Matag Tiki In English Skin Abscesses Are

However, abscesses most commonly develop on the back, face, chest, or buttocks.

Skin abscesses can also appear in areas of hair growth, such as the underarms or groin.

Matag Tiki In English Skin Abscesses Are

Most skin abscesses are harmless and may go away without treatment.

Over-the-counter (OTC) creams and medications may be all thats needed to help speed the healing process of a minor abscess.

Sometimes, skin abscesses are more difficult to treat and may require laceration or drainage.

There are cases in which an abscess can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Common causes of a skin abscess Bacteria Staphylococcus is the most common bacterial cause of skin abscesses.

A skin abscess can be the result of a bacterial infection that occurs when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter the body through a hair follicle or through a wound or injury that has punctured or broken the skin.

Youre at increased risk for this bacterial infection if you have: close contact with an individual who has a staph infection, which is why these infections are more common in hospitals a chronic skin disease, like acne or eczema diabetes a weakened immune system, which can be caused by infections such as HIV poor hygiene habits Infected hair follicles Infected hair follicles, or folliculitis, may cause abscesses to form in the follicle.

Follicles can become infected if the hair within the follicle is trapped and unable to break through the skin, as can happen after shaving.

Abscesses that are on or in a hair follicle will often contain this ingrown hair.

Folliculitis may also occur after spending time in an inadequately chlorinated pool or hot tub.

Identifying a skin abscess An abscess often appears as a bump on the skin, similar to a pimple.

However, it can grow over time and resemble a cyst filled with fluid.

Depending on the cause of the abscess, other symptoms may also be present.

These symptoms may include: fever nausea chills swelling lesions on the skin inflamed skin fluid drainage from the abscess The area around the abscess may also feel painful and warm to the touch.

Diagnosing an abscess One small boil isnt usually a cause for concern.

However, if you have a boil and any of the following apply to you, see your doctor as soon as possible: Youre a child.

You have a weakened immune system or you were recently hospitalized.

Youre currently on chemotherapy or you recently received chemotherapy.

If left untreated, the abscess may spread to your brain or spinal cord.

The abscess is large, hasnt healed within two weeks, and you also have a fever.

The abscess appears to be spreading to other parts of your body.

Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to visually inspect the abscess.