Skin abscess is also known as boil disease. It is infected in the skin and filled by pus. Boils usually start as red, tender lumps. The lumps quickly fill with pus, growing larger and more painful until they rupture and drain. Most people with skin abscess are otherwise healthy and have good personal hygiene. Although some boils disappear a few days after they occur, most take about two weeks to heal. In severe cases, skin abscess may develop to form abscesses. The symptoms of skin abscess are red, pus -filled lumps that are tender, warm, and/or painful. A yellow or white point at the center of the lump can be seen when the boil is ready to drain or discharge pus.
There are many causes of skin abscess. Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair. Exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin. Sometimes boils occur in clusters called carbuncles. Skin abscess are most often found on the back, underarms, shoulders, face, lip, eyes, nose, thighs and buttocks, but may be found elsewhere. Boils and carbuncles often resemble the inflamed, painful lumps caused by cystic acne. In a severe infection, multiple boils may develop and the patient may experience fever and swollen lymph nodes. Some people have multiple or recurrent boils. These boils are usually staph infections (furuncles or carbuncles). Skin abscess can also be caused by not washing an area of the body, particularly the face. Chronic poor health makes it harder for your immune system to fight infections.
Many medications can suppress the normal immune system and increase the risk of developing skin abscess. Most simple boils can be treated at home. Applying a warm compress or soaking the boil in warm water can help alleviate the pain. Antibiotics are often used to relieve the accompanying bacterial infection. Apply a topical antiseptic such as povidone iodine or chlorhexidine cream to the boils and cover with a square of gauze. Gentle heat, provided by a moist, warm washcloth held over the area for 20 minutes three times a day, speeds up the healing process. Hepar sulphuris and Silica are homeopathic remedies to treat the skin abscesses. Use bentonite clay on the affected area in case of septic abscesses.
Skin absces Treatment and Prevention Tips:
1. Keep the skin around minor wounds clean and dry.
2. Tea Tree oil is also effective home remedies treatment for boils.
3. The regular use of an abrasive brush (such as a loufa) often helps.
4. Bitter gourd is another effective home remedy for blood-filled boils.
5. Use hunt’s tomato Paste. Use it like an ointment and spread it on the boil or abcess.
6. Use bentonite clay on the affected area in case of septic abscesses.
7. Apply a topical antiseptic such as povidone iodine or chlorhexidine cream to the boils and cover with a square of gauze.
8. Gentle heat, provided by a moist, warm washcloth held over the area for 20 minutes three times a day.
