Abscess. Flashcards
This defines what?
A well-circumscribed, painful, suppurative inflammatory nodule at any site that contains hair follicles. May extend into the dermis and subcutaneous tissues
Furuncle (AKA boil)
This defines what?
A coalescence of several inflamed follicles into a single inflammatory mass with purulent drainage from multiple follicles
-Typically presents with systemic symptoms and fever.
Carbuncle
This defines what?
A collection of pus within the dermis and deeper skin tissues. Manifest as painful, tender, fluctuant, and erythematous nodules.
-(1)Typically do not present with systemic symptoms.
Skin abscess
What issue?
(1) Deep subcutaneous erythematous papules enlarge to deep-seated nodules that can be stable or become fluctuant within several days.
(2) Most commonly occurs on the back of the neck, upper back and the lateral thighs.
(3) Tender, perifollicular swelling, terminating in discharge of pus & necrotic plug.
(4) Malaise, chills and fever may precede or occur during the height of inflammation.
Carbuncle
What is the mainstay of treatment for an abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle.
Incision and Drainage/Treatment
abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle
__________ should be handle by dermatology or general surgery in all situations unless patient is unable to be transferred
Carbuncle
Differential Diagnosis for abscess
(1) Ruptured Epidermal cyst
(2) Atypical Abscess
(3) Furuncle = Carbuncle
(4) Carbuncle = Furuncle
Labs/Studies/Imaging Abscess
_____ is indicated if patient has fever or signs/symptoms of systemic disease.
CBC
True/False
Abscess post IND
Wound should be checked throughout treatment to ensure symptom improvement and adequate drainage/healing.
True
Complications abscess
Serious and sometimes fatal complications of staphylococcal infections such as septicemia can occur
What issue/tx
(1) Usually a firm or fluctuant flesh-to-yellow colored solitary nodule (0.5 to 5 cm) which often connects with the surface by keratin-filled pores.
(2) Can grow slowly over time and may remain stable for months or years.
(3) Commonly located on face, neck, upper back, chest; if due to trauma, on buttocks, palms, or plantar side of feet.
Stable Epidermal Cyst
-Asymptomatic epidermal cysts do not require treatment
What issue/tx
(1) Warm, red and boggy and tender on palpation.
(2) Sterile, purulent material and keratin debris often point towards and drain to the surface.
(3) These lesions mimic and present very similarly to abscesses.
(4) There is no way to predict which lesions will remain quiescent and which will become larger or inflamed.
Inflamed/Ruputred Epidermal Cyst
- Require incision and drainage. They’re treated like an abscess with an extra step. The cyst always contains a capsule that must be removed to prevent further infection.
- Very large cyst cavities may then be packed with wick to aid further drainage.
- Epidermal cysts that have not previously ruptured can be excised easily and completely under local anesthesia.
A Cyst with any of these issues are indications for what?
(a) Inflamed/ruptured or infected epidermal cyst.
(b) Produces functional deficit.
(c) Cosmetic removal (Dermatology/Gen Surg)
(d) Pain 2/2 location & duties
(e) Infected, ruptured, or inflamed cysts
removal
The most common benign mesenchymal neoplasm in adults and are composed of mature white adipocytes.
(1) Present as soft, painless subcutaneous nodules ranging in size from 1 to >10cm.
(2) Occur most frequently on the trunk and upper extremities and can be round, oval, or multilobulated.
(3) Frequently, patients may have more than one
Lipoma
1) Treatment is not usually required. Lipomas may be excised by Dermatology for:
- (a) Cosmetic concerns
- (b) Pain
- (c) Impedance of duties
