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Contents
  • Bacteria Behind Abscesses
  • Common Risk Factors
  • Preventive Measures

What Causes Skin Abscesses and How Can They Be Prevented?

What Causes Skin Abscesses and How Can They Be Prevented?

The Underlying Causes

Skin abscesses are painful conditions that arise from bacterial infections. Understanding what causes them can help in prevention.
Contents
  • Bacteria Behind Abscesses
  • Common Risk Factors
  • Preventive Measures

Bacteria Behind Abscesses

The main culprit behind skin abscesses is Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can dwell on the skin. This bacterium can invade deeper skin layers, forming painful pus-filled nodules. Methicillin-resistant strains, known as MRSA, are particularly concerning.

Common Risk Factors

Anyone can develop a skin abscess, but certain factors increase the risk. These include poor hygiene, breaks in the skin, and close contact with individuals who have MRSA. Knowing these risk factors can guide preventive measures.
A skin abscess is a localized infection characterized by a collection of pus under the skin surface, often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Preventive Measures

Prevention involves maintaining good personal hygiene and promptly treating any cuts or abrasions. Avoiding sharing personal items like towels can also reduce the risk of spreading bacteria that cause abscesses.

FAQs

What causes skin abscesses?

Mainly by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.

Who is at risk for abscesses?

Anyone, but risk is higher with skin breaks.

How can abscesses be prevented?

Maintain good hygiene and treat skin cuts.

Are MRSA infections common in abscesses?

Yes, they can be a common cause.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the causes of abscesses helps in implementing effective prevention strategies.
Concerned about abscesses? Connect with Doctronic for expert advice!
Additional References
  1. Miller LG, Quan C, Shay A, et al. A prospective investigation of outcomes after hospital discharge for endemic, community-acquired methicillin-resistant and -susceptible Staphylococcus aureus skin infection. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 44:483.
  2. Singer AJ, Talan DA. Management of skin abscesses in the era of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:1039.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.