Patient education: Skin abscess (The Basics)

What is a skin abscess? — A skin abscess is a painful bump that forms when pus collects under the skin (picture 1). It looks similar to a pimple, but is usually much larger. Skin abscesses most often form when there is cut or nick in the skin that allows bacteria from the skin's surface to get in. Sometimes, an ingrown hair can cause a skin abscess to form.

The bacterial infection causes the skin to become swollen and painful. It also makes the skin look red or darker in color. Pus forms as the body tries to fight off the bacteria.

Less often, a skin abscess might be caused by another type of germ, like a virus, fungus, or parasite.

What are the symptoms of a skin abscess? — Symptoms might include:

●A large bump that looks like a pimple – The bump might drain fluid or pus.

●Swollen or red skin around the abscess

●Pain, especially when touched

In some cases, a skin abscess might also cause fever or chills. But this is uncommon.

Skin abscesses can form anywhere on the body. But they are most common on the arms, legs, back, chest, and belly.

Will I need tests? — Probably not. In most cases, your doctor or nurse can tell if you have a skin abscess by asking about your symptoms and doing an exam.

In rare cases when tests are needed, they might include:

●Lab tests

●Imaging tests – These create pictures of the inside of the body.

In some cases, your doctor or nurse might want to do lab tests on the pus from the abscess.

How is a skin abscess treated? — With most abscesses, a doctor will make a small cut on the surface of the abscess to drain out the pus. For small abscesses that are draining pus on their own, cutting into the abscess might not be needed. "Small" usually means less than 3/4 inch (2 cm) in size.

In most cases, your doctor or nurse will also prescribe an antibiotic medicine. Antibiotics help kill the bacteria that caused the abscess and keep the skin from getting infected again. If you get antibiotics, finish all of the medicine and take it exactly as instructed. Never skip doses or stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor or nurse.

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes. To relieve symptoms and help your skin abscess drain, you can put a warm, wet compress on the area:

●Wet a clean washcloth with warm water, and put it over your abscess.

●When the washcloth cools, reheat it with warm water and put it back over the abscess.

●Repeat these steps for about 15 minutes, and try to do this 4 times a day.

Do not try to squeeze or pop an abscess. This can make it worse.

When should I call the doctor? — Call your doctor or nurse if:

●Your abscess is getting bigger.

●You have signs that your infection is getting worse – These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or more redness around the abscess.

●Your abscess is on your breast or in your genital or anal area.

More on this topic

Patient education: Skin abscess drainage (The Basics)
Patient education: Cellulitis and erysipelas (skin infections) (The Basics)
Patient education: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (The Basics)

Patient education: Skin and soft tissue infection (cellulitis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (Beyond the Basics)