Bacteria Germs vs. White Blood Cells: The Result Can Be Abscesses

Tuesday, December 31, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A red bump that's tender to the touch could mean you have a surface abscess, sometimes called a boil.

When bacterial germs invade bodily tissues, white blood cells quickly attack them. Pus forms as a result of this battle. Your immune system may then "wall off" the pus by forming a pouch, or abscess, around it. Abscesses can occur anywhere on your skin or inside your body, according to the January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

If you have a surface abscess, don't try to pop it — this can spread the infection. You may apply a warm, moist dressing to help relieve the pain and swelling. If it doesn't go away within a few days, see your doctor.

Inside your body, an abscess could cause a fever usually lasting for five days or longer, chills, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or other more localized symptoms. If you suspect an internal abscess, see your doctor promptly. If left untreated, the abscess may enlarge and the infection may spread. Usually treatment includes having the pus drained and taking antibiotics.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page, monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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