How to treat the boil

At a glance:

What is an abscess?

In an abscess, bacteria penetrate the tissue through tiny injuries to the skin and trigger inflammation. As a rule, an abscess under the skin is extremely painful and the affected area swells and becomes red. The boil needs space. Therefore, a cavity develops, the so-called abscess cavity, which in turn is surrounded by a capsule. The body forms this capsule as a protective cover and barrier from the surrounding tissue so that the pathogens cannot spread.

An abscess often forms just under the skin, but it can also form on the gums or internal organs such as the intestines. If pus and bacteria get into the blood, in the worst case scenario they can cause blood poisoning (sepsis).

Important! Never attack an abscess yourself, for example by trying to “squeeze” it like a pimple. You can damage the capsule and pus with bacteria can pour into the tissue. It’s better to see a doctor and have the abscess opened professionally.

Causes: This is how the boil occurs

An abscess can develop in a variety of places on the body. An infection with bacteria is always the trigger for the boil. Most of the time it is staphylococci Staphylococcus aureus. These germs are often normal inhabitants of the skin and an integral part of the skin flora. The smallest skin injuries, such as those caused by shaving in the intimate area, or an abrasion on the arm that is not adequately cared for, serve as a portal of entry for the pathogens. The organism reacts to the intruders with an inflammatory reaction – an abscess forms.

Risk factors for abscesses

Doctors know various risk factors that promote the formation of abscesses. These include, for example:

Sometimes an abscess forms out of nowhere, with no obvious cause. The accumulation of pus can be harmless and harmless, but it can also pose a real health risk – depending on the size, location and location of the abscess.

Symptoms: This is how you recognize an abscess

Abscesses can measure only a few millimeters and resemble a pimple, but can also be significantly larger. An abscess usually forms in the skin. Any part of the body can be affected, such as the face, neck, upper body, arms or legs. The boil can also form in less obvious places, such as the nose, mouth (gums), intimate area or anus (anal abscess).

Abscesses that develop on and in the organs, for example in the glands, liver, bones, brain, intestines, chest and lungs, are particularly dangerous. Then the risk of blood poisoning (sepsis) is high. The organ can also suffer permanent damage.

Typical abscess symptoms are:

• Hautabszess: Due to the inflammation, the affected skin area is swollen, red, warm to the touch and extremely sensitive to touch. However, the abscess can also hurt without you pressing on it. Sometimes the collection of pus can be seen as a white dot. Symptoms of spreading infection may include chills, fever and general malaise.

• Analabszess: It causes severe pain that makes even sitting down normally impossible.

• Internal abscess: This is more difficult to recognize because it initially has no symptoms. Only when the abscess is ripe, bursts and the pus pours into the body do those affected develop fever, chills and a strong feeling of illness. These are warning signs that the infection is spreading – blood poisoning (sepsis) can occur, which can result in all organs failing. Sepsis is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.

Diagnosis: When should you see a doctor if you have an abscess?

Under no circumstances should you treat an abscess yourself with your fingers or sharp objects! Do not press or squeeze the affected area of ​​skin or pierce the boil. If the abscess is extremely painful and keeps getting bigger, you should definitely see a doctor.

This also applies in the following cases:

• General feeling of illness, fever and chills: These symptoms indicate that the bacteria have entered the bloodstream – there is a risk of blood poisoning.

• Red, painful stripe under the skin that comes from the abscess: This indicates that the pathogens have spread from the tissue into the lymphatic channels – the channels become inflamed and lymphangitis occurs, which must be treated in a timely manner.

• Abscesses in the area of ​​the head, neck and ears: The source of infection is near the brain. There is a risk that bacteria will get there and cause a very dangerous bacterial meningitis.

• Abscesses in the anal area: This region of the body is naturally colonized by numerous bacteria. If the abscess is not treated properly, it can spread, become chronic or lead to fistulas. Small passages form through which bacteria can penetrate further into the tissue and thus into the body. Chronic inflammation occurs.

