Editing Abscess (section)

==Causes==
Risk factors for abscess formation include [[intravenous drug use]].<ref name=Kha2008>{{cite journal | vauthors = Khalil PN, Huber-Wagner S, Altheim S, Bürklein D, Siebeck M, Hallfeldt K, Mutschler W, Kanz GG | display-authors = 6 | title = Diagnostic and treatment options for skin and soft tissue abscesses in injecting drug users with consideration of the natural history and concomitant risk factors | journal = European Journal of Medical Research | volume = 13 | issue = 9 | pages = 415–424 | date = September 2008 | pmid = 18948233 }}</ref> Another possible risk factor is a prior history of disc [[hernia]]tion or other spinal abnormality,<ref name=Kraeutler2014>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kraeutler MJ, Bozzay JD, Walker MP, John K | title = Spinal subdural abscess following epidural steroid injection | journal = Journal of Neurosurgery. Spine | volume = 22 | issue = 1 | pages = 90–93 | date = January 2015 | pmid = 25343407 | doi = 10.3171/2014.9.SPINE14159 | doi-access = free }}</ref> though this has not been proven.

Abscesses are caused by [[bacterial infection]], parasites, or foreign substances.
Bacterial infection is the most common cause, particularly [[Staphylococcus aureus]]. The more invasive ''[[methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]]'' (MRSA) may also be a source of infection, though is much rarer.<ref name="Gale1999">{{cite book| vauthors = Oldendorf D |title=The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine |date=1999 |publisher=Gale Research |location=Detroit, MI |isbn=978-0-7876-1868-1 }}</ref> Among spinal subdural abscesses, methicillin-sensitive ''Staphylococcus aureus'' is the most common organism involved.<ref name=Kraeutler2014/>

Rarely [[parasites]] can cause abscesses and this is more common in the developing world.<ref name=Rosen2014Chp137/> Specific parasites known to do this include [[dracunculiasis]] and [[myiasis]].<ref name=Rosen2014Chp137/>

=== Anorectal abscess ===
{{main|Anorectal abscess}}
Anorectal abscesses can be caused by non-specific obstruction and ensuing infection of the glandular crypts inside of the [[anus]] or [[rectum]]. Other causes include [[cancer]], trauma, or [[inflammatory bowel diseases]].<ref name="h230">{{cite web | last=Sigmon | first=David F. | last2=Emmanuel | first2=Bishoy | last3=Tuma | first3=Faiz | title=Perianal Abscess | publisher=StatPearls Publishing | date=2023-06-12 | pmid=29083652 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459167/ | access-date=2024-07-28}}</ref>

{{Anchor|Incisional abscess}}

===Incisional abscess===
An ''incisional abscess'' is one that develops as a complication secondary to a [[surgical incision]]. It presents as redness and warmth at the margins of the incision with purulent drainage from it.<ref name="Duff2009">{{cite journal| vauthors = Duff P |title=Diagnosis and Management of Postoperative Infection|journal=The Global Library of Women's Medicine|year=2009|issn=1756-2228|doi=10.3843/GLOWM.10032|url=http://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Diagnosis%20and%20Management%20of%20Postoperative%20Infection/item/32|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154331/http://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Diagnosis%20and%20Management%20of%20Postoperative%20Infection/item/32|archive-date=2014-07-14}}</ref> If the diagnosis is uncertain, the wound should be aspirated with a needle, with aspiration of pus confirming the diagnosis and availing for [[Gram stain]] and [[bacterial culture]].<ref name="Duff2009"/>

=== Internal abscess ===
Abscesses can form inside the body. The cause can be from trauma, surgery, an infection, or a pre-existing condition.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Intra-Abdominal Abscesses - Intra-Abdominal Abscesses |url=https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/acute-abdomen-and-surgical-gastroenterology/intra-abdominal-abscesses |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Merck Manual Professional Edition |language=en-CA}}</ref>