Abscess of the axilla

General

Abscesses are mostly pus-filled cavities that do not have an abscess duct (in contrast to a fistula) and can spread to different parts of the body.

In addition to the pus, there can also be inflammatory fluids with part of an abscess. In some cases, these abscesses can also spread to the arm or under the armpits (axilla). This clinical picture is also called an axillary abscess.

You can find more information about abscess of the axilla in the main article Abscess.

Causes / forms

In most cases, one will develop Abscess in the field of Armpit (axilla) by inflamed Sweat glands.

The cause why Sweat glands ignite is not known, but it is assumed that the Bacterial load of the skin is higher in those affected than in healthy ones, and the natural bacteria in the skin multiply too quickly and too numerous. If this is the case and will the personal hygiene Carried out only an average of times or even below average, it can happen that the bacteria settle in the sweat glands put in can and to a corresponding inflammation to lead.

It can also happen that the axilla Abscess formation from the direction of Lymph nodes that are located under both arms in the armpit area. Often with infections of a general nature (e.g. gripal infect) the lymph nodes swell in this area (Lymph node swelling in the armpit) on. In some, albeit rare, cases, the pathogens migrate. This can then lead to abscess formation near the lymph node.

Another cause of abscesses in the axilla is previous ones Operations in the vicinity. Regardless of the type and form of the operation, adhesions under the skin inevitably occur Scarring in the area of ​​the interface. These scars either heal without any problems, but in some cases they can become infected. In severe cases, this can lead to abscess formation, which leads to the typical symptoms.

Abscesses caused by shaving

During the shave it can lead to the smallest micro-injuries of the skin in the axilla, all of which can be entry points for bacteria into the body. If bacteria penetrate the locally weakened skin barrier, they can become a infection which can manifest as either mild to severe inflammation or, in the worst case, even as an abscess.
This always depends on which type of bacteria penetrates the skin.
A well-known pathogen for abscesses is the rod bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. If this penetrates the body through the micro-injuries of the axillary skin after a shave, it can cause an abscess of the axilla on the spot.

Symptoms of an abscess of the axilla

As with everyone abscess there is a at the corresponding part of the body

• swelling and one
• Bulge of the skin.

Sometimes the skin may become red in this area or the edges of the protrusion are reddish in color. The abscess of the axilla is usually bulging and causes pain when touched.

Depending on the size of the swelling, it can also restrictions come with the arm movement. In the case of an abscess under the arm, stretching the arm upwards is usually described as painful and placing the arm tight against the body wall. It can also be appropriate in addition to the local complaints General symptoms how

• Fatigue,
• General condition deterioration or fever come.

Pus in the abscess

At a Abscess of the axilla is it a encapsulated collection of pus in the armpit, more precisely in a tissue cavity of the armpit skin.
pus is one of them Accumulation of bacteria and immune cellsleading to inflammation and melting of the surrounding tissue.
When the body is infected with a bacterium, the immune system is activated; certain defense cells, the neutrophils, fight the bacteria, perish themselves and fall together with the bacteria and the surrounding cells that have died as a result of the inflammatory reaction.

Enzyme peels can also help to ensure the purity of the skin and allow the pores to breathe. One example of this is the Dr. Severin enzyme peeling from the pharmacy.

Diagnosis of axillary abscess

Finding an axillary abscess is often a visual diagnosis. However, it is important to differentiate between abscess and enlarged lymph nodes. In the latter case, a corresponding comprehensive diagnosis must be initiated because serious diseases can also hide behind such enlarged lymph nodes.

The successful differentiation is often achieved using ultrasound. In some rare borderline cases, a CT scan may also be necessary. A puncture test could also be performed to see if any purulent material drains after the bump is punctured. The danger, however, is that malignant tissue can quickly be carried over, if it is an enlarged lymph node.

Treatment of the abscess in the armpit

In most cases, if you have an abscess of the axilla, all you need to do is apply an ointment containing tar to the area of ​​the affected skin. If you repeat this process, you will in many cases notice that the swelling is reduced and pus and inflammatory fluid are increasingly broken down.

