Abscess

An abscess is a painful collection of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can be divided into two types:

• those that develop just under the skin, and
• those that develop inside the body.

What does an abscess look and feel like?

A skin abscess often appears as a swollen, pus-filled lump under the surface of the skin, or it may look more like an open break in the skin. Abscesses are often red and painful. A boil is a common example of a skin abscess.

Abscesses inside the body are not usually visible, making them more difficult to identify. They can develop within an organ, such as in the lungs, or brain, or in the spaces between organs, causing pain in the affected area.

Who is affected by abscesses?

Anyone can develop an abscess, and they can occur almost anywhere in the body.

In most cases, skin abscesses affect people who are otherwise well. They are caused by an infection in the root of a hair, or by a blocked sweat gland. Skin abscesses are more common among people who have diabetes.

Internal abscesses often develop as a complication of an existing condition, such as an abscess in the tonsils after a bout of tonsillitis (known as quinsy). People who have an underlying health condition, or damage to their immune system, are more likely to be affected by internal abscesses.

How is an abscess treated?

Abscesses can be treated with antibiotics to clear the infection, and surgery to drain away the pus. Without treatment, an abscess will usually continue to become larger and more painful until it bursts, which can cause several complications.