Pain, redness and tenderness are symptoms seen in both abscesses and cellulitis. The symptoms are similar, but they require different medical treatments. Both abscess and cellulitis can lead to further complications if symptoms are ignored and treatment is not provided.
Abscess
A localized collection of pus beneath the skin causes an abscess, which forms in response to an infection. An abscess can occur in many different areas of the body, but they generally involve the skin surface. Common abscess sites include armpit, groin and rectal areas. Near the teeth and tonsils are other common locations. Without treatment, most abscesses will worsen and spread into deeper tissues or the bloodstream.
Abscess Symptoms
According to "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine," an abscess is a red, painful and fluctuating mass. The patient will typically have discomfort and swelling for several days before seeking medical care. In some instances, the abscess will come to point and the pus may erupt and drain. Patients can develop a fever and feel ill if the abscess is not treated.
Abscess Treatment
Abscess treatment may require drainage. First, the area is cleansed and a local numbing medication is applied. Once drained, the area is packed with gauze and covered with a sterile dressing. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the patient has a fever or if the abscess reoccurs.
Cellulitis
A cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can be caused from bug bites, lacerations or surgical procedures. The bacteria enters the body where there is a break in the skin, and the area swells and becomes red. Fluid-filled blisters may also appear. According to the Mayo Clinic, the infection can spread rapidly into the bloodstream and lymph notes, which could be life-threatening. The flesh-eating bacteria called necrotizing fasciitis is an example of cellulitis that has spread into the deep tissue layers.
Treatment
Because cellulitis is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary. If the cellulitis is localized to a small area and the infection is mild, the patient may be able to go home and take antibiotics by mouth. If there are indications that the infection has spread though the bloodstream or lymph nodes, the patient may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Once the patient begins taking antibiotics, improvement of the infection is usually seen within a few days. However, the antibiotics may be given for 10 days or longer even though the symptoms have disappeared.
References
- "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice"; Mosby Elsevier; 2010
- "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine"; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: 2010
