Overview

An abscess is defined as a localised accumulation of pus within the body’s tissues, typically arising from a bacterial infection. Common sites for the formation of abscesses include the skin, axillary regions (armpits), and areas surrounding the anus and vagina, such as Bartholin gland abscesses. Other prevalent locations include the sacrococcyx region (pilonidal abscess), dental structures (dental abscess), the groin area, and hair follicles, which are commonly referred to as boils (furuncles). Recognising these areas is critical for the timely detection and effective management of abscesses, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Causes

The following conditions are recognised as risk factors for the development of abscesses:

• Immunodeficiency conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), chemotherapy, and cancer

• Diabetes mellitus

• Ulcerative colitis

• Severe burn injuries

• Alcoholism or substance use disorders  

Understanding these factors is essential for mitigating the risk of abscess formation and promoting skin health.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an abscess typically present as follows:

• A painful and tender red mass or swelling

• Accumulation of pus at the centre of the mass

• As the condition advances, a head or an opening may develop, leading to either spontaneous rupture or the necessity for surgical drainage

Should treatment be postponed, there is a risk that the infection may disseminate to adjacent tissues or, in severe cases, enter the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis.sis.

Ayurvedic View

Vruna shopha - Vruna sopha can be compared to an abscess. It has two avasthas (stages, namely ama awastha, the non-inflamatory phase,pachyamana avastha(inflamatory phase, and pakwa awastha, where in there is suppuration. It starts due to agni mandya(low digestive fire, which causes vitiation of all the three doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha, which has adhishtana(present in) between tvak(skin)and mamsa(muscle layer), leading to boil, which causes fever, rise in local heat, pain, swelling, discharge. The boil can occur in bahya(skin level) and abhyantara( internal organs). Ayurvedic way of treatment involves bringing the inflammation down, correcting the metabolism and reducing the risk of further complications.