetic reasons.

The appearance of an abscess in its place is considered medical.

Treatment cannot be done with antibiotics alone.

It is performed surgically.

Mechanism of appearance and causative agent of boils

Doctors associate the mechanism of occurrence of the disease with reduced immunity and hypothermia. Opportunistic microflora begins to actively attack the body. Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen. The microorganism lives on clothing, skin, in poorly ventilated areas, and dust. Penetrates into the papillary layer of the skin through traumatic injuries and microcracks. The bacterium provokes inflammatory changes in the hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and surrounding tissue.

The pathological process is manifested by redness, swelling, pain, and increased local temperature at the site of pathogen penetration. The listed changes develop at the infiltration stage.

Over time, an abscess forms - a purulent pustule with a necrotic core. The stage of abscess formation begins. The boil opens independently or with surgical help. Lack of treatment, severe course ends in hospital. The disease is complicated by abscess, phlegmon, lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, and septic shock.

Timely seeking medical help, proper treatment, and compliance with medical recommendations prevent the development of complications. The disease goes away in 10-14 days.

Wen in the groin

Sometimes a subcutaneous abscess in the groin turns out to be a wen.

Lipoma is the name given to a tumor of adipose tissue.

It grows slowly and is not prone to relapse.

The tumor is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue.

Inside, during surgical removal, the doctor can detect foci of necrosis and suppuration.

Like atheroma, lipoma is removed if it bothers a person, or in case of inflammation.

Uncomplicated wen is not dangerous to health.

Ulcers in the groin due to STDs

Most sexually transmitted infections do not cause groin ulcers.

There are only a few exceptions.

Genital herpes leads to the appearance of blisters with liquid in the groin area.

If secondary pyogenic flora is attached, the vesicles may suppurate.

Then the inside contains not a clear liquid, but pus.

Such rashes take much longer to heal.

They require additional use of antibacterial treatment.

Candidiasis - causes the appearance of ulcers in the groin, most often against the background of diaper rash.

Another risk factor is immunodeficiency.

In the area of ​​inflammation, you can find red spots, white deposits with an unpleasant odor.

They are easy to remove.

Erosions, papules and ulcers appear.

As they heal, they become crusty.

Tests for ulcers in the groin

The doctor usually makes the diagnosis clinically.

It distinguishes by the appearance of the morphological elements whether it is a boil, folliculitis or hidradenitis.

To select a more effective treatment, it may be necessary to identify the causative agent.

Especially with recurrent course of ulcers.

In this case, the following is performed:

• microscopy - to detect gram-positive and negative flora, fungi;
• PCR - for the same purpose, as well as to detect sexually transmitted infections and establish the type of candida;
• culture - to identify the pathogen and test its susceptibility to various antibacterial drugs.

How to anoint ulcers in the groin

The appearance of ulcers is most often caused by a staphylococcal infection.

Based on this, they need to be anointed with mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid.

Topical products containing erythromycin may be used.

Antiseptics are also used: boric acid.

However, treatment at random can lead to complications and chronicity of the process.

Not all ulcers are caused by staphylococci.

The cause may be gram-negative flora or fungi.

You need to see a doctor to identify the pathogen and select treatment.

What antibiotics should I take for an abscess in the groin?

Only with superficial folliculitis can you limit yourself to local treatment.

In other cases, systemic therapy is required.

Antibiotics are prescribed orally or parenterally.

Cephalosporins and macrolides (ceftriaxone, erythromycin) are used.

In advanced cases, surgical treatment is required.

The abscess in the groin is opened, sanitized, drained and sutured.

The wound is washed with antiseptics.

A person receives antibacterial drugs.

Abscess in the groin: where to go?

If ulcers appear in the groin of women or men, you should see a doctor.

High-quality treatment will avoid relapses and complications.

You can contact our clinic.

Experienced dermatovenerologists work here.

We will prescribe effective treatment that will avoid the need for surgery.

When the process is started, we will open the abscess with adequate pain relief and minimal risk of the formation of large scars.

If an abscess appears in the groin, contact the author of this article, a dermatovenerologist in Moscow with many years of experience.

