Infections & Abscesses

What are Infections and Abscesses?

Infections and abscesses are common medical issues that can occur when bacteria or other harmful pathogens invade the body. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in response to an infection, while infections can occur in any tissue or organ in the body. Left untreated, infections and abscesses can lead to serious complications, including sepsis or tissue death.

Symptoms of Infections and Abscesses

Symptoms of infections and abscesses can vary depending on their location and severity but commonly include:

Redness and Swelling: The affected area may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch.

Pain or Tenderness: Infections and abscesses often cause localized pain or tenderness.

Pus or Drainage: Abscesses typically produce pus, which may drain through the skin.

Fever: In cases of infection, fever may occur as the body attempts to fight off the invading bacteria.

Difficulty Moving or Swelling of Nearby Areas: Depending on the location, infections or abscesses can cause nearby areas to swell or become difficult to move.

Causes and Risk Factors

Infections and abscesses can be caused by various factors, including:

Bacterial Infections: The most common cause of abscesses is bacterial infections, especially from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus.

Trauma or Injury: Cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds can allow bacteria to enter the skin and lead to abscess formation or infection.

Obstructed Glands or Follicles: Blocked sweat glands or hair follicles can become infected and lead to abscesses, particularly in areas prone to friction.

Weakened Immune System: Conditions that compromise the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV, or chemotherapy, can increase the risk of infections and abscess formation.

Diagnosing Infections and Abscesses

Diagnosis of infections and abscesses typically begins with a physical examination by your doctor, who will look for swelling, redness, and tenderness around the affected area. In some cases, imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan may be necessary to determine the extent of the infection or abscess, particularly if it is deep or not easily visible. Further laboratory tests, such as blood work, may be used to assess for elevated white blood cell counts, indicating infection. In more complex cases, a sample of the fluid from the abscess may be cultured to identify the causative organism.

Treatments for Infections and Abscesses

At Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics, we offer a range of surgical options to treat infections and abscesses effectively:

Incision and Drainage: This is the most common surgical procedure for abscesses, involving a small incision to allow pus to drain from the abscess, followed by cleaning and dressing the wound.

Debridement: Surgical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to prevent the spread of infection and promote healing.

Excisional Surgery: For recurrent or complicated abscesses, excisional surgery may be required to remove the entire infected area, including surrounding tissue, to ensure complete removal of the infection.

Minimally Invasive Techniques: When possible, we use minimally invasive approaches to reduce scarring, pain, and recovery time while effectively treating the infection or abscess.

What Happens If Left Untreated?

If left untreated, infections and abscesses can worsen over time, potentially spreading to surrounding tissues and causing more severe pain and swelling. Infections may enter the bloodstream, leading to a condition called sepsis, which is life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention. Abscesses that are not drained can grow larger, leading to tissue damage and increasing the risk of complications like fistulas or chronic infections. Prolonged abscesses may also result in scarring, which can complicate future treatments and prolong recovery.

Schedule a Consultation

If you suspect you have an infection or abscess, seeking prompt medical attention is essential. Our experienced surgical team at Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics is ready to evaluate your condition and provide personalized care options.

Calculate Your BMI

Enter your height and weight below to see your Body Mass Index

BMI

Practice Locations

Infections and Abscesses

Frequently Asked Questions

How do infections lead to abscesses?

Can an abscess heal on its own?

What causes recurrent abscesses?

Can abscesses form internally?

Can abscesses be prevented?

Colorectal & Abdominal Surgery

Dialysis Access Surgery

Endocrine / Thyroid Surgery

Gallbladder & Biliary Surgery

GI Surgery

Skin & Soft Tissue Surgery

Hernia Surgery

Oncology & Special Surgery

Colorectal & Abdominal Conditions

Gallbladder & Biliary Conditions

Gastrointestinal (GI) Conditions

Hernias

Endocrine / Thyroid Conditions

Skin & Soft Tissue Conditions