Have you suddenly developed a small lump on your body that is red, swollen, and painful to the touch? It may even feel a little warm. Many people ignore these things, but it's important to know what they really are, why they form, and when we should be concerned about them. Today, we'll talk about these pus-filled lumps, or as we medically call them, 'abscesses.'
What exactly is an abscess?
Simply put, a boil is a lump that forms under our skin that is made up of pus, bacteria, and dead cells. It can usually range in color from pink to dark red. It feels tender and painful to the touch.
These can occur anywhere on the body. However, they are most commonly found around the armpits, anus, and vagina (for example, a Bartholin gland abscess), the lower back (pilonidal abscess), the root of a tooth (dental abscess), and the groin area. Sometimes, a hair follicle becomes blocked and infected, and these boils are also called boils/furuncles.
The important thing is, unlike other infections, these abscesses often don't get better with just antibiotics. For the abscess to heal, it needs to be opened and the pus inside needs to be drained.
Why do we get boils like this on our bodies?
Think of our skin as a protective shield for our body. When this shield is broken by a small cut, wound, or abrasion, it becomes easy for bacteria from the environment to enter the body.
Our body's defense cells (white blood cells) come there to fight the bacteria that enter. The bacteria that die in this fight, the body's cells, and the white blood cells combine to form "pus." This pus gradually builds up and creates pressure under the skin. It is because of this pressure and infection that we feel pain, redness, and swelling.
Sometimes this condition can also be caused by a blockage in a sweat gland, oil gland (sebaceous gland), or hair follicle.
Who is at higher risk of developing boils?
Although it can happen to anyone, some people are more likely to develop it. The tumors that develop, especially in people with weakened immune systems, can be more severe. People with the following conditions should be especially careful about this.
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Diseases that reduce immunity | Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, AIDS, and sickle cell disease. |
| Treatment received | Long-term use of steroids and chemotherapy for cancer. |
| Other health problems | Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, Peripheral vascular disorders. |
| Lifestyle and environment | Poor personal hygiene, living in a dirty environment, injecting drugs, obesity. |
Things you can do at home and things to be careful about
If the tumor is smaller than 1 centimeter (less than half an inch), you can try a small amount at home.
- Hot compress: Soak a clean cloth in hot water and place it on the boil for 20-30 minutes, about 4 times a day. This heat can increase blood circulation, help the boil to spontaneously rupture and release the pus.
But never do these things!
Do not squeeze or squeeze the boil. Doing so can cause the infection to spread further and make the condition worse. Also, do not prick the boil with sharp objects like needles or pins. Doing so can damage an underlying blood vessel or spread the infection.
When should you see a doctor?
Home remedies don't always work. In the following cases, you should definitely see your doctor. In some cases, you may need to go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
| Sign or condition | What to do |
|---|---|
| See your doctor... | |
| If the tumor is larger than 1 cm. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| If the tumor continues to grow or the pain increases. | |
| If the tumor is located near the anus, groin, or genital area. | |
| If you have a fever. | |
| If the boil appears to be spreading like red streaks (a sign of the infection spreading). | |
| Go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately... | |
| If you have a fever over 102°F (38.9°C) (especially if you have another chronic illness or are taking steroids/anticancer drugs). | This is an emergency and requires immediate hospitalization. |
| If there is a red line running from the lump to the chest or if there are swollen lumps (nodules) in the groin/armpit. | |
| If you have a tumor on your face that is larger than 1 centimeter. | |
What treatment does the doctor provide?
When you go to a doctor, he will examine the abscess and, if necessary, decide to remove the pus through a minor surgery. This is called `(Incision and Drainage - I&D)`. There is nothing to worry about.
- First, a numbing medicine is injected around the tumor.
- Then, the area is thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant solution.
- The doctor makes a small incision and completely removes the pus and other contents inside.
- After removing the pus, you can put a small bandage (packing) inside the wound. If there is any pus left, it will help to make a way for it to come out.
- Finally, the wound is covered with a clean bandage.
After this treatment, many people experience immediate relief from their pain. The doctor will probably give you antibiotics and painkillers to take for a few days.
What do you do after treatment?
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. He or she will tell you how to keep the wound clean and how to change the bandages. Don't forget to follow-up with your doctor at the scheduled times. If you develop a fever, increased pain, swelling, or redness in the wound after treatment, tell your doctor immediately.
Usually, with proper treatment, the wound will heal completely within 10-14 days.
Take-Home Message
- An abscess is a bacterial infection, so cleanliness is very important.
- Never squeeze the cyst or prick it with a sharp object. Doing so can spread the infection.
- If the tumor is very small, soaking it in warm water may help.
- If the tumor is large, painful, has a fever, or is located in a sensitive area (face, groin, anus) , see a doctor immediately.
- The best treatment for most boils is to cut them open and drain the pus (Incision and Drainage). There is no need to be afraid of this.
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