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Abscess - causes and treatment
An abscess, also called pus tubercle in colloquial language, is an accumulation of pus in an encapsulated cavity that has not existed before but has only been created by the melting of dead tissue. An abscess is blocked from all sides by a membrane and can occur almost anywhere in and on the body, both in organs and on the skin, which is usually much more common. This pus accumulation is usually associated with massive pain and leaves the person concerned soon to see the doctor. An abscess can take on a wide range of sizes, from small nodules to pus-sized pus.
contents
- Abscess: How the pus arises
- causes
- Abscesses can occur frequently
- Creation of a furunculus
- How an abscess manifests itself
- Abscess treatment
- Therapy in naturopathy
- Homeopathy with pus
- Abscess healing process
- prevention
Abscess: How the pus arises
Pus is usually whitish-yellowish, can be thick or thin liquid. In conjunction with an abscess, this secretion forms into a cavity. Pus is caused by inflammation caused by bacteria. Actually, this is a completely natural defense reaction of the body, in which leucocytes (white blood cells), tissue remnants, bacteria and some blood serum together form a yellowish fluid, the pus - also called pus in technical language. Pus can occur throughout the body. Thus, an accumulation of pus in the tissue is an abscess, this forms in existing body cavities is referred to by an empyema, a purulent hair follicle inflammation is referred to as boils and if several hairs are affected, this means carbuncle.
An abscess can occur at different parts of the body and can vary significantly in size. (Image: kaliantye / fotolia.com) causes
Bacterial pathogens, such as staphylococci and streptococci, can trigger inflammatory foci that encapsulate around the tissue. For example, a bacterium penetrates deeper into the skin, on the outside by sebum or dirt no drainage possible and it evolves a purulent bump.
Extremely rarely abscesses develop without the action of bacteria, without inflammation, for example, after major surgery or injections.
Abscesses can occur frequently
They are most commonly found on the skin, especially in the form of boils or carbuncles. In a boil, a hair follicle has become inflamed and a pyrex has formed, with a carbuncle affecting several hair follicles. The affected area is red, swollen and usually the abscess can be felt as a bulging structure. The patient complains of pain, which can become almost unbearable depending on the location and extent. For example, an abscess may arise from the inflammation after the racial hair or the intimate hair has raged.
A superficial abscess is relatively easily recognizable by reddening and swelling with congestion. (Image: www.fotolia.com © ninun) Creation of a furunculus
An abscess usually develops when the person concerned has a weakened defense, for example during exam periods, during menstruation or during mental stress. If a diabetes mellitus disease is present, then the affected person is increasingly at risk of contracting. If the skin is sensitive and damaged, as is the case with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, this may also favor the formation of pus. Skin injuries after surgery, poor wound care or over-fitting clothing can also lead to it.
How an abscess manifests itself
Depending on size and location, different symptoms appear. A superficial abscess shows inflammation from the outside, similar to a big pimple. The affected area is reddened, swollen, possibly hot and reacts very painfully to pressure.
Depending on the location of the event, movements may cause great discomfort. In the further course, the purulent inflammation can spread and the pain increases. The pus build-up under the skin is recognizable by a whitish-yellowish color.
If the abscess has a greater extent or is located within the body general symptoms such as fatigue, general malaise, fever, headache and body aches are quite possible. Abscesses that are inside the body are not necessarily painful, often the only symptom here is fever. In order to make a diagnosis, examination procedures such as ultrasound, MRI or CT are necessary in such cases. An additional blood test shows in patients inflammatory parameters and antibodies against the causative agent.
Abscess treatment
In no case should a purulent bump itself be expressed, especially if it is in the face. By squeezing the bacteria can reach deeper tissue. As a result, the inflammation spreads under certain circumstances further, the pathogens can be transported through the blood and in the worst case threatens a brain abscess.
If the abscess is on the face, the symptoms get worse from day to day, or if fever, general malaise, headache and body aches occur, be sure to call a doctor.
For small, superficial accumulations of pus, often a drug treatment with a special train ointment is sufficient. This contains active ingredients, which as the name suggests, pull the pus more to the surface. Often the abscess will then open by itself after a few days and the wound can then be treated. If the pus is deeper or can be treated poorly, an antibiotic is used. If all else fails, surgery is required. Depending on the affected area, this takes place in partial or general anesthesia. The affected tissue is split and the pus is drained to the outside with the help of a drainage. Then the wound is cleaned and not sutured, but must heal "open", so that again can not isolate the pathogen and fluid in the resulting "cave". Thorough rinsing of the wound and wearing a bandage is important in the first few weeks after surgery. For example, if an anal abscess has been removed, then sitz baths help. Also here is an embarrassing hygiene after each toileting essential.
If they occur frequently, this may be an indication of diabetes mellitus or another underlying disease that needs to be treated.
Therapy in naturopathy
Even if the abscess basically requires a conventional medical treatment, this can be meaningfully supported by appropriate means of natural medicine. The Schüssler salt therapy here uses the salt No. 11 Silicea, to drain the pus. If this is the case, the salt No. 12 Calcium sulfuricum supports the healing process. This therapy is reinforced with the external application of the Schüssler salves No. 1 Calcium fluoratum, No. 3 Ferrum phosphoricum, No. 11 Silicea and No. 12 Calcium sulfuricum. In a small, superficial abscess, if this is not in the face, bring a partial bath in a Kernseifenlauge or in warm water with Kamillenabsud, relief. Also, envelopes with salt water or healing earth can contribute to healing.
Homeopathy with pus
Homeopathy also has an agent for abscesses, which is referred to in professional circles as a "homeopathic knife". Myristica sebifera (tallow nut tree) should either melt the abscess or open it. Essential oils, such as lavender oil, tea tree oil or thyme oil applied to a swab and fixed with a gauze bandage overnight, can make the abscess "mature".
Supporting naturopathy at an abscess. (Image: Johanna Mühlbauer / Fotolia.com) Patients who are more likely to suffer from stimulation of the immune system. Also the psyche often plays a big role here. So it is noted again and again that these pus accumulations like to pile up in times of mental stress.
Abscess healing process
The healing process depends on size, location and extent. Small, superficial usually heal completely. The more timely a pus is treated, the less complicating is the healing process. It is important in any case that no abscess is expressed even with the fingers, especially not if this is in the face. Daily cleansing of the wound and daily dressing changes contribute to a positive healing after surgery.
prevention
A defensive immune system is a good prerequisite to protect yourself. The main pathogen, the Stapylococcus aureus, belongs in many people to the normal skin flora, without initiating a disease. A daily, thorough body care, especially in places where sweat arises, helps to keep it that way. Straight hairy parts of the body, which may be additionally irritated by too tight clothing, can easily cause inflammation. To protect against an abscess, for example, should be dispensed with wearing too tight jeans. In order to arm the immune system against the formation of abscesses, it is important to pay attention to a vitamin-rich and fiber-containing diet.
Special body wash lotions are usually not necessary, but rather help to destroy the acid mantle of the skin. (Sw)