A ruptured abscess is a collection of encapsulated inflammatory material that breaks open and releases pus and other fluids into the surrounding area. Depending on the location of the abscess, a rupture may make a patient feel better by allowing the abscess to drain, or it may expose the patient to risks of serious medical complications such as peritonitis. When abscesses are identified, they should be promptly treated and ideally surgically drained to create a controlled rupture.
Abscesses form as a result of localized inflammation, sometimes in response to injury or the presence of a foreign object. Cells begin to die, white blood cells clump together in the area, and a pocket of pus and other body fluids forms. The body forms a defensive wall around the pocket, sealing off the contents so they cannot spread to healthy cells in the area. The abscess site is usually swollen, warm, and tender. Such pockets can form anywhere from the inside of the cheek to the bottom of the intestines.
While it is possible for an abscess to reabsorb into the body, most do not heal on their own. If an abscess is allowed to persist without treatment, there is a risk that it will develop into a ruptured abscess. The pocket will burst open, releasing a collection of material with a very strong and unpleasant smell. If the abscess drains to the surface of the body, it can be relatively easy to clean and care for. However, internal abscesses can cause infections and other problems when they rupture. For example, a ruptured abscess in the intestine could release the contents of the intestines into the stomach cavity, a highly undesirable medical event.
Treatment for a ruptured abscess involves irrigating the site to clean it completely and possibly debride some of the dead tissue as well. The ruptured abscess will be dressed and the patient may be given antibiotics in case of infection. A ruptured internal abscess may require surgery to repair the area and check for signs of complications. If a patient experiences repeated abscesses, treatment may also include screening tests to find out why, with the goal of preventing future accumulations of inflamed material.
If a patient identifies an abscess and seeks treatment before it ruptures, a doctor will usually recommend puncture to puncture the capsule walls and drain the contents. Once the abscess is drained, it can be cleaned and debrided and the patient can be evaluated for indicators that suggest the inflammation has spread to determine if further treatment is needed.