Skin abscess – NHS

A skin abscess is a painful lump on the skin that contains pus. Some abscesses go away by themselves, but you may need to get treatment from a GP.

Check if you have a skin abscess

A skin abscess is a lump or swelling on your skin that contains pus. There are different types and they can appear anywhere on your body.

A skin abscess will often be round and feel painful and warm. The middle of the lump may feel soft when touched.

Pus may leak from the abscess and you may have a high temperature.

On white skin, an abscess will often appear red. The colour of an abscess may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

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Zay Nyi Nyi / Alamy Stock Photo: https://www.alamy.com/large-carbuncle-or-abscess-at-trunk-of-asian-burmese-male-patient-image443693289.html?imageid=F279679E-5A66-4511-AC66-D73D96F25AC5&p=1295683&pn=1&searchId=e44bfaee7c7d2fe650d67350ad47df65&searchtype=0

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:

• a lump that is getting bigger
• a lump anywhere on your body that lasts more than 2 weeks
• a lump that is hard and does not move
• a lump or swelling in your breast
• a lump and you have a weakened immune system or a long-term condition such as diabetes

A GP can check what could be causing the lump and if you need treatment.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

• a lump that is painful, red or hot, or you feel hot and shivery
• swelling or redness spreading away from the lump – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Treatments for skin abscesses

Treatment for a skin abscess will depend on what type of abscess you have.

The abscess may need be drained to get rid of the pus. This usually involves a small operation to make a cut in the skin which will allow the pus to drain. You may be given a local anaesthetic so you do not feel anything when the abscess is drained.

You may also be given antibiotics if the abscess is infected.

Causes of skin abscesses

Skin abscesses are usually caused by an infection.

It’s normal to have bacteria on your skin without it causing an infection. However, bacteria can sometimes get into your skin, for example through a cut or along a hair follicle. This can cause pus to form, creating an abscess.

You may be more likely to get skin abscesses if you:

• smoke
• are living with obesity
• have diabetes
• are between 15 and 40 years old
• have a skin condition or inflammation such as eczema

Page last reviewed: 02 June 2023
Next review due: 02 June 2026

Skin Abscess: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A skin abscess is a bump within or below the skin’s surface. It is usually full of pus, painful, and may feel thick and swollen. This is typically caused by a bacterial infection.

A skin abscess may appear on any part of your body. It is similar to a pimple but typically larger and deeper under the skin. Abscesses most commonly develop on the:

• back
• face
• chest
• lower abdomen
• buttocks

Skin abscesses can also appear in areas of hair growth, such as your underarms or groin.

Most skin abscesses are harmless and may go away without treatment. Over-the-counter (OTC) creams such as topical antibiotic creams and at-home care may decrease swelling and aid in healing in minor cases.

Sometimes, skin abscesses are more difficult to treat and may require laceration (cutting) or drainage. In other cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed along with prescription washes in addition to draining.

There are cases in which an abscess can lead to serious, potentially life threatening complications if left untreated.

A skin abscess is usually the result of a cut or nick in your skin that allows typical bacteria found on your skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, to enter the wound and cause inflammation.

You’re at an increased risk for this bacterial infection if you:

• have close contact with an individual who has a Staphylococcus (staph) infection, which is why these infections are more common in hospitals
• are living with a chronic skin disease, like acne or eczema
• are living with diabetes
• are living with metabolic syndrome
• smoke
• have a weakened immune system

Other, less common causes of skin abscesses include:

• viruses
• fungus
• parasites
• tuberculosis

The clinical term for a skin abscess is a cutaneous abscess.

When it comes to skin abscesses, a few common types are:

• boils, which are painful bumps or nodules
• furuncles, which are usually due to an infected hair follicle, are filled with pus, and can spread to the surrounding tissue
• carbuncles, which are clusters of furuncles

In rare cases, an abscess can also form internally.

A few types of internal abscesses include:

• abdominal abscesses
• brain abscesses
• tooth abscesses
• spinal cord abscesses

A skin abscess often appears as a bump on your skin, similar to a pimple.

However, it can grow over time and become red and painful. The area on top of an abscess is usually inflamed, with the center of it feeling soft or “squishy.” The skin around the abscess may also be warm to the touch.

