Abscesses


Abscesses are painful accumulations of pus under the skin, which can be caused by a bacterial inflammation of, for example, sweat glands, hair follicles or skin lesions. Abscesses are diagnosed and treated by ZweiChirurgen at our centre for proctology in Switzerland in Basel, Zurich and Liestal.

The swelling usually develops within a few days and is characterized by increasing pain, swelling, redness and overheating of the affected skin. If the abscess has already become very large, fever may also occur. You must then consult a doctor at the latest. The only sensible treatment for abscesses is to surgically open the accumulation of pus. Antibiotic therapy, on the other hand, which is often prescribed, usually only delays the course of the disease. The abscess is opened under local anesthesia. A piece of skin is cut out in a spindle shape over the abscess so that the abscess can drain completely. After the operation, pain is quickly relieved, and the inflammation can heal. The wound must be showered 1-2 times a day and heals openly within a few weeks.