What can cause an abscess on the lip? Possible causes and treatments
The appearance of a neoplasm in the form of a boil on the lip should at least alert you. Under no circumstances should you try to squeeze out such pustules yourself or pierce them. Otherwise, this may lead to the spread of purulent exudate throughout the adjacent soft tissues and, accordingly, to the development of complications. To understand how to get rid of such an unpleasant phenomenon, you first need to establish the cause of its occurrence. And for this it is better to contact a specialist. Read further in this article about why an abscess may appear on the inside or outside of the lip and what to do about it.
Pustules on the labia with molluscum contagiosum
A small nodule is formed, dense to the touch.
The formation has a depression in the middle.
Infection with molluscum contagiosum occurs through the use of other people's personal hygiene items, close contact, and sex.
Molluscum contagiosum can cause formations that look like pustules.
When squeezed out, the contents are whitish in color.
HPV provokes spontaneous cell division at the site of infection by the virus.
Characteristic formations begin to appear in this area, but no pain occurs.
Over time, the formations grow and resemble cauliflower in appearance.
At first they can be confused with pustular elements.
Remember! If pustular rashes appear, you should visit a doctor.
Types of ulcers that may appear on the lip
The formation of a boil on the upper or lower lip is usually preceded by swelling and moderate pain. In the first couple of days, swelling and redness occur. Following them, a bubble with an abscess appears. Typically, patients complain of pain when trying to touch the tumor. If you do not respond to the symptom in time and do not start treatment, the boil will begin to fester. Sometimes, along with other symptoms, the patient’s health noticeably worsens and the temperature rises.
When herpes occurs, swelling appears
If this is a manifestation of herpes, then a blister with a clear liquid usually appears on the lip, which becomes covered with a crust after 3-4 days. This also causes itching, a feeling of tightness and pain. It is easier to stop an exacerbation of a viral infection if you start treatment at the reddening stage.
“Oh, I’m already tormented with this herpes. As soon as you get into a draft, it immediately pops up on your lip. All my life I have been saving myself with Acyclovir, as for me, they haven’t come up with anything better. By the way, regular toothpaste dries well, a proven old-fashioned method.”
Lenka1989, from correspondence on the woman.ru forum
Aphtha is an abscess inside the lip. Such rashes usually appear on the mucous membrane, and can be recognized by their white heads. As a rule, this is a sign of aphthous stomatitis, which can develop in both adults and children. In this case, neoplasms can be localized not only on the lips, but also on the inside of the cheeks and even on the tongue.
This is what aftas look like
Sometimes a lipoma is mistaken for a boil, but this is a pathological phenomenon of a completely different nature. This is a benign neoplasm, which is a dense node that forms inside the soft tissue. Essentially, this is a cavity filled with dead epithelial cells and fatty contents. Its removal is carried out surgically.
Symptoms
The abscess is characterized by rapid development. At first, the patient may be bothered only by minor attacks of pain, similar to the sensations that arise during caries or periodontitis. Subsequently, the pain is localized in one place and gradually increases. In a specific place there is swelling, sometimes a new formation on the gum, sometimes reaching the size of a walnut. If the inflammation is localized closer to the outer surface, then swelling and redness can be observed with the naked eye. If you notice the first symptoms, we recommend that you consult a dentist.
An abscess of the tongue is characterized by an increase in the organ's volume, difficulty swallowing, chewing, and even suffocation. Any abscess is accompanied by fever, deterioration and general weakness, insomnia, and loss of appetite. The progression of the disease leads to a breakthrough of the abscess, which is manifested in a decrease in temperature, a decrease in swelling and an improvement in overall well-being. However, there is no reason to stop treatment, since inflammation can continue and develop into a chronic form. This can lead to tooth loss, sepsis and phlegmon.
Why an abscess is dangerous - causes and possible complications
Sometimes an abscess on the lip appears as a consequence of a banal microtrauma of the skin. In such a situation, the symptom can be provoked by insufficient oral hygiene and the penetration of bacteria into the open wound. However, in other cases, the formation of a painful neoplasm is caused by overheating or hypothermia, stress and fatigue, disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys, disruptions in the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands, taking potent medications, and vitamin deficiency due to a weakened immune system1.