Depending on the cause of the abscess, other symptoms may also be present. These symptoms may include:

• fever
• chills
• swelling
• fluid drainage from the abscess

Share on PinterestAn abscess can occur anywhere in the body, including near the jaw, as seen here. Robert Lind / Alamy Stock Photo

Share on PinterestBoils can occur when hair follicles get bacteria trapped in them. They are usually filled with pus, which may leak out. Antoksena/Getty Images

Share on PinterestCarbuncles are a cluster of boils that are connected under the skin. Zay Nyi Nyi/Shuttertsock

A small, occasional skin abscess can usually be treated at home. However, if you think you have an infection or abscess and any of the following situations apply to you, it’s important to contact a doctor as soon as possible:

• You have a weakened immune system or you were recently hospitalized.
• You have received an organ transplant.
• You’re currently receiving chemotherapy or you recently received chemotherapy.
• The abscess is large, hasn’t healed within 2 weeks, and you also have a fever.
• The abscess appears to be spreading to other parts of your body.
• The abscess is becoming more painful or is throbbing.
• Your skin around the abscess is swollen or extremely red.

Once you’ve made an appointment with your doctor, they will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to visually inspect the abscess.

A complete physical examination is the best way for your doctor to tell if an injury or ingrown hair is the cause of the abscess.

They will also most likely ask you about any associated symptoms, such as a fever.

Even if you’re not certain you have an abscess, it’s important to bring it up with your doctor, as an untreated abscess can lead to serious complications and can become life threatening.

Your doctor may take a culture or a small amount of fluid or pus from the abscess to test for the presence of bacteria. No other testing methods are necessary to diagnose an abscess.

However, your doctor may decide to do a blood test to rule out the possibility of sepsis.

You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.

In some cases, an abscess may cause serious complications. These may include:

• fever and swollen lymph nodes
• spread of the infection
• blood poisoning, or sepsis
• endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart
• development of carbuncles or multiple abscesses
• tissue death in the area of the abscess
• acute bone infection, or osteomyelitis

Home treatment options

You can usually treat a skin abscess at home. Applying heat to the abscess can help it shrink and drain.

The most useful way of applying heat is to put a warm compress on the abscess. You can make a warm compress by running warm water on a face towel and folding it before placing it on the abscess several times a day for about 10 minutes at a time.

Drainage

Contact your doctor if the abscess doesn’t heal using home methods. They may want to drain it.

To drain the abscess, your doctor will apply a local numbing substance, such as lidocaine, and will then cut the abscess open to allow the fluid to come out. The open abscess is then washed out with saline.

After the abscess drains, your doctor will pack the wound with surgical material. This helps it to heal and prevents the abscess from reoccurring.

After the procedure is over, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent the wound from becoming infected.

Antibiotics

Your doctor might prescribe an oral antibiotic depending on the appearance and symptoms of the abscess. The antibiotics that are typically prescribed in this instance include:

• clindamycin
• cephalexin
• dicloxacillin
• doxycycline
• trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)

In some cases, an individual with comorbid conditions (which occur at the same time) or severe infection may require hospitalization and will be given antibiotics through their vein.

After treatment, the abscess shouldn’t return.

You may not always be able to prevent a skin abscess. However, there are ways to minimize your chance of getting the staph infection that commonly leads to an abscess.

To minimize your risk of a staph infection:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Clean all cuts and scrapes, even small ones, with soap and water and apply an OTC antibacterial ointment.
• Keep your cuts and wounds bandaged.
• Avoid smoking.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet.

It’s also best not to share personal items, such as:

• towels
• sheets
• razors
• athletic equipment
• makeup
• clothing

If you do have a cut or sore, wash your bedding and towels in hot water, detergent, and bleach regularly, and dry them on the hot setting if you can.

Opening and treatment of an abscess in St. Petersburg

A localized purulent process in soft tissues is called an abscess. In this case, the purulent contents are separated from the surrounding tissues by a capsule. However, if the treatment is delayed, then the enzymes released in the focus of inflammation gradually lyse (dissolve) the capsule and contribute to the development of a widespread purulent process. This condition is called phlegmon, while pus freely spreads between the muscles, connective tissue membranes, and subcutaneous tissue. To avoid such a dangerous scenario, a timely opening of the abscess is carried out.