• HIV
• Gardnerellosis
• Condylomatosis
• Thrush
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Balanoposthitis
• Herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Mycoplasmosis
• Ureaplasmosis
• Urethritis
• Chlamydia
• STD

Table of contents

An abscess is a limited purulent focus of microbial origin, located superficially or deep in the tissues, in the internal organs, and accompanied by signs of inflammation and intoxication. Treatment for an abscess is usually surgical.

Similar article - Why do your legs swell before your period?

What is an abscess and what causes it?

An abscess is a painful pustule surrounded by inflamed tissue. Often it can be easily felt. Such a formation can appear on any part of the body, but most often it affects:

• armpits;
• area around the anus and vagina (Bartholin gland abscess);
• tissue around the tooth;
• skin in the groin area;
• hair follicles.

During their development, abscesses are filled with necrotic masses and can open on their own. However, it is best to consult a doctor in case of such a disease, who will open the purulent focus and clean (drain) it.

• as an independent disease, abscesses of the skin and soft tissues most often occur, caused by blockage of the openings of the sebaceous and sweat glands, the formation of cysts and the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms there;
• purulent soft tissue abscess can be a complication of skin damage;
• a post-injection abscess develops when the drug is administered with a non-sterile syringe; in severe cases, a purulent process – phlegmon – may spread;
• such a process often complicates the course of any infectious diseases of a bacterial nature, for example, a peritonsillar abscess develops as a complication of tonsillitis;
• Abdominal abscesses can develop when microbes are transferred through blood vessels;
• in some cases, the cause of the disease is not bacteria, but protozoan microorganisms, for example, amoebic liver abscess;
• pathology may arise primarily due to the penetration of a large number of pathogens with high virulence (damaging ability) into the tissues, and a lung abscess may form.

Signs of an abscess occur more often in people with weakened immune systems. Risk factors for developing pathology:

• long-term treatment with glucocorticoids and chemotherapy drugs;
• diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors;
• diseases of the blood and hematopoiesis – sickle cell anemia, leukemia, HIV infection;
• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis;
• severe injuries or burns;
• alcoholism, drug addiction.

Other risk factors are exposure to a polluted environment, contact with dust, hydrocarbons, poor skin hygiene, atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries or severe varicose veins.

How to get rid of an abscess without getting blood poisoning

The word abscess is translated from Latin simply as an abscess.
Doctors use this Latin term to describe an active inflammatory process in which a cavity filled with pus forms in living tissue. Tavarius/Shutterstock

An abscess can occur in any part of the human body, including internal organs. But most often it affects the skin in the armpits, groin, area around the anus, base of the spine and gums near the teeth.

Inflammation around the hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess - this type of abscess is commonly called a boil.

How to tell if you have an abscess

Symptoms of an external abscess developing inside the skin are usually obvious:

• it looks like a dense swelling, a “bump” that has grown under the skin;
• touching him is painful;
• the skin on the affected area turns red and feels hot to the touch;
• not always, but quite often you can see an accumulation of white or yellow pus under the stretched skin.

Extensive subcutaneous abscesses may also be accompanied by fever.

Abscesses that arise on internal organs or in the tissues between them are more difficult to recognize. Signs of an abscess in this case are vague and may vary depending on which organ is affected. For example, a liver abscess is often accompanied by jaundice, a yellowing of the skin of the body and the whites of the eyes. A lung abscess causes coughing and shortness of breath.

If we talk about the general and most common symptoms of an internal abscess, here they are:

• discomfort and pain in the area of ​​the organ on which the abscess occurred;
• temperature increase;
• loss of appetite up to complete reluctance to eat;
• active sweating;
• distinct weakness.

Small abscesses often resolve on their own. However, much more negative scenarios are also possible.

When to Seek Help Quickly

Consult your physician or surgeon immediately if:

• the diameter of the subcutaneous abscess exceeds 1 cm;
• the abscess continues to grow and becomes more and more painful;
• inflammation occurs in the groin or anus;
• the abscess is accompanied by an increase in temperature.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if:

• An abscess with a diameter of more than a centimeter appeared on the face.
• The temperature rose to 38.8 °C and above.
• You notice red streaks under the skin that spread outward from the abscess.
• In the area between the abscess and the breast, the lymph nodes were enlarged. For example, an abscess on the leg can cause enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area.

Such symptoms indicate that there is a high risk of blood poisoning. And this is a deadly condition.

