An abscess is an infection and inflammation of the skin characterized by the accumulation of pus in a specific area of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. These appear when an area of tissue is infected and the body as a defense isolates the infection and prevents it from spreading. White blood cells are responsible for defending the body against infectious processes, so they migrate through the blood vessels to the epicenter of the infection and lodge inside the damaged tissue.
One particularity is that abscesses can appear anywhere on the body and are caused in addition to infectious organisms by parasites and foreign materials. They are identified by being red, causing pain and a small lump in the area where it comes out. Other abscesses that form in other parts of the body other than the skin are not as visible, but they are more dangerous because they can put other vital organs at risk.
Among the symptoms that may occur are fever or chills, local swelling around the area, hardening of the tissue; redness, tenderness and color in the area. The treating physician can simply by observing the injury diagnose the problem. In addition, the fluid that produces the abscess can be sent to a laboratory for a culture and help identify the problem.
Treatment for the cause should be indicated by the doctor and self-medication should be avoided, but certain methods can be applied to relieve pain, for example, placing warm compresses and not squeezing or compressing the abscess.
