Impostume

Impostume is an abnormal accumulation of pus or fluid in a tissue, organ, or body space. It is caused by a bacterial infection and is the body's response to an infection. The infection can be localized, such as a boil or abscess, or can involve a larger area of the body, such as a pelvic abscess. The infection begins when bacteria penetrate the skin or mucous membranes and enter the body. The body's defense system then attempts to fight the bacteria, which leads to the release of inflammatory chemicals and the formation of a wall of cells around the infection. This wall of cells traps the pus and fluid, leading to the formation of an impostume. The most common symptoms of an impostume are a red and swollen area of skin, accompanied by pain and tenderness. The area may also be warm to the touch and may have a bad odor. If the impostume is not drained, it can grow larger and more painful. In some cases, it can cause a fever, nausea, and even difficulty breathing. Treatment for an impostume usually involves draining the area with a needle or incision and then cleaning it with an antiseptic solution. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight the infection and reduce the risk of further complications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the impostume.