What to do if you have an abscess

Ideally, any abscess, even if it looks small and relatively harmless, should be shown to a doctor - a therapist, surgeon or dermatologist.

The specialist will examine the abscess, assess its location and size, and analyze your health condition. And after that he will give recommendations on how and with what to treat the abscess in your particular case.

Please note: antibiotics or surgical removal of the abscess may be required.

Until you see a doctor, you can try to alleviate the condition with home methods.

Apply warm compresses

They will help reduce pain and accelerate the maturation of the abscess. Apply gauze soaked in warm water to the affected area 3-4 times a day for 15 minutes.

Use ointments

Apply antiseptic ointments with a pulling effect to the abscess. To find out which is better and safer to use in your case, consult your doctor.

Don't forget about antiseptic

If the abscess opens on its own, wash the wound with antibacterial soap and treat with any antiseptic, possibly alcohol-based. Then apply an antibacterial ointment (for example, levomekol or tetracycline) and apply a bandage. Wash the wound with warm water 2-3 times a day and apply warm compresses until it heals.

Trying to squeeze out the pus

Pressure can drive it deeper, which means the abscess will only increase in size.

Piercing an abscess with a needle

You can accidentally damage a blood vessel, which means pus will enter the bloodstream - with the expected consequences of sepsis.

Rely only on home methods

Do not continue home treatment if the abscess does not decrease in size (much less if it continues to grow) within a couple of days. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

Ignore general health

Do not take risks, but consult a doctor immediately if an abscess develops against the background of problems with the cardiovascular system, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, any problems in the immune system, or taking drugs that suppress the immune system. In this case, the body's defenses may not be enough to defeat the infection on its own.

Source: https://Lifehacker.ru/abscess/

Symptoms and diagnosis of abscess

Symptoms of an abscess vary depending on its location. When skin and soft tissues are affected, the following is noted:

• skin redness;
• swelling and soreness;
• palpation of a soft space-occupying formation under the skin.

Abscesses of internal organs are accompanied by corresponding symptoms: cough, sore throat, sore throat, right hypochondrium, lower back, back, headache, dysfunction of the affected organs. The infection causes signs of intoxication - high fever, headache, weakness, nausea. Sometimes the course of abscesses is not accompanied by pronounced symptoms; they become chronic, and in these cases, diagnosing the disease is difficult.

Complications of an abscess are associated with the entry of microorganisms from its cavity into the blood vessels. At the same time, they spread throughout the body, causing sepsis (“blood poisoning”). This condition is life-threatening. Therefore, it is very important to identify and eliminate the purulent focus in time.

Diagnosis of an abscess is carried out by external examination. To detect ulcers in internal organs, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and radiography are used. Blood tests reveal signs of inflammation, but they do not provide information about the location of the pathology.

Abscess of the groin area

» Abscess » Abscess of the groin area

Such a phenomenon as an abscess in the groin is not uncommon.

Most often, this refers to boils, for the development of which the conditions in the groin area are very favorable.

Careless attempts to cope with them on your own often lead to serious complications.

Moreover, self-medication can provoke the development of extremely serious conditions.

Indeed, under the mask of an ordinary abscess, very insidious diseases are sometimes hidden.

Classic furunculosis is an acute purulent inflammation.

It always appears in the area of ​​the sebaceous gland of the hair follicle.

First, the hair follicle becomes inflamed.

Then, if the prerequisites arise for the infection to penetrate deep into the subcutaneous tissue, a boil develops.

Abscess in the groin: stages

At the same time, it goes through certain stages:

• An area of ​​limited skin infiltration around the hair shaft.
• The affected surface becomes bright red.
• In the center of the infiltrate, the soft tissue melts and a pustule appears. At the same time, inflammatory phenomena increase.
• After opening and emptying the pustule of pus, a dense rod of dead tissue emerges.
• A small ulcer remains in its place.
• After some time, it heals or, what happens more often, scars.

It is noteworthy that the pain is stronger, the smaller the layer of fatty tissue.

The cause of the pain syndrome is swelling and distension of the intradermal connective tissue septa.

The pain is most pronounced at the third stage, when the activity of inflammation is also at its peak.

There is a lot of hair in the genital area of ​​adults.

