Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when your body fights an infection. White blood cells collect in the infected area, causing inflammation and pus, which is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue. Abscesses can occur almost anywhere in the body.
Symptoms
- Red, raised, and painful area on the skin
- Possible organ damage if abscess is internal
Causes
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and swallowed objects can all lead to abscesses.
Treatment
Drainage and antibiotics.
Frequently asked questions
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when your body fights an infection.
What causes an abscess?
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and swallowed objects can all lead to abscesses.
What are the symptoms of a skin abscess?
Skin abscesses are red, raised, and painful.
Can abscesses occur inside the body?
Yes, abscesses inside your body may not be obvious and can damage organs.
How are abscesses treated?
Treatments include drainage and antibiotics.
Related conditions
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Abscess — NIH MedlinePlus
- Capnocytophaga ochracea bacteremia following gastrectomy for gastric cancer in a patient with diabetes and poor oral hygiene: A case report and literature review. — Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 2026
- Infectious Causes of Acute Encephalopathy. — Neuroimaging Clin N Am, 2026
- Surgical Management for Necrotizing Pneumonia and Lung Abscess. — Thorac Surg Clin, 2026
- Painless Buccal Abscess With Intraoral Fistula in an Older Woman. — J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open, 2026
- A Preschool-Aged Child in Tenwek, Kenya, With Limb Pain. — J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open, 2026
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.