A coccyx abscess usually develops on the basis of a so-called coccyx fistula. This is a chronic inflammation of the gluteal fold, which leads to the development of fistula ducts due to hair growing inwards. Constant pressure, e.g. from long car journeys, and the immigration of germs can trigger a bacterial inflammation in this area. This leads to the melting of tissue and an encapsulation of an accumulation of pus can develop.
Causes of a coccyx abscess
The coccyx abscess is characterized by an accumulation of pus in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. This is often caused by an ingrown hair into the skin. The localization is mostly in the sacral region.
The coccyx abscess usually occurs in obese, very hairy men between the ages of 20 and 30. The pus accumulation is located in an encapsulated space under the skin, which leads to an inflammatory reaction of the surrounding tissue. An abscess is usually caused by the immigration of bacteria. This can develop more easily if there is an external connection through the ingrown hair (fistula tract). In the case of a coccyx abscess, it is usually an infection with Staphylococcus Aureus, a skin germ that belongs to the normal skin flora.
Signs of a coccyx abscess
The hronic coccyx abscess is accompanied by redness and swelling of the affected area. Weeping of the abscess may occur, but it often resolves itself. In contrast to the acute coccyx abscess, the chronic coccyx abscess is often not painful.
The acute coccyx abscess also presents with redness and swelling in the coccyx region. Here, however, it comes to strong pain, which makes a fast treatment necessary. The abscess can also become dangerous.
When bacteria enter the bloodstream or if there is a large inflammation in the coccyx region, general symptoms such as fever and fatigue can also occur. The reason for this can be that the abscess has no connection to the outside and therefore empties itself to the inside. If a fever develops during an abscess formation, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Among the bacteria responsible for coccyx abscesses there are about 5% toxin-producing bacteria. This means that these bacteria form a substance that can be very dangerous for humans. If these bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can cause sepsis (blood poisoning).
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