General Diseases. 289 



Glandular structures are especially liable to abscess, and 

 from the complexity of blood-vessels surrounding them^ 

 this is not to be wondered at. 



Symptoms. — The early symptoms of external abscess are 

 pain, heat, redness, and swelling. As the formation pro- 

 ceeds, the enlargement becomes more or less cedematous 

 on its surface, from the exudation of serum external to, 

 and surrounding the cyst, and this causes it to pit on 

 pressure. 



The abscess enlarges as it develops, the pain increases, 

 and throbbing or "jumping" is felt on placing the fingers- 

 on the part. As the pus approaches the surface, fluctuation 

 is perceived, the surrounding parts become glazed and 

 discoloured, while the point to which the matter is tending 

 for exit becomes thin and colourless. 



^Treatment. — The primary treatment of abscess consists 

 in encouraging a speedy formation of pus, and this is usually 

 effected by the application of poultices, hot fomentations, 

 or stimulating liniments. 



When the abscess has arrived at what is vulgarly termed 

 " a head," which may be known by the symptoms alluded 

 to in its latter stage of development, evacuation by incision 

 should at once take place. A poultice may afterwards be 

 applied, or the sac syringed out with tepid water. 



The customary practice of squeezing is strongly objection- 

 able ; it increases the inflammatory condition of the part, 

 and inflicts additional and unnecessary torture on the 

 patient. 



It is advisable, to prevent secondary abscess, that the 

 incision be kept open for a few days by the insertion of a 

 tent of lint or tow, or the injection of a little stimulating 

 liniment. 



Usually, more or less febrile disturbance accompanies 

 the formation of acute abscess, and it is advisable, there- 

 fore, at the onset, to administer a mild aperient. Again, 

 it must be borne in mind that abscesses, especially if they 

 u 