Surgical treatment under adequate anesthesia is performed at the Tauras-Med Clinic. Experienced surgeons, after the minimum necessary examination, will immediately begin an autopsy in order to stabilize the patient’s condition in a short time. In our clinic, comfortable conditions and a high level of service.

Types of abscess

Abscesses can be very diverse. It is customary to distinguish the following types.

1. Acute abscess, when purulent inflammation is in the active phase.
2. Cold abscess, when the pus has encapsulated, and does not disturb the patient at the moment, but at any time the process may worsen.

These 2 types of abscess require a different approach to surgical treatment.

Superficial and deep abscesses are classified according to their depth.

Single and multiple abscesses are distinguished by the number of purulent cavities.

Why do abscesses appear

The immediate cause of purulent inflammation lies in the microbial contamination of a certain tissue area. Most often, the inflammatory process is caused by bacteria. The classic “purulent” pathogens are:

• staphylococcus;
• streptococcus;
• Escherichia coli;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The following conditions predispose to infection:

• traumatic tissue injury;
• presence of hematomas – local accumulation of blood;
• inflammation of adjacent organs;
• not completely sterile medical procedures.

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Symptoms

Superficial abscesses may involve the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and adjacent muscles and fascia. Symptoms of a purulent process are clearly visible to the naked eye. The inflamed area looks red, swollen, and shiny (shiny). A person is worried about pain, which increases when touched, over time (as a rule – no more than a day), takes on a pulsating character. In the center of the purulent focus, a zone of fluctuation can be determined, which corresponds to the greatest melting of tissues. In this place there may be a small hole from which pus is released. Systemic manifestations of purulent inflammation are an increase in body temperature (fever), weakness and general malaise.

If the abscess is located deep in the tissues, then it usually affects a specific organ. This determines the features of the symptoms. So, in the presence of a large abscess in the liver, there may be pain in the right hypochondrium, yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes, nausea, bloating, etc. These symptoms are usually accompanied by fever, weakness, and general malaise.

Surgical treatment of an abscess

Surgical treatment of an abscess is the only correct one. The task of surgical intervention is to ensure the outflow of purulent contents to the outside, thereby preventing its spread into the internal environment of the body. Before the operation, a standard examination is required, which allows you to determine the general status of the body.

The treatment of a purulent abscess depends on its stage, that is, whether it is acute or chronic. In one and in the other case, surgical intervention is indicated. In “Tauras-Med” an abscess is opened under anesthesia. Around the circumference of the pathological focus, the doctor makes injections of local anesthetics.

• Treatment of an abscess in the acute stage involves opening the pus of the cavity, removing the contents, treating the cavity with antiseptics and antibiotics. Purulent wounds are not sutured, because. it is necessary to ensure a constant outflow of pathological secretions. For this, drainage can also be additionally installed, which are removed after a few days.
• The treatment of a cold abscess is somewhat different. It involves not only opening the purulent cavity, but also removing the formed capsule. Often there are also fistulous passages that are subject to excision. This is a prerequisite in order to prevent relapse.

Price of abscess opening

The cost of surgical treatment of a purulent process in Tauras-Med is indicated in the corresponding section of the site. The price can also be found by calling the clinic.

Take care of your health here and now! Purulent foci create conditions for the generalization of infection, thereby creating even more serious problems. Surgeons of “Tauras-Med” accept at a convenient time by appointment and on an emergency basis.

Abscess – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Synonyms

Some synonyms for the word “abscess” can be:

• Abscess
• Purulent cyst
• Purulent cavity
• Purulent cavity
• Purulent tumor
• Purulent attack

Note that some of these words may reflect a more specific context than just “abscess”. For example, “purulent attack” can be used to refer to a rapidly developing purulent inflammation in the tissues.

General information

Abscess is a localized inflammatory formation, which is characterized by the accumulation of purulent fluid in the tissues of the body. Abscesses can occur in various organs and tissues, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, lungs, liver, kidneys, and others.

Abscesses can be caused by infection, trauma, blockage of the passage or exit of a gland or stomach contents. Symptoms of an abscess may include soreness, swelling, redness, and fever at the site of the abscess. If the abscess is inside the body, fever, weakness, and general fatigue may also occur.

