Abscess ointment with antibiotics

An abscess can be treated to varying degrees with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a doctor. In large, highly encapsulated abscesses, many cells of the immune system gather around the capsule as an inflammatory reaction of the body and try to fight the inflammation. Antibiotics that reach the site of inflammation via the blood often do not pass through this membrane and cannot penetrate to the bacteria.

Nevertheless, conservative treatment with antibiotics and abscess ointments is tried first. A therapy with antibiotics is especially used when the abscess has been opened or has spontaneously opened itself. The bacteria can then spread into the tissue but also via the bloodstream to more distant regions.

There is a risk that the bacteria will settle elsewhere and cause a new inflammation or even the development of an abscess. In addition, carry-over bacteria can attack the organs and lead to a global inflammation. In this case one speaks of sepsis. The antibiotic should then be administered early. In the best case, the antibiotic is administered intravenously and then quickly reaches the bloodstream and the site of the inflammation.

OP for an abscess

The operation of an abscess is the most effective method to remove it completely. This is because a capsule is always formed around the abscess, which is difficult for antibiotics to penetrate and act directly. The pathogen, which is also located inside the capsule, can only be attacked to a limited extent in this way.

Therefore it is best to open the abscess. It is punctured under sterile conditions. It is also said that the abscess is “split”.

If the abscess is superficial, a local anaesthetic is applied first. Deep, unfavourably located abscesses are treated under general anaesthetic. To open the abscess, the skin is cut through layer by layer with a scalpel.

A drainage is inserted through which the pus can drain away. In the ideal case, surrounding areas are not contaminated with the pathogen. This prevents the probability of recurrence.

A disadvantage, however, is that bleeding can occur more frequently, which in turn promotes new infections. The inflamed tissue is then removed and the wound cleaned. In the process, it is washed out with a rinsing fluid which is intended to additionally disinfect the wound.

The wound is not sutured afterwards, i.e. it is “treated openly”, which prevents pathogens that have remained from re-encapsulating. Furthermore, the remaining wound must be cleaned regularly and the dressing must also be changed regularly. The insertion of platelets, sponges or chains carrying antibiotics can support the healing process in the further course.

The subsequent check-ups should be carried out without fail. If you should develop a fever or severe pain until the next examination, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as these can be the first signs of blood poisoning. If pus has got onto the bed sheet or clothing, it should be washed.

Usually such a split abscess only lasts a few minutes. An abscess should never be punctured on its own, as the risk of germ transfer under non-sterile conditions is too high. In the worst case this can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis).