Skin Abscess: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
خراج الجلد
A skin abscess is a collection of pus within or beneath the skin that forms a painful, warm lump. It may need medical drainage. Antibiotic decisions depend on inflammation, spread, general condition and risk factors.
What is Skin Abscess?
An abscess differs from diffuse cellulitis without a pus cavity and from an uninflamed skin cyst. These problems may coexist. Not every painful lump is an abscess, so examination matters.
Related reading: Boils and recurrent furuncles.
Symptoms
A tender swollen lump may soften centrally or discharge pus, with warmth or redness that can be less visible on darker skin. Fever, expanding swelling or systemic illness requires quicker assessment.
Causes
Many abscesses develop when bacteria, often staphylococci, enter through a small break or hair follicle. A foreign body or inflamed cyst may contribute. Recurrence at the same site warrants investigation of a local cause.
Risk factors
Diabetes, immune suppression, certain skin conditions, friction, obesity and repeated bacterial exposure increase risk. One abscess does not establish immune deficiency; recurrence and clinical context determine investigation.
Diagnosis
Examination assesses location, depth and systemic symptoms. Ultrasound may clarify whether a drainable collection exists. Pus culture is especially useful for recurrent, severe or unresponsive disease; advanced imaging is not necessary for every case.
Treatment
Incision and drainage under appropriate anesthesia may be needed, followed by wound care and review. Antibiotics are selected according to clinical circumstances and likely organisms. An arbitrary ointment cannot replace treatment of a deep collection. Never puncture or squeeze it at home.
Complications
Infection may spread to surrounding skin or, in severe cases, the bloodstream; scarring or recurrence may follow. After drainage, dressing care and follow-up support healing and recognition of incomplete resolution.
Prevention
Clean wounds, cover drainage and wash hands before and after wound care. Do not share towels or razors. Repeated abscesses may warrant evaluation for diabetes or another skin disorder; bacterial decolonization is not a universal treatment.
When to see a doctor
Fever, spreading pain or swelling, infection near the eye or immune suppression needs urgent assessment. Disproportionately severe pain, confusion or rapid breathing is an emergency. Any growing or persistent unexplained lump also needs review.