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Actinomycosis

Overview

Open all pages about Actinomycosis

Causes of actinomycosis can include tooth decay, mouth injuries, inhaling food or liquid, dental or tummy surgery, and radiotherapy.

Symptoms of actinomycosis depend on what part of the body is affected, but may include lumps on the skin, swelling, and pus leaking from your skin.

Actinomycosis is treated with antibiotics. You'll usually need to be treated in hospital.

Actinomycosis cannot always be prevented but you can reduce your risk of getting it in your mouth by having good dental hygiene.

Actinomycosis is a rare infection that can affect the mouth and jaw, chest or tummy. It can be serious, but can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Page last reviewed: 25/07/2023
Next review due: 25/07/2026