Health Encyclopedia

Skin abscess

Definition

A skin abscess is a collection of pus and infected material in or on the skin.

Alternative Names

Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Skin abscesses are fairly common. They are caused when an infection causes pus and infected material to collect in the skin. Skin abscesses may follow a bacterial infection, commonly an infection with staphylococcus. They can develop after a minor wound, injury, or as a complication of folliculitis or boils. Skin abscesses may occur anywhere on the body. They affect people of all ages.

An abscess can prevent deeper tissues from functioning properly. The infection may spread locally or throughout the body. The spread of infection through the bloodstream may cause severe complications.

Symptoms

Skin lesion
- Open sore or closed, domed nodule
- Reddened
- May drain fluid
Localized swelling, induration (hardening of tissue)
Tender and warm affected area
Fever or chills, in some cases

Signs and tests

Your doctor can diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the area. A culture or examination of any drainage from the lesion may help identify what organism is causing it.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. The doctor may cut and drain the abscess to clean the area and control the infection. Antibiotics are given to control the infection.

Heat (such as warm compresses) may speed healing, reduce inflammation, and make the area feel better. Raise the affected part to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment.

Complications

Spread of infection around the same area
Prevention of the proper functioning of nearby tissues
Gangrene (tissue death)
Spread of infection through the bloodstream, causing:
- Endocarditis
- Osteomyelitis
- Multiple new abscesses ("seeding" of infection)
- Abscess formation on the joints, pleura, or other locations

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any signs of skin infection occur -- including fever, pain, redness, swelling, or drainage of any kind.

Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if new symptoms develop during or after treatment of a skin abscess.

Prevention

Prevent and watch for bacterial infections. Keep the skin around minor wounds clean and dry. Consult the health care provider if you develop signs of infection. Treat minor infections promptly.

Review Date:10/16/2006
Reviewed By:Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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