What exactly is an "Abcess"?

[KingOfPain]

What is an abcess and what causes it?

 

[gettingdiesel]

It is usually just a lump where you inject . Nothing to worry much about. Wipe injection site with alcohol before to help prevent them. Don't use needles more than once or you'll know soon enough what causes it, but occasionally you will get one no matter what.

GD

 

[decem]

an abscess is something to worry about.. it's a localized infection, or collection of pus surrounded by a red, hot area, usually brought on by (in aas users) the introduction of a virus/bacteria through injection because the injection site was not properly cleaned, the top of the vial wasn't properly cleaned, or the person touched the needle then injected.

make sure you're using a sterile technique when injecting.

 

[1Banshee]

an abscess is something to worry about.. it's a localized infection, or collection of pus surrounded by a red, hot area, usually brought on by (in aas users) the introduction of a virus/bacteria through injection because the injection site was not properly cleaned, the top of the vial wasn't properly cleaned, or the person touched the needle then injected.

make sure you're using a sterile technique when injecting.

Decem is correct here!!! Abscesses are absolutely something to be worried about!! I think GD mistyped when he responded..? For alot of info on the subject go here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001353.htm

Here is a general definition from the above link:
A localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is the result of an infection.

Causes and risks:
Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body is able to "wall off" the infection and keep it from spreading. White blood cells, the body’s defense against some types of infection, migrate through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process "pus" forms which is an accumulation of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead (necrotic) tissue, and bacteria or other foreign invaders or materials.

Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by bacteria, parasites, and foreign materials. Abscesses in the skin are readily visible, red, raised and painful. Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious but if they involve vital organs they may cause significant damage.

 

[Willyumyum]

Adding to what Decem and 1Banshee said: Abcess infections also require surgery to be removed (I'm not sure if that depends on severity of the infection or if it's true for all abcesses) so they are defenitely not something you want.