An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within soft tissue. When a cut or other injury forms, it becomes easier for bacteria to get into your system. White blood cells are sent to eradicate that bacteria. This causes inflammation and kills nearby tissue, creating a hole which then fills up with pus, a combination of white blood cells, bacteria, and dead tissue. Abscesses can form all over your body, including internally. Here’s a look at the most common places abscesses form.
Ear Abscesses
Abscesses can form in the ear, particularly following an ear infection, or otitis externa. Because small children are more prone to ear infections, they are thus more prone to an abscess in the same place. In many cases, what happens is that there is so much bacteria it infiltrates the tender skin of the ear. Other bacterial infections that may result in internal ear abscesses include colds, sore throats, pneumonia, and as with any abscess, a staph infection.
Abscesses may also form externally in the area surrounding the ear. Common culprits that create not only small wounds but the bacteria that leads to the abscess include: general injuries, infected ear piercings, bug bites or stings, inflammatory conditions, and some surgical procedures. Professional medical treatment (antibiotics and draining) is preferable, as an abscess in such a tender and important part of the body can interfere with hearing.
Skin Abscesses
Cutaneous abscesses refer to those that form within the skin. Some parts of the body are more prone to infection than others. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, the “underarms, hands and feet, trunk, genitals, [and] buttocks” are all more prone to abscesses. The hands and feet are used frequently and more likely to become injured. In addition, they come into more contact with foreign germs and bacteria than some parts of the body. The feet can be an especially dangerous spot for people with underlying conditions that increase the likelihood of developing an abscess, such as diabetes. The underarms, trunk, and genitals may not come into contact with foreign bacterias as frequently, but they do tend to be sweaty. This moisture creates an ideal environment for dangerous microbes.
Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria responsible for staph infections, is most often responsible for forming an abscess, as they emit a toxin that kills the white blood cells attempting to eradicate them. Being a carrier of the staph bacteria also increases the chances of forming an abscess. If you have a staph infection, it’s extremely important to practice careful hygiene and be wary of spreading the disease -- for example, when using a towel to dry off, dry the infected spot last and use a new towel frequently.
Teeth and Gum Abscess
Abscesses of the teeth and gums form in much the same way. Your mouth is filled with bacterias, and when you touch it without washing your hands, you are constantly introducing new germs. Periapical abscesses refer to those that form at the bottom of the roots, while a periodontal abscess is in the gums next to the roots. These abscesses can form as a result of bacterial tooth infections, untreated cavities, general trauma, and even dental work. It’s important to see a dentist to manage a tooth or gum abscess, as these can do permanent damage and may ultimately require pulling the tooth.
