Abscess in the intimate area
Although abscesses can theoretically occur anywhere on the body, medical studies suggest that certain areas of the body are more likely to develop abscesses than others. The intimate area is a part of the body that is subjected to a lot of stress and is therefore exposed to attacks from viruses and bacteria. An abscess in the intimate area also represents a severe impairment of the quality of life. Walking and sitting can be impaired and of course sex life. In addition, there is a risk that the abscess will spread and become life-threatening blood poisoning.
What is an abscess in the intimate area?
Abscesses are cavities in the tissue filled with pus and dead cells. In an immune response, the body has surrounded these areas with a membrane to prevent the infection from spreading . Abscesses can be superficial or very deep in body tissue. In the genital area, abscesses near the surface are particularly common. Doctors also call them boils .
However, abscesses lying deeper in the tissue have also been documented. Because of their location and persistence, they can severely affect the patient’s quality of life. However, untreated abscesses also pose a very high risk from a health point of view, because there is a risk of them spreading. Abscesses in the genital area can spread into the abdominal cavity. There is also a risk that the pus will spill into the bloodstream. Then life-threatening blood poisoning occurs .
causes
Abscesses are caused by bacteria . The human intimate area is one of the most demanding parts of the body. Abrasive clothing, sweat and excessive hair growth can weaken or even damage the skin. Clothing that is too tight can also cause an abscess. Diseases are also causes for the colonization of this region with bacteria. Inflammation in the kidney , urinary and intestinal areas can lead to the spread of bacteria .However, the most common cause is sebum inflammation at the hair roots of the pubic hair area. The bacteria, less often viruses , can penetrate the damaged skin and colonize the body tissue. Here they begin to decompose the tissue. The body responds with an immune response and secretes white blood cells to fight the bacteria. This produces pus, which is then encapsulated by a membrane. The capsule can last for some time. However, the bacteria can also break through into neighboring tissue and lead to the formation of new abscesses there.
Good living conditions for bacteria can be found in the genital area in particular, which is very warm due to clothing. The abscess can also spread inside the body, where it can cause severe poisoning or damage organs. An abscess will not usually heal on its own unless the pus is allowed to drain. However, there is a risk of procrastination. Therefore, if you suspect an abscess, see a doctor immediately.
When to the doctor?
If pain or irritated skin occurs after an intense sexual experience, there is no need to see a doctor. The region is often hypersensitive and needs a few days of rest and regeneration. If cracks or swellings in the genital area heal within a few hours, more care is required in the future, but a doctor is usually not required.
If there is persistent or sudden swelling for no apparent reason, you need to see a doctor. If this causes problems with urination, bowel movements or sexual activity, a doctor should be consulted. Discomfort with sitting, cycling or general locomotion should also be clarified by a doctor. If pus forms, there is a fever or a general feeling of being unwell, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Fatigue, skin changes or an increase in symptoms must be examined and treated by a doctor. If the abscess in the genital area prevents you from going to the toilet for more than a day, you must see a doctor. Germs form and other diseases set in if no medical measures are taken. If the swelling or abscess increases and the general state of health deteriorates, a doctor must be consulted. If you experience mood swings , behavioral changes or anxiety, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of an abscess in the intimate area:
- dullness
Abscesses are very easy to spot when they are near the surface. The skin is very reddened and the pus sac may protrude from the tissue as a “pimple”. Normal pimples or other skin diseases do not lead to such redness. The pus sac is difficult to open, which makes it different from the regular acne pimples . The pouch can be felt but is very sensitive to pressure. A very strong throbbing pain emanates from him.
The region also feels very warm. If the abscess is further inside the body, it is difficult to detect. In this case, only further symptoms can be used as indications of the existence of an abscess. The abscess often leads to a high fever and general weakness and fatigue in the patient. Depending on the position in the genital area, walking or sitting can be difficult. The hip is difficult to move. If you also feel severe pain, it may be an abscess. Only a visit to the doctor can bring clarity.
diagnosis
If there is a sac of pus lying just under the skin, the doctor can quickly see whether it is an abscess by visual diagnosis. He can also probe the region by touch. If the abscess is deep, the doctor will first do a blood test to see if there is an infection. If this is the case, he can use different probing methods to locate the abscess. Computed tomography and ultrasound methods are the most commonused to determine an accurate image of the area. In this way, the doctor can localize the abscess directly. He can also see whether a fistula has formed or not. This will affect the treatment. During the examination, other tests and patient interviews are also conducted to determine the possible causes of this abscess.
complications
In most cases, an abscess in the intimate area is a clinical picture that is associated with many different and serious complications at the same time. In the case of an abscess, the greatest caution is generally required, because if left untreated, there is a risk of serious complications. If there is an abscess and this is not treated, it can lead to blood poisoning. Pressure builds up inside the abscess because the pus inside cannot drain properly. If the pressure gets too high, the bacteria go straight into the bloodstream, which can lead to severe blood poisoning.
However, if you seek medical treatment early on, you can easily avoid this complication. With appropriate medication, the abscess can be alleviated and eliminated within a short time. However, complications can also occur later in the healing process. Since an abscess is an open wound, it should of course be properly cared for and kept clean. If hygiene is neglected at this point, inflammation and pus formation can occur repeatedly. At the first sign of inflammation , a doctor should of course be consulted as soon as possible. This is the only way to avoid serious complications or to detect them early enough and treat them accordingly.
treatment and therapy
Near-surface abscesses in the genital area can be treated with traction ointments. These allow the abscess to mature rapidly. He quickly opens up on his own. However, there is a risk of procrastination. In most cases, the doctor will recommend a minor surgical procedure. Depending on the location of the abscess, it will be performed under local or general anesthesia.
During the procedure, the doctor opens the pus sac with a puncture and lets the pus drain out. He then cleans the area and removes the dead tissue. Finally, he flushes the cavity with antibacterial agents. In order to prevent it from flaring up again, he will not sew up the wound but leave it open. A small drainage will help drain the pus that forms. The wound is not big so only a small scar will remain.The wound healed after almost two weeks. If the abscess is already advanced, a hospital stay can also take place, during which antibacterial infusions are given. After the treatment has been completed, further interventions can be carried out to eliminate the causes of the abscess in the genital area. Due to the disposition of this part of the body, however, it cannot be ruled out that abscesses can form again later.
prevention
Prevention is only possible to a limited extent. A healthy immune system through exercise and a healthy diet helps the body fight the bacteria. The intimate area should be washed daily. Wearing clothes that are too tight can damage the skin. If you shave your intimate parts, it is advisable to clean the area afterwards with a disinfectant to prevent bacteria from entering.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.