Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
An abscess is a collection of pus in or on the skin.
What is going on in the body?
An abscess usually forms in response to a bacteria infection, with
Staphylococcus aureus organisms being the most common causes. However,
abscesses can also be a response to a foreign body under the skin. The body
responds to either the bacteria or the foreign body by sending white blood
cells to the area, which forms pus.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Abscesses are generally caused by an infection with
Staphylococcus aureus organisms. They may form in response to the
following:
wounds or injuries to the skin, including surgery
a foreign body under the skin, such as a splinter
a sebaceous cyst,
which is an oil-filled sac under the skin
folliculitis, which
is inflammation of a hair follicle
furuncles, or boils
Risk factors for skin abscesses include the following:
recent surgery
diabetes
recent chickenpox
infection
immunodeficiency
disorder, in which the body's infection-fighting mechanisms are
impaired. People with
AIDS, for example, have a significant risk of skin abscess.
impaired circulation, such as
peripheral arterial disease, which limits blood flow to the legs
and arms
chronic use of steroids
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Abscesses usually cause tender, red, swollen skin with an overlying pus head.
They can also appear as a very tender, soft lump in which the pus may not be
visible.
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a skin abscess begins with a history and physical examination.
The healthcare provider may collect a sample of pus from the abscess and send
it to the laboratory so the organism can be identified.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Prevention of a skin abscess starts with good hygiene. Any breaks in the skin,
such as cuts, bites, or scratches, should be cleaned with soap and water before
applying a bandage. The area should be kept clean until the skin has healed
over.
Surgical wounds should be kept sterile, following the wound care instructions
from the healthcare provider.
People with diabetes need to
be careful with wounds to their feet or legs. Diabetes causes neuropathy,
or nerve damage, which can result in a lack of feeling in the legs and feet.
Because people with diabetes may not be aware of a foot injury, they should
inspect their feet daily for any cuts or abnormal areas. Diabetes also causes
poor circulation, which means wounds do not heal well. A skin abscess is
therefore more difficult to treat in people with diabetes.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
A skin abscess can cause scarring and recurring lesions. Deep skin abscesses
can spread and cause a blood infection known as sepsis. If the infection reaches the heart
valves, it can cause an infection known as endocarditis. The abscess can also
spread into underlying bones, causing the bone infection known as osteomyelitis.
What are the risks to others?
If the abscesses are caused by bacteria, the infection can be spread to others
by skin-to-skin contact.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
An incision and drainage, or I & D, is generally done to drain the abscess of
pus and foreign bodies. The healthcare provider makes a slit into the abscess
and allows the pus to drain out. Packing may be left in the abscess for 24-48
hours to allow further drainage of pus. Heat, such as a warm compress, and
elevation of the area may be advised to reduce inflammation and speed healing.
Antibiotics may be given to treat any bacterial infection. Over-the-counter
pain medications may be
taken as needed to relieve discomfort.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antibiotics and over-the-counter
pain medications may cause upset stomach, rash, or allergic reactions. An incision and
drainage may rarely cause bleeding, new infections, or allergic reaction to local anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
The skin abscess should completely vanish with effective treatment. Scars and
recurrences are possible.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare
provider.