1.12 Abscesses

An abscess is a healthy bodily reaction, which develops after an infection. The pus, which has accumulated in a hard, painful balloon, is a waste product of the body's natural resistance. Pus is inevit
able for the healing process, as the harmful bacteria can only leave the body through the pus. The healing process is completed when the abscess has opened and the pus has driven out the dirt and the bacteria.

How do you get a" abscess?

An abscess develops through dirt, pieces of skin and bacteria entering the skin through an open wound, for example after using non-sterile syringes.

How can you get rid of an abscess?

The golden rule is 'to keep it clean.' Furthermore, the accumulated pus must be able to drain. Put a wet bandage on the abscess or apply ointment. This softens up the skin, enabling the pus to drain faster. Never squeeze an abscess, as this might enable damaging bacteria to enter the body. Antibiotics are needed in the case of:

* Fever and cold chills. The bacteria have entered the body and, once reaching the heart, can cause serious damage to the heart valves.

· A red, painful streak running upward from the place of infection. In this case, the bacteria have reached the lymph vessels. Upon reaching the

lymph glands, the bacteria can get into the blood. An inflammation of the bone. This can lead to an infection of the bone (osteomyelitis), which is difficult to cure. An abscess or infection on your hand or foot. Due to the anatomy of hand and foot, (many tendon sheaths), there is a big chance that the infection might spread, An abscess that needs to be cut.