If not, an attempt should be made to puncture the abscess with a sterile needle to drain the pus. Even after a successful puncture, there is a risk that an abscess will recreate and soon increase in size again. In this case, surgical removal should be considered, in which the abscess cavity is cut out from the area of ​​the armpit.

It must be noted, however, that there are anatomically important structures in this area, such as

• Blood vessels and
• There are nerve tracts that must not be injured.

The cause of the abscess should also be considered, at the latest if an abscess occurs again. General measures, such as more frequent personal hygiene, especially in the armpit area, can reduce the recurrence of an abscess, but not necessarily prevent it.

In addition to the surgical removal of an abscess, the area under the arm should be cared for and bandages should be changed frequently. The days and weeks after a surgical removal are often described as painful and uncomfortable. In general, you should protect your arm after the operation and avoid heavy physical strain. Cooling is also usually described as pleasant and should be carried out for a correspondingly long time. The surgical procedure is usually carried out under general anesthesia by the general surgeon.

Read more on this topic at: Treatment of an abscess

Pull ointment for treating an abscess in the axilla

Under one Pull ointment , also known as pull ointment, is a special ointment that is used in Abscesses and others chronic inflammatory skin diseases can be used and a high proportion of sulfonated Shale oil owns.
This shale oil has the property of having an antibacterial effect and at the same time also relieves inflammation and itching.
In addition, it sucks for a improved blood circulation and a Softening of the skin, which facilitates or accelerates a “breakthrough” of the pus through the skin surface, so that the abscess cavity can connect to the outside and itself without surgery can drain to the outside.
Either the pull ointment is applied as an ointment itself to the skin area over the abscess in the axilla, or it will be special plasters used, which are provided with pulling ointment.

Surgery for an abscess of the axilla

„Ubi pus, ibi evacua. ”(Where there is pus, there drain it.) Already medical doctors in ancient Rome used to say. This quote is still relevant today. Since usually neither antibiotics nor ointments show a satisfactory effect on abscesses of the axilla or in general, an operation is often unavoidable. The aim of the operation is to remove the pus (Pus) through an appropriately dimensioned incision (Incision) and prevent re-infection of the abscess cavity.

Surgery is the safest way to quickly treat abscesses on the axilla and relieve pain. The procedure is often performed under general anesthesia, but an operation under regional anesthesia may also be possible. The choice of anesthetic method depends in part on the size and location of the abscess and how painful it is.

The operation itself first consists of opening the abscess with a scalpel. The pus it contains can now drain away, possibly via a drainage system. The use of drainage has the advantage that the infectious pus cannot cause any inflammation in the adjacent areas. Once the pus has expired, the wound is rinsed and dead or severely inflamed tissue and the abscess capsule are removed. The wound is then not sutured, but treated openly. This prevents the abscess from being encapsulated again and enables the wound cavity to be cleaned regularly. Depending on the size of the abscess, it may be helpful to insert packs and antibiotic-containing plates or sponges into the wound cavity. It is important to clean the wound regularly (ideally daily) over the next few days or weeks and to change the dressings. If it is possible to completely remove the abscess during the operation and then ensure that the wound is well cared for, the prognosis is very favorable. In this case, they usually heal without complications. Depending on the size of the abscess, this can still take several weeks.

Blood poisoning from the abscess

Sepsis, colloquially known as blood poisoning, is often the result of a large or long-standing focus of inflammation, such as an abscess of the axilla. she is a systemic (thus affecting the whole body) Inflammatory reaction of the organism to this infection and results from the penetration of pathogens into the bloodstream. Blood poisoning is an acutely life-threatening condition.

First symptoms are recurring (intermittent) high fever, one rapid breathing (Tachypnea) and palpitations (Tachycardia). This will be added later Impaired consciousness (confusion, Restlessness), nausea and diminished to completely lack of urination.

Sepsis patients should be admitted to the clinic immediately and treated in intensive care. This includes, in particular, immediate high-dose antibiotic therapy, which is adapted to the pathogen as soon as it has been recognized by means of blood cultures. Furthermore, the cause has to be eliminated, i.e. in this case the abscess has to be repaired and shock therapy has to take place. This includes the administration of infusions and, in the worst case, cortisol.