A lipoma is a common, non-cancerous growth of fatty tissue that typically forms just beneath the skin. While usually harmless, these soft, movable lumps can, in rare circumstances, become infected. This article explores how lipomas can become infected, how to identify an infection, and what treatment options are available.
Understanding Lipomas
A lipoma consists of mature fat cells, often enclosed within a thin fibrous capsule. These growths are generally soft, doughy, and easily movable. They are benign tumors, meaning they are non-cancerous and do not spread.
Lipomas most frequently appear just below the skin’s surface in areas like the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. Most are relatively small, typically less than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, though they can grow larger. They usually develop slowly and are painless unless they press on a nerve or contain many blood vessels.
How Lipomas Can Become Infected
Lipomas can become inflamed and infected when external factors create an entry point for bacteria. A primary mechanism is trauma or injury to the lipoma area. Cuts, scrapes, or repeated friction from clothing can compromise the skin’s barrier, allowing microorganisms to enter and proliferate.
Skin breakdown overlying the lipoma can also lead to infection. Irritated, inflamed, or lesioned skin provides an opportunity for bacteria to invade. Poor hygiene in skin folds where a lipoma resides can also increase bacterial entry. Infection can also arise without clear external trauma, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Identifying an Infected Lipoma
Unlike typical lipomas, which are usually painless, an infected lipoma often presents with noticeable discomfort and pain. The area around the lipoma may become red (erythema) and feel warm to the touch, indicating inflammation and increased blood flow in response to the infection.
The lipoma itself, or the surrounding tissue, will likely appear more swollen or feel firmer than usual. A clear sign of infection is the presence of pus or other fluid draining from the lipoma, which may also be accompanied by a foul odor. In more severe cases, systemic signs of infection can develop, such as fever or chills, indicating that the infection may be spreading beyond the immediate area.
Seeking Medical Care and Treatment
If any signs of a lipoma infection are present, promptly consulting a healthcare professional is important. Delaying treatment can allow the infection to worsen and potentially spread. A doctor will typically examine the affected area and may ask about the onset and progression of symptoms to make a diagnosis.
Treatment approaches for an infected lipoma depend on the severity of the infection. Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed to combat the bacterial infection and reduce inflammation. If an abscess has formed within the lipoma, a procedure called incision and drainage (I&D) may be performed. This involves making a small cut to allow the pus and infected material to drain, which helps relieve pressure and promotes healing. After the infection has cleared, especially if it was severe or recurrent, the lipoma might be surgically removed to prevent future issues. This surgical excision is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.