Treatment for an abscess may include antibiotics to fight the infection, surgical removal of the abscess, or drainage to remove pus. It is important to see a doctor if you suspect an abscess in order to prevent possible complications and start treatment on time.

Statistics

Abscess statistics vary by location and cause. Here are some facts and statistics related to abscesses:

• Skin abscesses such as boils and carbuncles occur in 9-12% of the population per year.
• Lung abscesses account for about 10% of all upper respiratory tract infections and can also result from other infections such as pneumonia.
• Liver abscesses are rare and are often associated with other medical problems such as cancer or diabetes.
• Kidney abscesses mainly occur in patients with weakened immune systems or other diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

In addition, statistics on abscess complications can also be significant. For example, some abscesses can cause sepsis, a dangerous condition where the infection spreads throughout the body and causes heart and breathing to stop. Sepsis is a serious disease that can lead to death if treatment is delayed.

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Causes

Abscesses can occur for various reasons, but most often their appearance is associated with infection. The infection can enter the tissues of the body through a wound, cut, scrape, or other means and cause an abscess to develop. In addition, abscesses may result from blockage of the duct or exit of the gland or gastric contents.

Some common causes of abscesses are:

• Bacterial infection: The most common cause of abscesses is a bacterial infection. Bacteria, such as staphylococci or streptococci, can enter the body through broken skin or other open wounds and cause an abscess to develop.

• Certain medical procedures: Abscesses can sometimes develop as a result of medical procedures such as injections or surgery.

• Blockage of gland output: for example, the sebaceous glands of the skin can be blocked, and fat begins to accumulate, forming an abscess.

• Trauma: Tissue damage from trauma can also lead to the development of an abscess.

• Diseases and disorders of the immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may be more susceptible to developing abscesses.

If you suspect an abscess, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of an abscess

Symptoms of an abscess may depend on its location and cause, but here are some common symptoms that may indicate an abscess:

• Soreness: an abscess may cause pain at the site of formation. The pain may be sharp, throbbing or pressing.

• Swelling and redness: an abscess may cause swelling and redness in the area where it is located. The skin around the abscess may be hot and tender to the touch.

• Fever: The site of an abscess may be warm and may also cause fever throughout the body.

• Fluid or pus: An abscess may contain fluid, pus, or other materials that may ooze from it.

• General symptoms: if the abscess is inside the body, general symptoms may appear, such as fever, weakness, headache and loss of appetite.

If you suspect an abscess, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment to prevent possible complications. In some cases, an abscess may require surgery or other special treatment to remove the pus and prevent the infection from spreading.

High temperature or fever

General swelling

Pustules on the skin

Increase in skin temperature

Skin redness

Which doctor treats an abscess

If you suspect an abscess, you should see a doctor. The signs and symptoms of an abscess can vary greatly, so you may need to see different specialists depending on the location and cause of the abscess. Here are some specialists to contact if you suspect an abscess:

• Surgeon : If the abscess is large or inside the body, surgery may be required to remove it.

• Dermatologist : If the abscess is on the skin, a dermatologist can diagnose and suggest treatment.

• Infectionist : If the abscess is caused by a bacterial infection, an infectious disease specialist may need to be consulted to determine the optimal course of antibiotics.

• Gastroenterologist : If the abscess is in the stomach or intestines, a gastroenterologist can diagnose and suggest treatment.

• Urologist : If the abscess is in the area of ​​the kidneys or bladder, a urologist may be required.

If you are not sure which specialist you need, you can first contact your family doctor, who can recommend further treatment and refer you to the right specialist if needed.

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Diagnosis of an abscess

Diagnosis of an abscess includes various methods that allow you to determine its location and size, as well as determine the cause and identify possible complications. Here are some diagnostic methods that can be used when an abscess is suspected:

• Physical examination: The doctor may assess the location and size of the abscess and check for tenderness, swelling, and redness around the abscess.

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound can help determine the location and size of an abscess, as well as identify the presence of fluid inside.

• Computed tomography (CT): The CT scan provides a more detailed picture of the abscess and determines its location, size, and nature.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI also provides a detailed picture of an abscess, but may be more sensitive in diagnosing certain types of abscesses.