Recognize external abscesses

A doctor can often recognize the abscess based on its appearance: the skin is red, swollen and feels warm or hot. Pain when touching or putting pressure on the skin area is also typical. Symptoms such as chills, fever and a general feeling of illness confirm the abscess diagnosis. If abscesses recur, acne inversa must be diagnosed.

Imaging procedures for internal abscesses

An abscess on internal organs such as the intestines and lungs or on the chest can only be recognized using imaging techniques that shed light on the inside of the body. An ultrasound examination, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, magnetic resonance imaging) are used to diagnose abscesses. These methods reveal the exact location and size of the pus collection.

Blood test for inflammation levels

A blood test shows whether the inflammation levels are increased. The so-called C-reactive protein (CRP) is determined. This inflammatory marker proves that there is inflammation in the body, but not where it is located. An increased number of white blood cells is also an indication of inflammation.

Determine the pathogen using a swab

In addition, a smear of the pus with a cotton swab helps to track down the type of bacteria that causes it. The sample is analyzed in the laboratory and the pathogen is determined. Staphylococci (usually Staphylococcus aureus) or streptococci are often detectable.

Correct therapy for an abscess

Basically, if you have an abscess, it is better to see a doctor. This is especially true if the pus accumulation has formed near the brain, i.e. in the face, mouth or neck. The bacteria can spread to the brain and cause significant damage. Abscess treatment depends on how large the boil is and where on the body it is located. The general rule is: the pus has to come out!

Traction ointment for smaller abscesses

Drawing ointments are proven remedies for inflammatory skin diseases and help with smaller abscesses. As the name suggests, the ointment draws out the inflammation, accelerates the maturation and drainage of the abscess. Traction ointments relieve pain and the feeling of pressure and have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. They slow down sebum production and promote blood circulation. The ointments can contain different active ingredients in different dosages. Sulfonated shale oil is often used in the form of the active ingredient ammonium bituminosulfonate (Ichthammolum). Some train ointments are available – depending on the dosage – without a prescription from pharmacies or online mail order companies.

The traction ointment ensures that the abscess drains itself after a while. It is best to then clean the skin area with a wound disinfectant and cover it with a plaster. Most of the time everything heals completely in a few days. If the pain persists and the area around the wound is still red or the wound fills up again, you should go to the doctor (again).

Surgically remove larger abscesses

Larger abscesses are usually opened with a scalpel. Depending on the size and location, the surgical procedure is carried out under regional or general anesthesia. A small cut through the skin is often enough, the abscess capsule opens and the pus can drain through a drainage. Drainage ensures that bacteria are not carried into neighboring tissue and cause blood poisoning. The doctor then cleans the wound thoroughly and removes any inflamed tissue.

The wound is not stitched up but is treated openly. This means that remaining fluid and bacteria have no chance of encapsulating themselves again and causing another abscess. You should have the wound examined, cleaned and bandaged regularly until it has completely healed. For larger abscesses, a second surgical procedure is sometimes necessary. Antibiotics: intake, interactions and side effects are often used in addition in this case.

Course and chances of healing for abscesses

An abscess usually heals without any problems. However, you need a little patience because the healing process can take a few days to weeks. The course depends on where the boil is located and what extent it is. Internal abscesses on organs are more dangerous than superficial skin abscesses and usually take longer to resolve. Timely and effective treatment (see above) is also important to eliminate the abscess. Abscess: Help against the boil

Can an abscess be prevented?

You can hardly prevent an abscess. However, the following tips reduce the risk of an abscess developing:

• Provide adequate treatment for minor injuries such as cuts from shaving or abrasions after a fall. If you disinfect the wound, bacteria have less chance of penetrating the skin.

• Do not wear clothing that is too tight and constricts the skin. Constant rubbing and rubbing on the skin also increases the risk of inflammation and abscesses.

• Make sure you eat a diet rich in fiber, which protects against constipation, for example. Digestive problems are often a risk factor for anal abscesses.

• If you have repeated abscesses, you should ask a doctor for advice – they can be an indication of diabetes mellitus.

• If you strengthen your immune system, bacteria and other pathogens will have less of an easy time of it. A healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals as well as sufficient exercise boosts the immune system.