Any neoplasm on the skin or mucous membrane carries a potential danger if you ignore it or try to remove it yourself. So, for example, with the development of herpes, there is a risk of infection spreading to surrounding tissues, reaching the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, eyes or genitals.
If the problem starts, serious complications can arise.
Inaction against the background of the development of stomatitis leads to an obvious deterioration of the patient’s condition and the development of complications. In the most severe cases, a boil on the upper lip risks leading to inflammation of the tissue near the defect, spreading the pathological process to the deep layers of the epidermis and even brain tissue. Against the background of a weakened immune system, a boil can develop into phlegmon or even an abscess. This is not a complete list of possible problems, so if suspicious symptoms appear, it is better to start treatment as quickly as possible.
Types of abscess by location
An abscess is classified based on the location of the inflammation. The following types of pathology are distinguished:
Gum abscess The most common type, inflammation forms near a specific tooth. If left untreated, an abscess can provoke: leakage of pus from the formed fistula, putrid odor from the mouth and intoxication of the body. Abscess of the floor of the mouth Forms under the tongue, which causes severe pain and discomfort during communication or eating. When the abscess spontaneously opens, the infected fluid pours into the oral cavity and can provoke a new outbreak in the pharynx and neck. Abscess of the palate Occurs against the background of uncured or previous periodontitis of the teeth of the upper jaw. In the future, inflammation can spread to the peritonsillar region and other tissues of the palate, leading to osteomyelitis of the palatal plate. Cheek abscess The depth of damage to this area of the mucosa determines the localization of inflammation, which can sit inside the cheek or extend to the outer surface. Such abscesses are extremely dangerous, because the infection can affect nearby facial organs and tissues. Tongue Abscess Obvious signs include a swollen tongue, pain during meals, and difficulty communicating and breathing. This type of abscess, according to doctors, is the most dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
Treatment options
The appearance of a boil on the lip usually requires complex treatment, but the cause of its occurrence must first be determined. As part of maintenance therapy, vitamin therapy is recommended to improve immunity. The doctor chooses a specific treatment vector based on the prerequisites for the appearance of the tumor:
- herpes - Acyclovir, Penciclovir or Docosanol ointments are prescribed. All of these drugs are most effective if therapy is started at the redness stage,
- aphthae - first you need to determine the type of stomatitis, and then, based on an accurate diagnosis, you can begin adequate treatment. Antiseptics Inhalipt, Actovegin or Stomatidin are usually prescribed. If it is a fungal form of the pathology, “Mikozon” or “Levorin” is prescribed; if it is an allergic form, “Suprastin” is prescribed.
- boils - local therapy is carried out using antiseptic solutions twice a day until the abscess ruptures. Compresses with Ichthyol ointment are also recommended. In some cases, the formation has to be opened in a hospital setting. Next, the wound is treated with antiseptics and ointment, for example, “Vishnevsky” is applied. Be sure to prescribe multivitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system.
For each specific case, you need to select the appropriate treatment. You
should consult a doctor if the boil has become of an impressive size, if there is a sharp deterioration in the condition, or an increase in temperature. The most important thing is not to try to open it yourself. Only a specialist can do this correctly and without the risk of undesirable consequences.
Bartholin gland abscess - symptoms and treatment
Treatment for a Bartholin gland abscess is always surgical . Sometimes surgery is combined with drug therapy (broad-spectrum antibiotics, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs) and physiotherapeutic treatments that prevent relapses and improve immunity.
It is believed that if the patient does not have signs of a systemic inflammatory reaction (sepsis), cellulitis, multiple abscesses, or immunosuppression, then there is no need for antibiotics. In the presence of the above pathologies, while waiting for the results of bacteriological culture, therapy with a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against several pathogens is prescribed.
Treatment of false abscess is carried out on an outpatient basis or in a hospital with a day stay. Therapy for a true abscess requires only hospital treatment [7][12].
