Actinomycosis

Symptoms

The first stage of the condition is usually the formation of a hard lump of tissue and contraction (tightening) of the muscles around it. The infection progresses to form an open draining sinus. This is a rut or tunnel in the tissue where pus is produced and an abscess is formed beneath the skin and lump.

The surrounding tissue swells up and thin pus leaks through narrow passages called sinuses onto the surface of the skin. The sinuses also drain yellow granules, tiny lumps of bacteria. These are called sulphur granules, not because they contain sulphur but because they are a similar colour to sulphur.

The abscesses may involve the mouth, neck, chest or abdomen, but are most common around the jaw. For this reason the condition is often called 'lumpy jaw'.

Other symptoms include:

• swelling in the head, face or neck,
• fever,
• weight loss.

There will usually be little if any pain.

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