A localized accumulation of pus, known as an abscess, forms in the body’s tissues due to an infection.
Pus is composed of dead cells, bacteria, damaged tissue, and white blood cells, and usually appears as a painful, warm, and reddened swelling.
The development of an abscess can originate in any part of the body, such as the skin, deep tissues, and internal organs.
Why do abscesses form
An abscess is the body’s response to an infection where microorganisms, such as bacteria or parasites, invade tissue. At that moment, the immune system reacts by sending white blood cells to the affected area.
The white blood cells attack the microorganisms, resulting in inflammation and pus accumulation. The main causes of abscesses include:
- Bacterial infections: bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli are responsible for most abscesses. These bacteria can enter the body through wounds, cuts, or surgeries.
- Obstruction of glands or follicles: when a sebaceous gland or hair follicle becomes blocked, infectious material can accumulate, favoring the development of an abscess.
- Trauma: injuries or blows that break the skin barrier can allow bacteria to enter the underlying tissue.
- Weakened immune system: in people living with diabetes, HIV, or other conditions that affect the immune system, the risk of developing abscesses is higher.
- Hygiene factors: poor personal hygiene or the use of contaminated water can also be triggering factors.
There are various types of abscesses classified according to their location and the type of tissue affected:
- Cutaneous abscesses: appear on the skin and are visible as red, swollen, and painful lumps.
- Dental abscesses: develop at the base of a tooth due to infections in the dental pulp or gums.
- Perianal and rectal abscesses: form near the anus or in the rectum and are often related to infections of the anal glands.
- Internal abscesses: appear in organs or deep tissues such as the liver, brain, or lungs and generally require urgent medical treatment due to their severity.
- Breast abscesses: common during breastfeeding and can develop due to mastitis or infections in the milk ducts.
- Soft tissue abscesses: include fat abscesses that affect adipose tissue and others that involve muscles or underlying structures.
Fat abscess
A fat abscess is an accumulation of pus affecting adipose tissue, which is located beneath the skin and around internal organs. This type of abscess can form due to trauma or injuries that damage adipose tissue and allow bacteria to enter.
Additionally, they may arise after medical procedures or injections that were not properly sterilized.
Sometimes, systemic infections may occur in which bacteria circulate in the blood and lodge in fatty tissue, forming an abscess.
Fat abscesses typically appear as painful lumps under the skin with redness and local warmth.
Depending on their location and size, they may be treated with surgical drainage or antibiotics.
Liver abscess
A liver abscess is an accumulation of pus in the liver; this organ is susceptible to infections due to its rich blood supply and its function of filtering substances.
Liver abscesses can be classified as pyogenic, which are usually caused by bacterial infections, and amebic abscesses, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
Regardless of the type, a liver abscess may present symptoms such as pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, high fever, chills, jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting.
Treatment includes antibiotics targeted against the causative agent—bacteria or parasite—as well as percutaneous or surgical drainage for more severe cases.
Learning what an abscess is helps identify its presence and seek early medical attention before symptoms and discomfort worsen or the associated risks increase.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes
MedlinePlus, MSD Manuals, Cigna
