A festering atheroma

A suppurating sebaceous cyst is the middle stage of atheroma inflammation, when pus has just begun to accumulate in the capsule and mix with the “native” contents of the cyst – dentrite (epithelial cells, lipid and protein elements).

A suppurating atheroma is a reason to see a doctor, preventing the development of a truly serious condition - a sebaceous gland abscess.

Inflammation that turns into a purulent process is caused by various reasons, including the following:

• Secondary infection of an already inflamed cyst.
• Mechanical trauma of inflamed atheroma (bruise).
• Attempts to stop inflammation on your own, self-medication.

Symptoms of a suppurating atheroma:

• An increase in temperature, both local - at the site of the cyst, and general body temperature.
• Enlargement of lymph nodes in the area of the formed atheroma.
• Painful sensations (pulsation).
• Swelling of the skin.
• Symptoms of general intoxication of the body with a large atheroma or multiple atheromas.

A suppurating atheroma can open spontaneously, as a rule, the purulent contents do not completely flow out, it partially remains in the capsule and provokes a relapse of the process. Repeated inflammation is characterized by rapid development, swelling develops literally in a matter of minutes, such conditions require emergency medical care, especially if suppuration occurs in such areas:

• Atheroma of the base of the skull.
• Atheroma of the head - hair.
• Sebaceous cyst of the face, especially in the nasolabial triangle.
• Atheroma of the axillary fossa.
• Cyst of the inguinal area, genitals.
• Atheroma of the peritoneum (abdominal region).
• Atheroma of the ear.

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Abscessing atheroma

An abscess is an inflammatory process in the acute stage, accompanied by the production of purulent exudate and corresponding specific symptoms - pain, increased temperature (general or local), swelling at the site of the abscess, hyperemia of the skin, and possibly intoxication of the entire body, up to sepsis.

Abscessing atheroma is an inflammation of the sebaceous gland retention cyst, which develops as a complication provoked by a secondary infection. An abscess in the cyst area is considered an extremely advanced stage of the process, which in 85% can be explained by the following factors:

1. Self-medication, which is unacceptable for any type of tumors and cysts.
2. Constant mechanical irritation of the cyst area.
3. Infection of the excretory duct as a result of contamination (failure to comply with hygiene rules).
4. Infection of the atheroma opening due to trauma (bruise, cut).
5. Self-opening of the abscess and lack of subsequent antiseptic treatment.
6. Trying to squeeze out a suppurating cyst on your own.
7. Primary diseases of internal organs and systems as a factor provoking a local inflammatory process.

It should be noted that an abscessing atheroma can to some extent be considered a protective capsule that stops the main source of infection and prevents the spread of pathogenic microorganisms into deeper layers of tissue.

As a rule, the causative agents of abscess in the sebaceous gland are streptococci and staphylococci, and they are capable of producing such a quantity of pus that the cyst capsule can rupture right under the skin. Such cases are considered extremely dangerous, since there is a risk of developing extensive phlegmon and sepsis. More productive are openings of the abscess to the outside, while the pus may not be released completely, and the atheroma will be filled with pathological contents again until it is removed surgically.

For these and many other reasons, abscessing atheromas should be treated in medical facilities, not at home. Treatment of abscesses consists of the following:

• Dissection of the upper zone of the atheroma to release the pus.
• Gentle squeezing and removal of purulent contents.
• Antiseptic treatment of the wound cavity.
• Cyst drainage.
• Prescribing antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs as indicated.
• After the inflammatory symptoms have subsided and the pus has completely drained, the atheroma should be completely excised.

Untimely diagnosis and lack of proper medical care can lead to health-threatening conditions - soft tissue phlegmon, intracranial abscess, extensive subcutaneous phlegmon of the face, sepsis, and venous thrombosis.

A suppurating atheroma is treated in the following way:

1. Conducting anti-inflammatory therapy.
2. It is possible to open the cyst if indicated, followed by drainage.
3. Enucleation of sebaceous cyst.
4. Physiotherapy procedures as indicated.

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