And it’s difficult to call this part of the body sterile.

That is, all the prerequisites are present.

As a rule, the groin area has pronounced subcutaneous fat (unlike the face, head, and so on).

This feature leads to an increase in the size of the infiltration site, and then inflammation.

At the same time, due to the large number of sensitive nerve endings, the abscess in the groin area sometimes hurts very much.

He is also constantly irritated: by friction against laundry when moving, high humidity against the background of reduced ventilation.

Because of this, several ulcers may appear simultaneously or one after another.

If they merge, the boil turns into a carbuncle.

Clinical manifestations of ulcers in the groin

The first sign of the onset of purulent inflammation in the area of ​​the hair follicle is pain.

At rest it may not exist.

But when the surface of the boil touches or rubs against underwear or skin folds, it intensifies significantly.

The affected area swells.

First due to infiltration, then due to a purulent process.

Then the reaction of the lymphatic system is added - lymphangitis (inflammation of blood vessels) and lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes).

It appears like this:

• One or more red stripes appear under the skin, which extend from the infiltrate. These are the lymphatic vessels.
• Their usual direction is towards the center of the body, towards the groin area.
• They begin to hurt, can thicken and take on a heavy appearance.
• At the same time, the lymph nodes enlarge. First on the sore side, then lymphadenitis becomes bilateral.
• The pain in their area becomes very severe.
• The skin over the nodes may remain normal, but often becomes red and also inflamed.

Against this background, a general reaction of the body occurs - weakness appears, the temperature rises.

In some cases, a severe septic condition may occur.

A common reason for this is attempts to squeeze out a subcutaneous abscess in the groin before it matures.

kvd-moskva.ru

Boils in the groin in women and men: causes, treatment

Boils on the skin can be localized on various parts of the body: on the face, back, chest, and sometimes in the groin area. A large subcutaneous abscess in the groin area can cause a lot of discomfort.

Photo 1 - Furuncle in the groin

In addition, the boil is not always in an accessible place and sometimes it is difficult to even see what an abscess looks like, not to mention treating the disease on your own.

Photo 2 - Inflammation in the groin is difficult to see

A person may suspect that he has a boil already at the initial stage of the disease, when the symptoms are not yet so pronounced and the pain is insignificant.

Photo 3 - At the initial stage, the pain is not pronounced

At the beginning, the affected area swells slightly, redness and itching appear. As the inflammatory process spreads, the temperature may rise and the lymph node located in the groin area on the inflammation side may become enlarged.

Photo 4 - Swelling and itching appear first

This indicates the development of the process and suppuration. An internal purulent boil that has developed between the leg and the groin area can cause pain when walking and contact with underwear, itch and increase in size as it matures.

Photo 5 — The lymph node in the groin area is enlarged

The causes of boils in the groin can be different:

• failure to comply with hygiene standards; Photo 6 - Maintain hygiene
• wearing tight underwear that rubs the skin; Photo 7 - Don't wear tight underwear
• wearing underwear made of synthetic materials, which contribute to the creation of a greenhouse effect and the spread of infection; Photo 8 - Choose underwear made from natural materials
• allergic reactions to hygiene products; Photo 9 - Choose hypoallergenic hygiene products
• decreased immune functions of the body; Photo 10 - Take vitamins
• some infectious diseases; Photo 11 - The cause of boils in the groin can be an infection
• liver diseases, kidney diseases, endocrinological disorders, etc. Photo 12 - A boil may appear due to chronic diseases

What causes boils to appear can only be determined through diagnostic procedures in a hospital. To do this, you need to contact a dermatologist or surgeon, or a therapist, who will prescribe a plan for further action.

Photo 13 - The doctor will help you find the cause of the boil

The specialist will answer the question of why new foci of inflammation appear or an existing boil does not go away, and will also explain to the patient how long it takes for the abscess to mature and how to properly care for the wound after its removal.

Photo 14 - The doctor will select an effective treatment

Attention! It is not recommended to try to deal with the problem yourself. Attempts to squeeze out an abscess can only aggravate the condition and lead to undesirable consequences.

Photo 15 - Squeezing a boil yourself is prohibited

Abscess treatment

If you experience pain, swelling of the skin, the formation of a tubercle or a lump with a softened center, you should contact a surgeon.

