Diagnosis of the abscess in the genital area
The physician can usually diagnose an abscess by the typical signs of inflammation such as redness, warming, pain and swelling. The typical localisation in the face, neck or nape of the neck or even in the anal and intimate area also helps him to make a diagnosis. In order to distinguish a large abscess from other diseases, ultrasound diagnostics can help to confirm the suspicion in individual cases.
Rarely is it attempted to puncture the abscess with a cannula in order to remove pus with a syringe. However, samples obtained in this way can then be examined microbiologically in order to obtain information about the type of pathogen. If you suspect an abscess in the genital area, the first thing to do is to see your family doctor.
This doctor can confirm the suspicion and assess the severity of the disease. As a rule, initial measures such as the prescription of ointments or antibiotics can also be carried out by the general practitioner. In the case of constantly recurring abscesses or several findings at a time, a consultation with the dermatologist can take place to clarify a chronic disease or to optimise treatment.
Well accessible superficial abscesses can be opened by the experienced general practitioner or dermatologist. A surgeon must be consulted for larger or poorly accessible localisations. If the disease affects the genital organs, it is essential to consult a gynaecologist or urologist.
Therapy of the abscess in the genital area
The therapy of an abscess depends on its size and localization. In mild cases a pulling ointment is sufficient. If the abscess is already advanced, the doctor can prescribe a local antibiotic.
If there is a threat of further extension of the disease or if the findings are very large, an antibiotic must be taken. Under certain circumstances, surgical intervention may then be necessary. In this case the doctor cuts the abscess with a scalpel under local anaesthetic so that the pus can drain away.
The resulting wound is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. To prevent an abscess from forming again in the same place, the doctor will decide not to close the wound at first, but to insert a drainage. This is either a special rubber tab on which newly formed pus can drain off or a gauze bandage soaked in an antibacterial solution.
This allows the abscess to heal slowly from the depth. Under no circumstances should one manipulate an abscess in the genital area on their own. An opening by means of pointed or sharp objects must be carried out by the doctor under observance of strict hygiene measures.
It is also urgently necessary to refrain from pushing on the abscess. The danger is too great that the abscess capsule will not open on the skin surface but into the surrounding tissue. Penetration of the germs in the abscess into the tissue or even into blood vessels can lead to an expansion of the inflammation or in the worst case to blood poisoning.
A pulling ointment (e.g. Ilon® ointment) is an ointment that has a primarily circulation-promoting and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. In addition, it generally has resorption and phagocytosis-promoting properties. This means that foreign substances in the skin are absorbed faster by cells of the immune system.
Inflammatory ointments are mostly made of oil shale and less frequently on a vegetable basis. The most frequently used active agent is ammonium bituminosulfonate which is produced from oil shale. A traction ointment essentially contributes to the faster maturation of the abscess so that it can be opened on the body surface or emptied by itself.
To enhance the effect of the ointment, heat applications can additionally support the maturation of the abscess. Possible areas of application of a pulling ointment are abscesses in the intimate area as well as those that have formed on other parts of the skin or in the context of acne conglobata. Infected foreign bodies such as thorns or splinters which have penetrated the skin can also be brought to the skin surface more quickly by applying a pulling ointment.
The application of a pulling ointment is simple. The affected area of skin is generously spread with the ointment and covered with a plaster. Contact of an ointment based on oil shale with clothing or other textiles should be avoided, as stubborn stains may form.
Although pull-on ointments are freely available in pharmacies, the treating physician should be consulted before application. In the case of irritated or severely pre-damaged, open skin, a pull-on ointment should not be used. It should also be noted that an apparent worsening of the clinical picture may initially occur during application, as the abscess may swell as it matures and appear strongly reddened.
The Betaisodona ointment should be distinguished from the traction ointments. This is an antiseptic iodine-based ointment which is used for open wounds and ulcers, especially pressure sores or lower leg ulcers (leg ulcer). In addition to its use for nail bed inflammation, it can also be used for infections of the oral cavity or fungal infections of the vagina.
In the treatment of abscesses, Betaisodona ointment can be used as an antiseptic (germicidal agent) after opening. The method of application is similar to that of the pulling ointment. The very tough Betaisodona ointment is applied to the affected skin area and carefully covered with a plaster due to the possible development of spots on textiles
- Betaisodona® Ointment
- Betaisodona® Solution
- Betaisodona
In the case of small, easily accessible and superficial abscesses, heat applications can accelerate the maturing process and contribute to a faster emptying at the skin surface.
Bags of hot porridge made from oat groats or linseed are suitable for this purpose. Hot porridge made of fenugreek seeds spread on a gauze bandage for about 20 minutes has a similar effect. Warm slices of onion or garlic have a circulation-promoting effect due to the warming effect and the essential oils they contain and are suitable for supporting the maturation of abscesses. Chamomile has antiseptic properties, so that a compress soaked in chamomile tea can be used after the spontaneous opening of an abscess. Nettle tea and daisy tincture can accelerate healing and should be applied locally on a suitable carrier material such as cotton wool or gauze bandage.
