Purulent atheroma

A characteristic difference between atheroma and lipoma is the propensity of the sebaceous cyst to inflammation and suppuration.

Atheroma is considered a benign neoplasm located in the canal of the gland and developing as a result of its obturation. Due to the fact that the outlet duct has an outlet, often filled and closed with dentritic (epithelial and fatty elements), this hole can serve as a channel for the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. Such cases occur with mechanical irritation of the atheroma, for example when wearing tight clothing, as well as due to non-observance of personal hygiene rules and other factors (overheating, lack of air access, bruises, cuts, scratches).

Most often, purulent atheroma is detected in areas that are injured or irritated, the "leaders" in this list are the scalp, face, inguinal zone and underarm area. Atheroma of the head, inflamed and suppurated, sometimes reaches a gigantic size due to the accumulation of purulent exudate. Purulent atheroma of the groin is also characterized by large dimensions, it is often taken for inflamed lymph nodes or other diseases similar in symptomatology.

When suppuration of the capsule, the cyst is filled with the products of the decomposition of bacteria, which mix with dentrites, forming a thick, pungent odor. The clinical manifestations of an inflamed cyst are obvious:

• Increased atheroma.
• Swelling of the skin in the cyst zone.
• Redness of the skin (hyperemia).
• A clear white outline of the middle of the abscess.
• Pain sensations (pulsation).
• Increased local body temperature in the abscess zone.

Purulent atheroma in the form of a subcutaneous abscess can be opened independently, however the cyst capsule remains inside the sebaceous duct and is able to be filled again with hypersecretion products of the gland.

How is purulent atheroma treated at home?

• At home, you can conduct aseptic treatment of the abscess, but its extrusion, opening is unacceptable.
• To reduce pain, any anti-inflammatory ointment should be used, lubricating it with the cyst, without touching the middle of the abscess (at the sides). Good effect has levomekol, balsam Vishnevsky, ichthyol ointment.
• The further actions on treatment are defined by the doctor to which it is necessary to address as soon as possible.

Treatment of purulent atheroma in a doctor can be as follows:

• Dissection of the abscess under local anesthesia.
• Removal of purulent contents.
• Sanitation of the cyst cavity with antiseptics.
• Draining the wound.
• The appointment of anti-inflammatory drugs, both external and in tablet form.
• After the symptoms subsided, the cyst is enucleated together with the capsule.
• Purulent cysts of sebaceous glands are operated both out-patiently and under in-patient conditions, if the abscess is diagnosed as extensive, threatening complications in the form of intoxication.
• Removal of purulent cysts is always accompanied by the imposition of large seams. In addition, the visible scar is formed from the fusion of the wound itself, as the skin tissue is dissected twice - during the dissection of the abscess and directly during the enucleation of the atheroma

In conclusion, it should be noted that purulent atheroma is primarily an irresponsible attitude to one's own health by the patient.85-90% of the causes of suppuration are associated with non-compliance with hygiene, self-medication and untimely seeking medical help. To avoid an inflammatory, purulent process, atheroma must be removed in the so-called "cold" period, when the cyst is formed, go has no signs of inflammation, and the capsule is filled with only dentrites.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]