• Bacterial culture: If the abscess is caused by a bacterial infection, it may be necessary to do a blood test or culture of the abscess to determine which type of bacteria caused the infection.

Depending on the location and cause of the abscess, other diagnostic methods may be used. If you suspect an abscess, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment.

Treatment of an abscess

Treatment of an abscess depends on its location, size and cause, and whether there are complications. Here are some treatments that can be used for an abscess:

• Antibiotics: If the abscess is caused by a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics may be given to fight the infection. Depending on the type of infection and the presence of complications, different types of antibiotics may be needed.

• Surgery: If the abscess is large or inside the body, surgical removal of the abscess may be required. During the procedure, the doctor will remove the pus and clear the area of ​​infection.

• Drainage: Sometimes a drain may be placed into the abscess to remove purulent fluid. A drain is a thin, flexible hose that helps remove pus and clear the area of ​​infection.

• Pain medications: Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with an abscess.

It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for an abscess to prevent possible complications. This may include using antiseptics to clean the area of ​​the abscess, applying warm compresses or ice to reduce swelling, and avoiding injury or abrasion of the abscess.

If you suspect an abscess, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and optimal treatment to prevent possible complications and speed up recovery.

If left untreated

If an abscess is left untreated, serious complications can occur, such as spread of infection to other organs and tissues, sepsis (severe systemic inflammation caused by infection), development of abscesses in other parts of the body, and even death.

Some abscesses may rupture and release purulent fluid into the body. This can cause the infection to spread to other organs and tissues and increase symptoms such as soreness and swelling.

If an abscess is suspected, a physician should be consulted for diagnosis and optimal treatment. Treatment of an abscess includes the use of antibiotics, surgical removal of the abscess, or placement of a drain to remove the purulent fluid. If you do not treat the abscess, then serious complications and even death are possible.

Self-care

Self-treatment of an abscess can be dangerous and lead to serious complications. If you suspect an abscess, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. However, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with an abscess before you visit your doctor:

• Applying warm compresses: Applying warm compresses to the area of ​​an abscess may help reduce pain and speed up the maturation of the abscess. Compresses can be done using warm water and a soft cloth or ready-made heating pads. However, if you have a fever, it is best to avoid applying warm compresses.

• Use of pain relievers: Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with an abscess. However, before using painkillers, you should consult your doctor to avoid possible side effects and to make sure they are safe for you.

• Avoidance of Pressure: Avoid pressure on the area of ​​the abscess and avoid any activity that may aggravate the situation, such as trying to puncture the abscess or squeezing out purulent fluid.

But remember that self-treatment of an abscess is not the best treatment and cannot replace professional medical care. If you suspect an abscess, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and optimal treatment.

Risks

An abscess can pose serious health risks, especially if left untreated. Some of the possible complications of an abscess include:

• Spread of infection: if the abscess is left untreated, the infection can spread to other tissues and organs, causing serious complications.

• Sepsis: Severe systemic infection caused by an infection can be a serious complication of an abscess, especially if it is located inside the body.

• Fistula: An abscess may rupture and result in a fistula when an opening forms between the abscess and another organ or body surface. This can cause additional infections and complications.

• Formation of other abscesses: if one abscess is left untreated, it may lead to the formation of other abscesses in other parts of the body.

• Death: In rare cases, especially if there are complications, an abscess can lead to death.

If you suspect an abscess, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and optimal treatment to prevent possible complications and speed up recovery.

Abscess Prevention

Here are some recommendations for abscess prevention:

1. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands and skin regularly to prevent infection.

2. Avoid injury: Try to avoid injury to the skin, especially if you have had abscesses in the past.

3. Monitor the condition of the skin: check the skin regularly for wounds, cuts, abrasions and other damage, and treat them at the first sign.

4. Take care of your teeth: abscesses can be caused by infection of the teeth, so take care of your oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly.

5. Avoid exposure to infection: Try to avoid contact with other people who may have infectious diseases.

6. Do not poke or squeeze pimples: this can spread infection and form an abscess.

7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A stronger immune system, proper nutrition, healthy sleep, and regular physical activity can help prevent infections, including abscesses.