The therapy of pus under the skin

The treatment of pus accumulation under the skin depends on the clinical picture. Pimples in the sense of acne should be treated by the dermatologist with disinfectant and antibiotic creams and if necessary also tablets. Impetigo contagiosa is treated with antibacterial ointments and antibiotics in tablet form.

In addition, strict hygiene such as regular hand washing should be observed because of the high risk of infection. Boils and carbuncles are usually treated with antibiotics. Nail bed inflammation, abscesses and deeper inflammations such as phlegmons must also usually be surgically removed by puncture with a needle, an incision or a more complex procedure.

However, independent manipulation (squeezing or similar) by the patient himself is to be avoided at all costs (see below). The above-mentioned measures should be carried out promptly, since in the worst case the pathogen threatens to spread via the bloodstream (blood poisoning). Under no circumstances should pus accumulations under the skin be expressed or punctured on their own, regardless of whether it is a simple “pimple” or an abscess.

By non-sterile manipulation of the inflamed skin area, further bacteria can enter the skin and aggravate the inflammation. In addition, this can also lead to a carry-over of the bacteria via the bloodstream. This is particularly threatening in the case of furuncles in the facial area, the expression of which can lead the bacteria via blood vessels in the direction of the brain, where they can trigger a threatening sinus vein thrombosis (blood clot in the veins of the brain).

Finally, the squeezing can cause unsightly scars. If it is necessary to puncture an accumulation of pus (e.g. abscess) or to relieve it with a sting, this should always be done under sterile conditions by a doctor. In the case of harmless, slightly pronounced accumulations of pus under the skin such as incipient nail bed inflammation or acne pimples, treatment with home remedies can be attempted first.

However, in the case of pronounced symptoms, abscess formation, phlegmons or contagious impetigo, home remedies are in no case sufficient, as there is a risk of serious complications such as blood poisoning. As anti-inflammatory measures, envelopes soaked in disinfectant can be tried, for example. Healing earth, chamomile or arnica are also natural measures against inflammation of the skin. Cooling compresses can have a pain-relieving effect. In general, the inflamed skin area should not be manipulated, and “squeezing” or pricking should be avoided at all costs.