Abscesses Guide
- Summary
- Definition
- Causes
- Treatment
- When to Contact a Medical Professional
- Prevention
- Exams and Tests
Reviewed By Charlotte Grayson, MD
Definition
An abscess is a localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling (inflammation).
Causes
Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it. White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances. Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by infectious organisms, parasites, ...
Encyclopedia: Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process or other foreign materials . It is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to other parts of the body. The organisms or foreign materials kill the local cells, resulting in the release of toxins. The toxins trigger an inflammatory...
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