Abbesses, cellulitis, soft tissue infections

What is an abscess and how is it treated?

A skin abscess is a localized infection that develops when bacteria or fungi enter the body through broken skin. The abscess is filled with pus, which contains white blood cells and other debris from your body. Treatment of abscesses usually involves incision and drainage to remove the pus and any infected tissue, followed by antibiotics to help clear up any remaining infection. In some cases, abscesses may be treated with antibiotics alone. It is important to seek medical attention for abscesses as soon as possible, especially if the abscess is large or does not respond to initial treatment. Left untreated, abscesses can spread and cause serious complications. With appropriate treatment, abscesses usually heal without any lasting effects.

What is cellulitis and how is it treated

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying fat tissue. It is commonly caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria that enters through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape or insect bite. Symptoms of cellulitis include redness, swelling and warmth at the site of infection. The area may also be painful and tender to the touch. Treatment for cellulitis typically involves antibiotic medication, which can either be taken orally or administered through the skin via intravenous or intramuscular injection. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the cellulitis infection but may last from one week to two weeks. In some cases, surgical debridement of the cellulitis infection may be necessary. It is important to ensure that cellulitis is treated properly and promptly as it can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.