Unexpected causes behind skin abscesses unrelated to hygiene
Skin abscesses are not solely linked to poor hygiene, but can also affect those who maintain strict personal cleanliness, according to a medical expert.
Key Takeaways
AIMany people believe that purulent dermatitis only affects those who neglect washing or personal hygiene, but this is not true, according to Dr. Olga Olankina, an expert at Hemotest Laboratory. She explained that purulent dermatitis can occur in people who are meticulous about self-care as well as those who do not prioritize personal hygiene.
The Hemotest Laboratory expert noted that purulent skin infections may develop even in individuals who are very careful about hygiene. The condition often arises due to reduced protective properties of the skin and a weakened immune system, rather than insufficient cleanliness.
The Russian doctor explained that purulent dermatitis is a contagious skin disease caused by bacteria, particularly staphylococcus and streptococcus, and less commonly by pseudomonas aeruginosa, proteus, and others. Some of these microbes naturally live on most people's skin without causing harm under normal circumstances. The disease typically develops when certain conditions are present, such as skin injuries—scratches, wounds, insect bites, or diaper rash caused by sweating.
She emphasized that bacteria from the external environment or those already on the skin can penetrate these tiny cracks, where they begin to multiply and cause purulent inflammation. According to her, a person's overall health plays a major role. If the immune system is weak, or if there are chronic illnesses like diabetes or metabolic disorders, the skin may lose its protective qualities.
The doctor added that even a small number of pathogens can trigger inflammation under these conditions. Thus, external contamination is not the decisive factor; rather, internal health issues such as anemia, a weakened immune response, vitamin deficiencies, endocrine disorders, or imbalances in beneficial bacteria in the body are more significant.
The Hemotest Laboratory expert, citing the Russian website "riamo.ru," pointed out that the development of purulent dermatitis requires a combination of several factors: the presence of pathogenic microorganisms or bacteria on the skin, weakened immunity, reduced skin protection, and internal diseases.
