When you discover an abscess, the first thing you should do is visit your doctor. Antibiotics are the best treatment for an abscess and will get rid of it as quickly as possible. You doctor will also be able to determine the cause of the abscess and hopefully will be able to prescribe medication for this cause to avoid the abscess coming back.
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body that, in most cases, causes swelling and inflammation around it. Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it. White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances.
Abscesses can form in almost any part of the body. The skin, under the skin, and the teeth are the most common sites. Abscesses may be caused by bacteria, parasites, and foreign substances. Abscesses in the skin are easy to see. They are red, raised, and painful. Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious, but they may cause significant organ damage.
There may be some kind of underlying medical problem which is causing an abscess and prevention of abscesses depends on where they develop. For example, good hygiene can help prevent skin abscesses. Dental hygiene and routine care will prevent tooth abscesses. Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, use mouth wash regularly and chew sugar free gum after every meal, particularly if you have eaten something sweet or sugary, including fruit which contains a high level of natural sugars.
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body that, in most cases, causes swelling and inflammation around it. Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it. White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances.
Abscesses can form in almost any part of the body. The skin, under the skin, and the teeth are the most common sites. Abscesses may be caused by bacteria, parasites, and foreign substances. Abscesses in the skin are easy to see. They are red, raised, and painful. Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious, but they may cause significant organ damage.
There may be some kind of underlying medical problem which is causing an abscess and prevention of abscesses depends on where they develop. For example, good hygiene can help prevent skin abscesses. Dental hygiene and routine care will prevent tooth abscesses. Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, use mouth wash regularly and chew sugar free gum after every meal, particularly if you have eaten something sweet or sugary, including fruit which contains a high level of natural sugars.