• Treatment of an abscess is carried out under local anesthesia.
• The skin is disinfected, an anesthetic is injected, and the abscess is opened.
• After emptying the cavity, it is washed with an antiseptic solution and dried.
• A drain is inserted into the wound for 1–2 days and covered with a sterile bandage.

Immediately after such an operation, the patient’s well-being improves significantly. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. After a few days, the drainage is removed.

For abscesses of internal organs, the principle of treatment is the same - opening, cleansing, draining. Access to the desired organ may require extensive surgery or the use of endoscopic techniques.

Surgeons do not recommend treating an abscess at home, as this can lead to a delay in the process and the development of sepsis. However, people often use lotions with aloe juice, onion gruel, and compresses with rye bread. We advise you to immediately contact the clinic by making an appointment by phone.

Do not puncture or squeeze out the contents of the abscess. This can cause the infection to spread through the blood vessels.

Prevention of infection

A boil is an unpleasant, painful formation on the skin. With proper and timely treatment, the pathology goes away in a couple of weeks. Often the boil is complicated by abscesses, phlegmon, and sepsis. Simple measures will help you avoid infection and complications of the disease:

1. Hand hygiene after processing chiria is the main measure to prevent the disease. Along with hygiene procedures, you need to disinfect your hands with antiseptic agents.
2. To prevent the spread of infection, it is necessary to apply a gauze bandage to the inflamed area.
3. You cannot use the patient’s bath items and hygiene products.
4. It is advisable to do daily cleaning.
5. During the period of illness, it is necessary to maintain a balanced diet. Include animal proteins, fiber, fruits, and vegetables in the patient’s diet. You can’t eat sweets, chocolate, citrus fruits, fish, eggs.
6. People with reduced immunity need to drink a complex of vitamins and minerals every six months.
7. A healthy lifestyle, absence of bad habits, walks in the fresh air, gymnastics are the main prevention of inflammatory and chronic diseases.
8. You cannot self-medicate. Timely diagnosis and treatment of a boil will help avoid unpleasant consequences.
9. If you have diabetes or obesity, do not start the pathological process, visit your doctor annually.

There are many ways to prevent the occurrence of a boil.
Avoid stress, maintain your immunity and illnesses will not bother you! The article has been verified by the editors

Treatment at the Mama Papa Ya clinic

The network of family clinics “Mama Papa Ya” offers medical services for the treatment of abscesses by a qualified surgeon. The clinic's branches are located in Moscow and Moscow Region.

• quick appointment of a patient without a long wait in line;
• immediate surgical care - opening and draining the abscess in a sterile office;
• comprehensive recommendations for caring for the postoperative wound to prevent complications;
• if necessary, consultation with other specialists (gynecologist, ENT doctor, neurologist and others);
• diagnosis of internal abscesses using multislice computed tomography.

To obtain a doctor’s consultation, you must contact our manager by phone or through the feedback form.

Reviews

The doctor carefully examined my husband, prescribed an ECG and made a preliminary diagnosis. She gave recommendations on our situation and ordered additional examination. No comments so far. Financial agreements have been met.

Roakh Efim Borisovich

I am simply delighted with the doctor and the clinic. I haven't had fun in clinics for a long time. Everything went perfectly from a logistics point of view, strictly on time. I also received aesthetic pleasure both as a patient and as a person. I could communicate and this communication gave me great pleasure. My deepest bow to the ultrasound doctor.

Luzina Sofya Khamitovna

I really liked Dr. Vlasova. Pleasant and sweet woman, a good specialist. I received an answer to all my questions, the doctor gave me a lot of good advice. I was more than satisfied with the visit.

We visited the “Mama Papa Ya” Clinic with our child. A consultation with a pediatric cardiologist was needed. I liked the clinic. Good service, doctors. There was no queue, everything was the same price.

I really liked the clinic. Helpful staff. I had an appointment with gynecologist E.A. Mikhailova. I was satisfied, there are more such doctors. Thank you.

I removed a lump from Alina Sergeevna, the operation was great! Many thanks to her for her sensitive attention and approach to every detail.

Today I was treated at the clinic, I was satisfied with the staff, as well as the gynecologist. Everyone treats patients with respect and attention. Many thanks to them and continued prosperity.

