It is a collection of pus and infected material in or on the skin.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Skin abscesses are quite common. They occur when an infection causes pus and infected material to collect on the skin . Skin abscesses can occur after:
- A bacterial infection (often staph)
- A minor wound or injury
- Boils
- Folliculitis
Skin abscesses can appear anywhere on the body and affect people of all ages.
Symptoms
- Fever or chills, in some cases
- Local swelling, hardening of the tissue (induration)
- Skin lesion
- Sensitive and hot affected area
Signs and tests
The doctor can make the diagnosis based on the appearance of the affected area. A culture and analysis of any drainage from the lesion can help identify the causative organism.
Treatment
The hot humid (eg warm compresses) may speed healing and help skin abscess drained. Do not compress or squeeze the abscess.
The doctor may open and drain the abscess after applying some anesthetic to the area. A compress may be left on the wound to help it heal and not close again.
Antibiotics are given by mouth to control the infection.
Complications
- Impairment of the proper functioning of nearby tissues.
- Spread of infection around the same area or throughout the body.
- Spread of infection through the bloodstream, causing:
- Formation of abscesses in the joints or other places.
- Endocarditis .
- Many new abscesses (“seeding” of the infection).
- Osteomyelitis .
- Tissue death (gangrene)
Situations that require medical assistance
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs of a skin infection, such as:
- Drainage of any kind.
- Fever .
- Pain .
- Redness
- Swelling.
Also make an appointment if new symptoms appear during or after skin abscess treatment .
Prevention
Prevent and watch out for bacterial infections. Keep the skin around minor wounds clean and dry . See your doctor if you develop signs of infection and treat small infections promptly.
Alternative names
Skin abscess; Skin abscess; Subcutaneous abscess