Exudative skin lesions. Mucous membrane peculiarities.
ABSCESS - An abscess is a localized collection of pus in a cavity, more than 1 cm in diameter and may occur on any skin surface. Risk factors for cutaneous abscesses include the following:
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Antecedent trauma (particularly when a foreign body is present)
- Immunosuppression
- Impaired circulation
Cutaneous abscesses are painful, tender, indurated, and usually erythematous. Initially the swelling is firm; later, as the abscess points, the overlying skin becomes thin and feels fluctuant. The abscess may then spontaneously drain. Local cellulitis, lymphangitis, regional lymphadenopathy, fever, and leukocytosis are variable accompanying features.
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It's caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess at the end of a tooth is called a periapical abscess. An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess. Dental abscesses are often painful. Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include:
- an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
- pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum
- pain that's worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep
- redness and swelling in your face
- a tender, discoloured or loose tooth
- shiny, red and swollen gums
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
BULLAE - A bulla is a circumscribed elevation of skin over 0.5 cm in diameter and containing fluid. A bulla is a fluid-filled sac or lesion that appears when fluid is trapped under a thin layer of your skin. It’s a type of blister. Bullae is the plural word for bulla. Smaller blisters are called vesicles. If the bullae are
infected, the liquid inside them may appear milky. If it’s a result of trauma, it may also contain blood. Sometimes bullae form in reaction to medications or are accompanied by fever.
Common causes of vesicles and bullae:
- Physical and chemical - friction blisters (most commonly seen on the heels and soles of feet, and on the palms of the hands) / UV-related: sunburn, polymorphic light eruption (prickly heat) / chilblains / bites & stings / burns & scalds / miliaria crystallina