HomeHealth TopicsInfectionsAbscess
Back to Infections
Abscess
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Abscess

An abscess is a localized pocket of pus resulting from the body's immune response to an infection.

Overview

An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body's immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue.

Causes

Bacteria, viruses, parasites and swallowed objects can all lead to abscesses.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Skin abscesses are easy to detect. They are red, raised and painful. Abscesses inside your body may not be obvious and can damage organs, including the brain, lungs and others.

Treatment

Treatments include drainage and antibiotics.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should seek emergency care if you experience a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, red streaks spreading from the abscess, or if the abscess is located on your face, spine, or near a joint. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system, diabetes, or if the pain becomes severe and unmanageable with over-the-counter medication, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to the bloodstream.
Yes, internal abscesses can form in organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, or abdomen without any visible external signs. These are often detected through symptoms like persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, or localized pain, followed by diagnostic imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds. Blood tests showing elevated white blood cell counts can also indicate an internal infection that requires further imaging to locate the specific pocket of pus.
Most small skin abscesses heal within one to two weeks after drainage. Proper care involves keeping the area clean and dry, changing dressings daily as instructed by your provider, and monitoring for any return of redness or swelling. If a pack was placed in the wound, it may need to be changed by a healthcare professional for several days until the pocket is fully empty. You should avoid squeezing the area, as this can push bacteria deeper into the tissue.
boil is a single, localized abscess, while a carbuncle is a cluster of boils that form a connected group under the skin. While small boils may sometimes be treated with warm compresses to encourage natural drainage, carbuncles and larger abscesses almost always require professional incision and drainage. Antibiotics are more frequently prescribed for carbuncles or abscesses in patients with compromised immune systems to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss