GENERAL DISEASES. 



275 



Glandular structures are especially liable to abscess, and 

 from the complexity of bloodvessels 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 proceeds, 

 the enlargement becomes more or less cedematous on its sur- 

 face, from the exudation of serum external to, and surround- 

 ing 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 dis- 

 colored, while the point to which the matter is tending for 

 exit becomes thin and colorless. 



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 ap- 

 plied, 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 in- 

 cision 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, therefore, at 

 the onset, to administer a mild aperient. Again, it must be 

 borne in mind that abscesses, especially if they are of any 

 magnitude, or diffused, are exceedingly debilitating — full sup- 

 port in the shape of nourishing food and tonics (iron) are 

 thus indicated. 



