How does pus spread inside the tissues?

By:Calibo, Jansen S.

PusPus is an exudate, typically

white-yellow, yellow, or yellow-brown, formed at the site of inflammation during infection.

An accumulation of pus in an enclosed tissue space is known as an abscess, whereas a visible collection of pus within or beneath the epidermis is known as a pustule or pimple.

An abscess (pus accumulation) develops when the body's immune system isolates an area of body tissue that has been infected by an invading microorganism * (usually bacteria) to prevent the infection from spreading further into the body.

It does this by sending infection-fighting leukocytes to the infected area; leukocytes are specialized white blood cells that can destroy infectious microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

As the bacteria and white blood cells clash at the site of infection:

Pus begins to form within the involved tissue.

As the infection progresses, a wall of tissue develops surrounding the infection site.

This area filled with pus and becomes inflamed.

When pus spread deeply into soft tissue rather than exiting through oral or cutaneous routes, fascial spaces may become involved following path of least resistance.

This path of least resistance is the so called Fistula, the passageway of pus into the surface. And later on will form boil on the surface.

A boil usually starts out within an area of infection and inflammation.

The growing pus inside the boil creates pressure and swelling around the infected spot, often forming a drainage point at the surface of the skin called a head.

EXAMPLE

Pulpitis > Necrosis/Progresses to apex > chronic inflammation extends to periapical and periodontal ligaments > granulation tissue > resorption > area of inflammation > formation of fistula > gum boil