What Is an Abscess?

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A skin abscess is a walled-off, bump-like collection of pus that appears either within or just below the surface of the skin. Abscesses are typically caused by a bacterial infection.

They tend to appear on the back, chest, buttocks, and face. Sometimes, they develop in areas where hair is present, such as the armpits and pubic area.

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Staphylococcus
 JodiJacobson / Getty Images

Furuncles and carbuncles are two similar types of skin abscesses. A furuncle, sometimes called a boil, is caused when a hair follicle becomes infected and creates a small abscess. A carbuncle is defined as multiple pus-draining follicles that combine to create a single infected mass.

Furuncles and carbuncles tend to appear in areas that have been exposed to minor trauma, sweat, or friction (such as beneath a belt or where the skin has been irritated from shaving).

This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for abscesses. It also points out how to prevent them from developing in the first place.

Abscess Symptoms

An abscess looks like a little bump or a pimple that can grow into an inflamed, fluid-filled cyst. The skin surrounding an abscess is often painful and warm to the touch. In some cases, an abscess can be extremely hard and firm (indurated).

Depending on the cause, the appearance of an abscess may be accompanied by fever, nausea, or swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).

Causes

Abscesses are most often caused by a bacteria, called Staphylococcus aureus, which normally exists on the skin and inside the nose. It can enter the body through a cut, abrasion, puncture, or even an insect bite. Other factors can increase the risk of S. aureus infection, including:

A condition called folliculitis can cause an abscess to form within a hair follicle. Infection begins when a hair is trapped beneath the surface and can't break through (a condition commonly referred to as an ingrown hair). Folliculitis can be caused by shaving (particularly in Black people). It is also associated with swimming in an improperly chlorinated pool or hot tub.

Recap

Abscesses most likely form due to the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (or staph), a bacteria.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made on appearance alone. While smaller abscesses usually can be treated at home, medical attention should be considered if an abscess:

  • Becomes painful
  • Develops on the face
  • Grows to be more than 2 inches in diameter
  • Persists for more than two weeks
  • Propagates into more than one
  • Recurs after treatment

Treatment

Small abscesses can be treated at home with a warm compress to relieve pain and promote drainage. A larger abscess may need to be drained at the doctor's office to both relieve the pain and treat the infection. Depending on the cause of an abscess, a doctor may consider whether an antibiotic is needed.

Antibiotics are often prescribed to people who have a weakened immune system or are experiencing whole-body symptoms like fever. In such cases, a doctor may take a pus sample to better evaluate the cause and ensure that the bacteria is not drug-resistant.

Do not attempt to drain an abscess at home. You'll run the risk of making the infection worse. Always wash your hands after touching an abscess. And clean anything that comes into contact with it.

Prevention

While abscesses are not entirely avoidable, there are a few simple measures you can take to prevent them:

  • Wash your hands often, ideally with an antibacterial cleanser.
  • Treat any cuts with care, keeping them clean, covered, and dry until they fully heal.
  • Do not share personal items like razors, towels, lipstick, or lip balm.
  • Avoid cutting yourself when shaving your underarms or pubic area.

Summary

An abscess looks like a little bump or a pimple that can grow into an inflamed, fluid-filled cyst. Most often, it is caused by a bacteria, called Staphylococcus aureus, which normally exists on the skin and inside the nose. But other culprits, like acne, eczema, or poor hygiene shouldn't be overlooked as possible culprits. Large abscesses must often be drained (by a medical professional only) to ease the pain and discomfort. Depending on the cause, an antibiotic may be justified to finish off the abscess.

A Word From Verywell

Remember that you shouldn't underestimate abscesses, particularly the bigger ones. As tempting as it may be to pinch one or try to shrink or drain one, leave the job to your healthcare provider. In expert hands, the procedure won't take long. And you won't run the risk of spreading the bacteria and causing a more serious infection.

7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Boils and carbuncles: Overview.

  3. Creech CB, Al-zubeidi DN, Fritz SA. Prevention of recurrent staphylococcal skin infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2015;29(3):429-64. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2015.05.007.

  4. Patterson, JW. Practical Skin Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences.

  5. National Health Service. Treatment-abscess.

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  7. Nemours KidsHealth. Abscess.

By Heather L. Brannon, MD
Heather L. Brannon, MD, is a family practice physician in Mauldin, South Carolina. She has been in practice for over 20 years.