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Skin abscess
Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess; MRSA - abscess; Staph infection - abscess
A skin abscess is a buildup of pus in or on the skin.
Causes
Skin abscesses are common and affect people of all ages. They occur when an infection causes pus to collect in the skin.
Skin abscesses may occur after developing:
- A bacterial infection (often staphylococcus)
- A minor wound or injury
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Boils
Boils
A boil is an infection that affects groups of hair follicles and nearby skin tissue. Related conditions include:CarbunculosisFolliculitis
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Folliculitis
(infection in a hair follicle)
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the skin.
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A skin abscess may occur anywhere on the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills, in some cases
- Local swelling around the infected spot
- Hardened skin tissue
- Skin lesion that may be an open or closed sore, or a raised area
- Redness, tenderness, and warmth in the area
- Fluid or pus drainage
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider can diagnose the problem by looking at the affected area. The drainage from the sore may be sent to the lab for a culture. This can help identify the cause of the infection.
Treatment
You can apply moist heat (such as warm compresses) to help the abscess drain and heal faster. DO NOT push and squeeze on the abscess.
Your provider may cut open the abscess and drain it. If this is done:
- Numbing medicine will be put on your skin.
- Packing material may be left in the wound to help it heal.
You may need to take antibiotics by mouth to control the infection.
If you have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or another staph infection, follow instructions for self-care at home.
Self-care
Staphylococcus infections - self-care at home; Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infections - self-care at home; MRSA infections - self-car...
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment. Infections caused by MRSA respond to specific antibiotics.
MRSA
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a "staph" germ that does not get better with the type of antibiotics that usual...
Possible Complications
Complications that can occur from an abscess include:
- Spread of the infection in the same area
- Spread of the infection into the blood and throughout the body
-
Tissue death (
gangrene
)
Gangrene
Gangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have any signs of skin infection, including:
- Drainage of any kind
- Fever
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
Call your provider right away if you develop new symptoms during or after treatment of a skin abscess.
Prevention
Keep the skin around minor wounds clean and dry to prevent infection. Call your provider if you notice signs of infection. Take care of minor infections promptly.
References
Holtzman LC, Hitti E, Harrow J. Incision and drainage. In: Roberts JR, ed. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 37.
Marks JG, Miller JJ. Localized erythema. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 15.
Que YA, Moreillon P. Staphylococcus aureus (including staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 196.
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
Review Date: 10/24/2016
Reviewed By: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
