MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Skin abscess

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Skin abscess

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Skin layers

Alternative names Return to top

Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess

Definition Return to top

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

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.

The 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 Return to top

Skin lesion
- Open sore or closed, domed nodule
- Reddened
- May drain fluid
Localized swelling, induration
Affected area is tender and warm to touch
In some cases, fever or chills may occur

Signs and tests Return to top

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 Return to top

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 such as dicloxacillin are given to control the infection.

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

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment.

Complications Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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.

Update Date: 4/15/2003

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.