The Mama Papa Ya clinic in Lyubertsy is very good. The team is friendly and responsive. I recommend this clinic to all my friends. Thanks to all doctors and administrators. I wish the clinic prosperity and many adequate clients.

Today I had a mole removed on my face from dermatologist I.A. Kodareva. The doctor is very neat! Correct! Thanks a lot! Administrator Yulia Borshchevskaya is friendly and accurately fulfills her duties.

I would like to express my gratitude to the staff of the clinic: Mom, Dad, and me. The clinic has a very friendly atmosphere, a very friendly and cheerful team and highly qualified specialists. Thank you very much! I wish your clinic prosperity.

I liked the first visit. They examined me carefully, prescribed additional examinations, and gave me good recommendations. I will continue treatment further; I liked the conditions at the clinic.

Good clinic, good doctor! Raisa Vasilievna can clearly and clearly explain what the problem is. If something is wrong, she speaks about everything directly, not in a veiled way, as other doctors sometimes do. I don’t regret that I ended up with her.

Abscess

An abscess is a limited purulent focus of microbial origin, located superficially or deep in the tissues, in the internal organs, and accompanied by signs of inflammation and intoxication. Treatment for an abscess is usually surgical.

What is an abscess and what causes it?

An abscess is a painful pustule surrounded by inflamed tissue. Often it can be easily felt. Such a formation can appear on any part of the body, but most often it affects:

• armpits;
• area around the anus and vagina (Bartholin gland abscess);
• tissue around the tooth;
• skin in the groin area;
• hair follicles.

During their development, abscesses are filled with necrotic masses and can open on their own. However, it is best to consult a doctor in case of such a disease, who will open the purulent focus and clean (drain) it.

Causes of abscesses:

• as an independent disease, abscesses of the skin and soft tissues most often occur, caused by blockage of the openings of the sebaceous and sweat glands, the formation of cysts and the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms there;
• purulent soft tissue abscess can be a complication of skin damage;
• a post-injection abscess develops when the drug is administered with a non-sterile syringe; in severe cases, a purulent process – phlegmon – may spread;
• such a process often complicates the course of any infectious diseases of a bacterial nature, for example, a peritonsillar abscess develops as a complication of tonsillitis;
• Abdominal abscesses can develop when microbes are transferred through blood vessels;
• in some cases, the cause of the disease is not bacteria, but protozoan microorganisms, for example, amoebic liver abscess;
• pathology may arise primarily due to the penetration of a large number of pathogens with high virulence (damaging ability) into the tissues, and a lung abscess may form.

Signs of an abscess occur more often in people with weakened immune systems. Risk factors for developing pathology:

• long-term treatment with glucocorticoids and chemotherapy drugs;
• diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors;
• diseases of the blood and hematopoiesis – sickle cell anemia, leukemia, HIV infection;
• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis;
• severe injuries or burns;
• alcoholism, drug addiction.

Other risk factors are exposure to a polluted environment, contact with dust, hydrocarbons, poor skin hygiene, atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries or severe varicose veins.

Symptoms and diagnosis of abscess

Symptoms of an abscess vary depending on its location. When skin and soft tissues are affected, the following is noted:

• skin redness;
• swelling and soreness;
• palpation of a soft space-occupying formation under the skin.

Abscesses of internal organs are accompanied by corresponding symptoms: cough, sore throat, sore throat, right hypochondrium, lower back, back, headache, dysfunction of the affected organs.

The infection causes signs of intoxication - high fever, headache, weakness, nausea.

Sometimes the course of abscesses is not accompanied by pronounced symptoms; they become chronic, and in these cases, diagnosing the disease is difficult.

Complications of an abscess are associated with the entry of microorganisms from its cavity into the blood vessels. At the same time, they spread throughout the body, causing sepsis (“blood poisoning”). This condition is life-threatening. Therefore, it is very important to identify and eliminate the purulent focus in time.

Diagnosis of an abscess is carried out by external examination. To detect ulcers in internal organs, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and radiography are used. Blood tests reveal signs of inflammation, but they do not provide information about the location of the pathology.

Abscess treatment

If you experience pain, swelling of the skin, the formation of a tubercle or a lump with a softened center, you should contact a surgeon.

