What are the potential complications if a skin or internal abscess is not treated?

An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body, usually occurring as a result of the immune system's response to a bacterial or parasitic infection or the presence of foreign bodies [1]. While some small abscesses may heal spontaneously, neglecting a skin or internal abscess can lead to unwanted health complications, as the infection can worsen and spread to neighboring tissues or vital organs [2]. It is essential to understand that an abscess is not merely a superficial lump, but an ongoing inflammatory process that sometimes requires precise medical intervention.

Risks of Infection Progression and Tissue Damage

When an abscess is not drained or the underlying infection is not treated, your immune system continues to attempt to contain the bacteria, leading to further accumulation of dead white blood cells, damaged tissue, and pus [2]. This persistent collection of pus can compress the healthy tissues surrounding the affected area, leading to damage or erosion [1]. In cases of a skin abscess, you may notice that the swelling increases in size, and the surrounding area becomes more red and hot, indicating that the infection is no longer confined to its original location and has begun to spread to the surrounding skin [3].

Complications Specific to Internal Abscesses

The greatest danger lies in abscesses that form inside the body, such as those affecting the abdomen, liver, lungs, or brain, because they are often invisible or not palpable in their early stages [1]. Failure to treat these abscesses can cause direct functional damage to the affected organ. For example, an untreated liver abscess may lead to impaired liver function, while abscesses in other areas can disrupt the normal functioning of the affected vital system [2]. Since these abscesses do not appear as a distinct surface mass, any delay in diagnosis based on general symptoms may give the infection the opportunity to cause greater damage to deep tissues.

Signs Requiring Urgent Medical Intervention

You should not wait too long if you show signs that an abscess is getting worse or progressing abnormally. Urgent medical attention should be sought if you notice redness or swelling spreading away from the center of the abscess, or if you experience an elevated body temperature (fever) or bouts of chills and shivering [3]. These symptoms may indicate that your body is experiencing a severe inflammatory response to the infection. It is also recommended to visit a doctor immediately if you notice the abscess increasing in size rapidly, if it is extremely painful to an unbearable degree, or if you have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, as these conditions make the body less capable of resisting the infection spontaneously [3].

Medical treatment, which often includes surgical drainage of the abscess and the use of antibiotics when needed, aims to remove the source of the infection and prevent these complications from occurring [2]. For more details on making the right decision regarding managing this condition, you can read our specialized article on Skin and internal abscess: When is waiting a mistake and when is urgent intervention required? (Arabic), which clarifies the practical steps for dealing with this health challenge.

Medical references

• Abscess
• Abscess
• Skin abscess - NHS