Types of surgical treatment of Bartholin gland abscess.
Excision and drainage of the abscess. An incision is made into the abscess capsule with a surgical scalpel, and the contents of the abscess are removed with a syringe. Then the abscess cavity is washed with antiseptics and a rubber drainage is installed. Subsequently, the gland cavity is treated daily with antiseptics, the drainage is changed, and sterile dressings with antibacterial ointment or antimicrobial gel are used.
Opening the abscess and forming a new opening of the Bartholin gland duct. To prevent the abscess from reoccurring, a new opening of the Bartholin gland duct is formed. To do this, perform one of the following operations:
- Laser treatment (vaporization) for false abscesses. The abscess is removed without traumatizing healthy tissue using a laser beam. The method is non-contact, does not cause bleeding or scars, and promotes rapid restoration of tissue and functions of the gland. The operation is performed on an outpatient basis [15].
- Installation of a Word catheter - a small inflatable balloon with saline solution. The catheter is in the cavity of the Bartholin gland for 4-6 weeks, by which time the Bartholin gland duct should have formed. The method is used after inflammation has resolved [11].
- Marsupialization - the edges of the wall of the cavity of the Bartholin gland are sutured to the border of the surgical wound to form an artificial opening of the duct and left open until healing.
Opening an abscess using the radio wave method is painless , does not leave a burn, and after treatment, no scars. A small incision is made, there is no bleeding during the operation, and the tissue is quickly restored [15].
Puncture aspiration is the removal of the contents of an abscess using a puncture . It is carried out when a disease is detected in pregnant women.
Removal of the Bartholin gland is indicated for suspected malignant process (lumpy surface of the abscess capsule), for swelling that does not go away after surgical treatment for more than a month, for relapses of the disease more than twice. In case of true or recurrent abscesses of the Bartholin gland, the formation is removed along with the gland. The procedure can cause complications such as the formation of fistulas between the rectum and vagina, sepsis and bleeding. When the Bartholin gland is removed, the paraurethral glands take over the function of moisturizing the labia [7].
Small abscesses can regress without treatment, maturing and opening on their own. Elevation of the lower extremities, local procedures using ozonated saline and ultrasonic cavitation with antiseptic solutions will help speed up the resolution of inflammation.
After surgery, physiotherapeutic treatment - magnetic therapy, irradiation of blood with infrared laser (ILBI) or ultraviolet light (UFO), treatment and restoration of the acidic environment of the vagina with antiseptic solutions using ultrasonic cavitation [7][12][14].
What does traditional medicine offer?
To speed up the maturation of the abscess and the healing of the wound, experts also recommend traditional medicine. But it is better to use them with the permission of a doctor. Otherwise, independent attempts to solve the problem can easily lead to the development of dangerous complications.
Thus, brewer's yeast, honey and baked onions effectively draw out purulent masses and promote the breakthrough of neoplasms. Since the appearance of ulcers on the lips is often preceded by disturbances in metabolic processes and a weakening of the body’s protective functions, first of all care should be taken to restore the immune system. Brewer's yeast contains useful components such as magnesium, zinc, calcium and iron - they help to quickly stop the pathological process and prevent its reappearance. Yeast should be taken before meals, approximately 1 hour before meals, 1 tablespoon at a time. People with hypersensitivity to the listed components and with kidney pathologies should refrain from this method.
The use of traditional medicine helps well in treatment
You can make a medicinal paste from honey. To do this, the product should be mixed with flour and a small amount of grated laundry soap in equal proportions. The result should be a substance resembling plasticine. A small ball should be applied to the boil as a compress, secured to the sore spot with a band-aid and left there for 3 hours. Another proven method that helps speed up the breakthrough of tumors is based on the use of baked onions. It is necessary to bake one head, then cut it into small pieces, wait until it cools completely, apply it to the causal area and secure it with a band-aid. It is recommended to carry out the procedure at night, leaving the compress on until the morning.
