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Causes:
The causative organism is commonly staphylococcus aureus
which releases coagulase enzyme leading to localization of
infection.
Pathogenesis (mechanism of abscess formation)
The same as pus formation
Morphology of the abscess
An abscess has a central largely necrotic area composed of pus,
rimmed by a layer of preserved (living) neutrophils, with a
surrounding zone of dilated vessels and parenchymal and
fibroblastic proliferation (pyogenic membrane), indicating early
repair. In time the abscess may become walled off and ultimately
replaced by connective tissue (ulcer)
There is also fibrin network leading to localization of infection in
this area
Fig. 6,7: Photograph showing Stye in the upper and lower eye lashes.
Treatment of an abscess
Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not usually cure an
abscess. In general, an abscess must open and drain in order
for it to improve. Sometimes draining occurs on its own, but
generally it must be opened with the help of a warm compress
or by a doctor in a procedure called incision and drainage
(I&D).