A skin abscess is a collection of pus and infected material in or on the skin.

Skin abscesses are fairly common. They are caused when an infection causes pus and infected material to collect in the skin. Skin abscesses may follow a bacterial infection, commonly an infection with staphylococcus. They can develop after a minor wound, injury, or as a complication of folliculitis or boils. Skin abscesses may occur anywhere on the body. They affect people of all ages.

An abscess can prevent deeper tissues from functioning properly. The infection may spread locally or throughout the body. The spread of infection through the bloodstream may cause severe complications.

• Skin lesion
  • Open sore or closed, domed nodule
  • Reddened
  • May drain fluid
• Localized swelling, induration (hardening of tissue)
• Tender and warm affected area
• Fever or chills, in some cases

Your doctor can diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the area. A culture or examination of any drainage from the lesion may help identify what organism is causing it.