Diagnosis | Abscess on the inner side of the thigh

Diagnosis

Usually an abscess is placed directly under the skin surface of the inner side of the thigh and thus a gaze diagnosis. Characteristic signs of inflammation can be seen on the inside of the thigh. If pus is already leaking, a smear is taken to determine the pathogen.

If an abscess occurs more frequently, a blood test and possibly further examinations should also be carried out. As a rule, increased inflammation values are found in the blood, which further support the diagnosis. If there is also a fever, this can be a sign that the bacteria are already in the blood. In this case there is a risk of blood poisoning and action must be taken quickly. If the abscess cannot be clearly differentiated from other diseases, an ultrasound diagnosis is performed.

The treatment of an abscess on the inner side of the thigh

The treatment of an abscess on the inside of the thigh depends on its size and individual factors. Only a doctor can assess which type of treatment is indicated. Therefore a medical examination should always be carried out.

In the case of small abscesses, treatment with a traction ointment – usually with the active ingredients ammonium bituminosulphate or ichthammolum – is often sufficient. In some cases, additional antibiotics are administered in tablet form. As the name of the ointment suggests, it pulls the pus out of the abscess and thus enables healing.

It has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and blood circulation-promoting effect. The dosage and concentration of the ointment should be individually adapted to the patient. If the pus does not escape from the abscess within a few days and/or the abscess has reached a certain size, this type of treatment is not sufficient.

In these cases the abscess must be surgically removed. All surgical methods aim at emptying the pus and preventing it or the bacteria from entering the surrounding tissue or the bloodstream. In many cases, the surgical procedure is harmless and is performed under local anesthesia.

The operation then usually takes about 10-20 minutes. In some cases, however, the surgical removal must be performed under general anesthesia. As a rule, a drainage is placed in both cases.

If the abscess is to be surgically removed on an outpatient basis, the patient must be picked up after the operation. On the day of the operation, the patient is not allowed to drive a car or operate machinery. Following the removal, antibiotic treatment is usually administered.

The antibiotics are introduced directly into the wound with the help of antibiotic carriers or are administered in tablet form or by infusion. Patients are also instructed in special hygiene measures and careful care of the wound. The earlier the abscess is treated, the greater the probability that no or only a very minor surgical intervention will be necessary.

You can find more information on this topic here: Operation of an abscessIn addition to conventional medical measures, certain home remedies can support the healing process, both before or without surgery, as well as after surgery. According to some authors, coffee, peppermint and camphor should be avoided during the healing process. Some authors recommend the application of a proplistincture.

In addition, warmth in the form of a red light lamp or warm compresses can be supportive. With a red light lamp it is important to position it at the right distance and to use it for an appropriate, limited period of time so that no burns can occur. Warm water, chamomile or marigold can be used for the compresses.

Hay flower and arnica can also support the healing process. In addition to the conventional medical measures, homeopathic remedies have a supporting effect on the regeneration of the skin of the thighs in some patients. In some cases Traumeel® tablets with 5 drops of Notakehl D 5 are recommended 4 times a day for 2 days.