skin abscess

An abscess is a collection of pus in, under or on the skin.

 

An abscess usually forms in response to a bacterial infection, most commonly with Staphylococcus aureus. 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.

 

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.

 

Abscesses may form in response to: wounds or injuries to the skin, including surgerya foreign body under the skin, such as a splintera sebaceous cyst, which is an oil-filled sac under the skinfolliculitis, which is inflammation of a hair folliclefuruncles, or boils

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 diagnosis of a skin abscess begins with a history and physical examination. The healthcare professional may collect a sample of pus from the abscess and send it to the laboratory so the organism can be identified.