The symptoms of an abscess depend on where it develops in your body.
Skin abscesses
Skin abscesses often develop into a swollen, pus-filled lump under the surface of the skin, or they may appear as an open break in the skin. Abscesses are often red and painful. Boils are a common type of skin abscess.
If you have a skin abscess, you may have the following symptoms:
- a smooth swelling under your skin that can feel hard or firm
- tenderness in the affected area
- pain, warmth and redness (erythema) in the affected area
- an open wound or closed sore
- pus in the affected area that appears white or yellow or may drain from the affected area
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- chills
Skin abscesses are typically 1-3cm in diameter, although the size can vary. The skin over the abscess may be thin if it is close to tearing.
Internal abscesses
As internal abscesses develop inside the body, they are more difficult to identify than abscesses that appear on the skin. They can develop inside an organ, such as in the lungs or brain, or in the spaces between organs, causing pain in the affected area.
If you have an internal abscess, your symptoms may include:
- discomfort in the area of the abscess
- feeling generally unwell
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- pain in your abdomen (tummy)
The symptoms of certain types of deep abscess can also include:
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- pain and tenderness
- drowsiness (fatigue)
- lack of appetite
- diarrhoea (loose, watery stools)
- a need to frequently pass urine
Depending on exactly where inside your body the abscess is, you may also have a number of other symptoms.
For example, if you have a dental abscess, you may have toothache, a bitter taste in your mouth and your breath may smell.
A breast abscess can cause redness, pain and a discharge from your nipple.
Symptoms that could indicate a brain abscess include:
- headache
- confusion
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