• Treatment of an abscess is carried out under local anesthesia.
• The skin is disinfected, an anesthetic is injected, and the abscess is opened.
• After emptying the cavity, it is washed with an antiseptic solution and dried.
• A drain is inserted into the wound for 1–2 days and covered with a sterile bandage.

The doctor's consultation

Make an appointment

Immediately after such an operation, the patient’s well-being improves significantly. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. After a few days, the drainage is removed.

For abscesses of internal organs, the principle of treatment is the same - opening, cleansing, draining. Access to the desired organ may require extensive surgery or the use of endoscopic techniques.

Surgeons do not recommend treating an abscess at home, as this can lead to a delay in the process and the development of sepsis. However, people often use lotions with aloe juice, onion gruel, and compresses with rye bread. We advise you to immediately contact the clinic by making an appointment by phone.

Do not puncture or squeeze out the contents of the abscess. This can cause the infection to spread through the blood vessels.

Disease prevention

To prevent abscesses you must:

• Maintain personal hygiene by washing the skin with soap and water;
• be careful when shaving hair in any area;
• See a doctor immediately if the skin is broken, the wound is dirty, or the person has at least one of the risk factors for an abscess.

Treatment at the Mama Papa Ya clinic

The network of family clinics “Mama Papa Ya” offers medical services for the treatment of abscesses by a qualified surgeon. The clinic's branches are located in Moscow and Moscow Region.

Our advantages:

• quick appointment of a patient without a long wait in line;
• immediate surgical care - opening and draining the abscess in a sterile office;
• comprehensive recommendations for caring for the postoperative wound to prevent complications;
• if necessary, consultation with other specialists (gynecologist, ENT doctor, neurologist and others);
• diagnosis of internal abscesses using multislice computed tomography.

To obtain a doctor’s consultation, you must contact our manager by phone or through the feedback form.

The doctor carefully examined my husband, prescribed an ECG and made a preliminary diagnosis. She gave recommendations on our situation and ordered additional examination. No comments so far. Financial agreements have been met.

I am simply delighted with the doctor and the clinic. I haven't had fun in clinics for a long time. Everything went perfectly from a logistics point of view, strictly on time. I also received aesthetic pleasure both as a patient and as a person. I could communicate and this communication gave me great pleasure. My deepest bow to the ultrasound doctor.

I really liked Dr. Vlasova. Pleasant and sweet woman, a good specialist. I received an answer to all my questions, the doctor gave me a lot of good advice. I was more than satisfied with the visit.

We visited the “Mama Papa Ya” Clinic with our child. A consultation with a pediatric cardiologist was needed. I liked the clinic. Good service, doctors. There was no queue, everything was the same price.

I really liked the clinic. Helpful staff. I had an appointment with gynecologist E.A. Mikhailova. I was satisfied, there are more such doctors. Thank you!!!

I removed a lump from Alina Sergeevna, the operation was great! Many thanks to her for her sensitive attention and approach to every detail.

Today I was treated at the clinic, I was satisfied with the staff, as well as the gynecologist. Everyone treats patients with respect and attention. Many thanks to them and continued prosperity.

The “Mama Papa Ya” clinic in Lyubertsy is very good. The team is friendly and responsive. I recommend this clinic to all my friends. Thanks to all doctors and administrators. I wish the clinic prosperity and many adequate clients.

Today I had a mole removed on my face from dermatologist I.A. Kodareva. The doctor is very neat! Correct! Thanks a lot! Administrator Yulia Borshchevskaya is friendly and accurately fulfills her duties.

I would like to express my gratitude to the staff of the clinic: Mom, Dad, and me. The clinic has a very friendly atmosphere, a very friendly and cheerful team and highly qualified specialists. Thank you very much! I wish your clinic prosperity.

I liked the first visit. They examined me carefully, prescribed additional examinations, and gave me good recommendations. I will continue treatment further; I liked the conditions at the clinic.

Good clinic, good doctor! Raisa Vasilievna can clearly and clearly explain what the problem is. If something is wrong, she speaks about everything directly, not in a veiled way, as other doctors sometimes do. I don’t regret that I ended up with her.

Recommended reading:

Source: https://mpya.ru/patsientam/meditsinskij-slovar/abstsess