Phlegmon is an inflamed area that produces pus and can lead to serious medical complications. It can be caused by bacteria and may require medication, compresses, or procedures to remove exudate. If left untreated, it can spread and cause a systemic infection. Medical treatment is necessary if common-sense measures do not work or if there are signs of infection.
A phlegmon is an area of inflammation in the body that oozes pus and other fluids. This typically develops due to an infection and can create serious medical complications. The inflammation can spread to nearby organs and lead to systemic compromise, for example, or the patient’s tissue could become so inflamed that it begins to become necrotic. Tissue necrosis, in which soft tissue dies, can potentially lead to the need for amputation or other invasive treatment measures.
Patients develop phlegmonous inflammation as microorganisms begin to colonize the soft tissue. This causes inflammation as the body tries to fight them off and can lead to the production of pus and more exudate. Phlegmon may feel warm and tender to the touch, and the surface skin often has a reddish, sore appearance. Patients may also notice swelling and a strong odor along with the irritation.
These areas of inflammation can appear in superficial or deep tissue. They can develop in association with a chronic disease or can appear independently. Bacteria is usually the cause and the patient may develop an abscess or a collection of pus trapped inside the body. First-line treatment for a phlegmon involves medications to reduce inflammation and treat the infection. The patient may also need compresses or procedures to remove exudate if it is not draining freely.
If the condition is not addressed, it can spread and cause a systemic infection. Phlegmonous inflammations just below the skin surface can turn into cellulitis. The spread of inflammation may also be accompanied by immune compromise. Patients may develop a high fever, nausea, and fatigue as the inflammation spreads and their bodies become less able to fight the infection. This can allow the inflammation to spread even faster and can put the patient at risk of secondary infections.
Medical treatment is advisable when the inflammation does not go away after taking common-sense measures such as rest, freezing the site, and taking medications known to reduce inflammation. If the inflammation is accompanied by pus, an impaired level of consciousness, or rapidly spreading signs of infection, this is cause for concern and the patient needs to see a doctor. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and use a medical imaging study to learn more about what’s happening inside your body. It is important to be aware that a phlegmon can be internal and therefore outward symptoms such as flushing may not be present.
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