Therapy | Abscess on the chin

Therapy

It is particularly important to avoid squeezing or manipulating the abscess. This creates a high risk of spreading the causative pathogens. The method of choice for treating the abscess on the chin is surgical opening.

In this procedure, the abscess capsule is split by a small incision with a scalpel, allowing the pus to drain away. The cavity in which the abscess lies is rinsed and cleaned and the inflamed tissue layers are carefully removed. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.

The wound cavity is not sutured afterwards, but left open. The open wound healing is intended to prevent any pathogens that may still be present from being covered by a capsule again and causing a new abscess to form. To ensure proper wound healing, the wound must be cleaned at regular intervals and the dressing changed.

In the case of very deep-seated abscesses, treatment with an antibiotic must often be initiated in addition to the surgical therapy. This is intended to prevent the pathogens from spreading via the bloodstream. There are various ointments for further treatment, which are also available without a prescription in pharmacies.

These pulling ointments are recommended especially at the beginning of the development of an abscess on the chin, as they prevent the spread of the pathogens and inhibit the development of inflammation and pain. In the case of large abscesses, the ointment has the main function of softening and reducing the size of the existing abscess capsule. It also supports the maturation process, in which the inflamed tissue fuses together and the pus settles completely. The ointment should be applied to the abscess on a large area once a day. When the abscess is mature, i.e. bulging enough, the doctor can split it.

Diagnosis

Most patients consult their family doctor because of the pain they experience. The doctor can usually make the diagnosis simply by looking at the affected skin area. Since the abscess is always accompanied by a strong reddening of the skin in the area of the chin, it can be easily distinguished from a pimple.

In laboratory diagnostics, an increase in the inflammation value (CRP), as well as an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis) can be determined. In some cases it is useful to take a smear to find the exact pathogen. If the abscess spreads further and the jaw bone is affected, it may be necessary to include imaging procedures such as ultrasound, CT or even MRI in the diagnosis.

Forecast

Usually, with the right treatment, abscesses on the chin heal very well and do not leave any serious scars. However, there may be a longer healing phase, sometimes lasting several weeks. Above all, it is important to clean the wound well and under sterile conditions on a regular basis and to change the dressing regularly so that any germs that may still be present cannot trigger new formation.

If it is not possible to remove all the pathogenic material present at the first surgical opening of the abscess, a second operation is often necessary to counteract serious complications and, above all, the risk of a new abscess formation. If an abscess on the chin does not heal completely after regular treatment and recurrent inflammation and accumulation of pus occurs, a weakness of the body’s immune system should be considered. In this case, the doctor should rule out a possible weakness of the immune system or diabetes. In order to prevent abscess formation, one should pay particular attention to thorough and regular facial hygiene and, in the case of minor injuries, clean the wound with disinfectant solutions. In addition, any existing underlying diseases of the patient should be well adjusted by careful treatment to counteract a weakness of the immune system.