Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention
Also known as: Skin abscess
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a pus-filled cavity that forms under the skin following a bacterial infection, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It can appear anywhere on the body: armpit, buttock, thigh, face, groin. Without treatment, the infection can spread to nearby tissue and, more rarely, into the bloodstream. So don’t wait too long to see a doctor.
Symptoms
Typical signs of an abscess include:
- A red, warm, swollen lump on the skin
- Throbbing pain that intensifies with touch
- A white center point containing pus
- Tight, sometimes shiny skin
- Occasionally fever, chills, fatigue
- Tender nearby lymph nodes
Causes and risk factors
Common causes:
- Ingrown hair or irritation from shaving
- A small wound that wasn’t properly disinfected
- An infected insect bite
- Dental infection, sebaceous cyst
Risk factors:
- Diabetes, weakened immunity
- Obesity, excessive sweating
- Long-term corticosteroid treatment
- Insufficient skin hygiene
- Repeated friction (tight clothing, sports)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an abscess is clinical: the doctor examines the area (redness, warmth, pain, fluctuation on touch) and can usually diagnose it quickly. In some cases, an ultrasound confirms the presence of pus and shows how deep it goes. A blood test may be requested if there’s fever or systemic signs.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size and location:
- Surgical drainage through a small incision: this is the standard treatment.
- Local care: daily cleaning, dressings, and packing (a wick) if needed.
- Antibiotics if there are systemic signs (fever) or in people with weakened health.
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen) to ease pain.
Never pop an abscess yourself: this risks worsening the infection and causing scarring.
Prevention and tips
- Disinfect any wound as soon as it appears
- Don’t squeeze pimples or blackheads
- Maintain good skin hygiene (daily showering)
- Avoid tight clothing and repeated friction
- Change towels and workout clothes regularly
- Watch for any lesion that becomes red, swollen, or painful
- Keep diabetes under control if you have it
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor promptly if:
- The abscess grows within a few hours
- It’s located on the face, hand, groin, or genitals
- You have a fever above 101.3°F (38.5°C)
- You are diabetic or immunocompromised
- The pain becomes unbearable
- Red streaks are spreading from the abscess (risk of lymphangitis)
FAQ
Can an abscess go away on its own? Rarely. A small abscess may sometimes mature and drain spontaneously, but medical advice is still recommended to avoid complications.
Can I see a doctor about an abscess online? Yes. A Tessan visit lets a doctor assess the abscess, advise on next steps (drainage, antibiotics, emergency care), and refer you for in-person care if needed.
When should I call 911? If you have a high fever, feel faint, notice the infection spreading rapidly, or have an abscess on the face along with headaches.
Are antibiotics enough? No. An established abscess needs to be drained. Antibiotics are a complement, not an alternative to drainage.
How long does healing take? After drainage, healing generally takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on size and location.
Is an abscess contagious? Pus contains bacteria. Avoid touching the abscess, wash your hands after touching it or changing the dressing, and don’t share towels or razors.
Can I take an anti-inflammatory (NSAID)? Not without medical advice: NSAIDs can worsen a skin infection. Acetaminophen is preferred.
Can an abscess come back? Yes, especially with poorly controlled diabetes, insufficient hygiene, or chronic staph carriage. Medical follow-up can help reduce recurrence.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, abscess overview
- American Academy of Dermatology, skin infection guidance
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staph and MRSA skin infections