Pustules on the labia with syphilis
Pustules on the labia appear as a result of infection by the pathogen Treponema pallidum.
Upon examination, they look like acne.
Diagnosis is difficult with syphilis, without a laboratory base.
To confirm, a blood test is most often taken.
When pustules appear, be sure to check when the last time you had sexual intercourse.
Syphilis is accompanied by enlargement of regional lymph nodes.
Syphilis rashes are not accompanied by itching and pain.
Characteristic will be the absence of clearly manifested inflammation at the site of the abscess.
Prevention measures
To prevent the appearance of a white abscess or boil on the lip, you need to ensure a high level of oral hygiene. It is important not only to regularly brush your teeth twice a day, but also to wash your face thoroughly and use suitable skin care products. Experts include the following measures as other preventive recommendations:
- try to avoid injuries to the skin, lips and mucous membranes,
- support immunity and lead a healthy lifestyle,
- move more and be outdoors more often,
- try to eat healthy foods, more vegetables and fruits,
- give up cigarettes and reduce the amount of alcohol consumed,
- promptly respond to any signs of a pathological process.
A healthy lifestyle will help strengthen the immune system.
If a wound or abrasion appears on your lip, you need to treat it with an antiseptic solution as soon as possible. If the tumor has already begun to form and, judging by all the signs, it can grow to a significant size, it is better to immediately consult a doctor and get professional recommendations for quick and effective treatment.
1Barer G. M. Therapeutic dentistry: textbook: Part 3. Diseases of the oral mucosa, 2009.
Types of rashes
A neoplasm on the mucous membrane on the outside of the lower or upper lip may have a different appearance based on the cause that contributed to its occurrence. In most cases, a preliminary diagnosis can be made based on external clinical manifestations.
White pimple
A white pustule is an omentum or a closed comedon, which does not pose a threat to the health of its owner. It is formed due to blockage of the sebaceous gland duct by keratinized epidermis or sebum.
The surface of the lip itself does not suffer:
When white pimples are localized on the outer or inner area of the lips, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, or on the tongue, we can indirectly speak of stomatitis, which requires competent therapy.
In the photo there is stomatitis on the lower lip:
Purulent abscess
Increased production of sebum, excessive accumulation of keratinized epithelium, which is complemented by the addition of a secondary infection, is characterized by the appearance of an abscess. When a white tubercle forms in the center of the neoplasm, we can talk about the complete maturation of the abscess. After the breakthrough, the damaged area begins to heal.
An abscess can also be a boil, which forms against the background of an inflammatory process in the hair follicle and nearby sebaceous glands. In common parlance they are called boils. Most often they occur in areas with vellus hair - on the face, limbs.
A serious pathology is a carbuncle - a neoplasm that forms against the background of inflammation of several hair follicles and sebaceous glands located next to each other. In addition to the nasolabial triangle, such growths appear on the neck, back, and buttocks.
Lipoma
This is not a pimple or an abscess at all, but sometimes, without understanding it, they try to squeeze it out, which is completely useless. A dense and immobile lump under the skin is considered a benign neoplasm - a lipoma, which can be localized on the outskirts of the lip. It is formed by fatty exudate mixed with dead epithelial cells.
Such growths are not dangerous, however, if they are located on the lip, there is an increased risk of injury, for example, during kissing, cosmetic manipulation, or chewing.
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Diagnosis of bartholinitis:
Diagnosing bartholinitis is not particularly difficult. The doctor will be able to make a diagnosis during examination at the first appointment. In the presence of an abscess, swelling and redness of the Bartholin gland is determined; palpation of the formation causes sharp pain. In the chronic form of bartholinitis (in the presence of a Bartholin gland cyst), a tumor-like formation is detected, painless on palpation. In addition to the examination, the following tests must be taken:
- a regular vaginal smear;
- PCR diagnosis of major sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, herpes, human papillomavirus);
- bacteriological culture of vaginal discharge to establish sensitivity to anitibiotics;
- bacteriological examination of pus when an abscess ruptures (or the secretion can be obtained from the excretory duct of the gland by light pressure).
