WHAT IS ABSCESS? 

A skin abscess is an inflamed pocket of pus that develops below the skin surface. It causes swelling, pain, and tenderness on the skin. Also called boils, skin abscesses often show up in places where you sweat or there is friction, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, face, or neck. Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci infections are the main cause. These bacteria can enter the skin through splinters, scrapes, and inflamed hair follicles. Some skin abscesses rupture and drain on their own and some need to be treated by a doctor. Bacteria from skin abscesses are dangerous if they spread to the bloodstream, lymph nodes, or deeper tissue. 

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ABSCESS

Fever, Chills, Lump or bulge, Skin redness, Tenderness to touch, Pain or discomfort, Enlarged or swollen glands, Skin open sore, Warm to touch, Drainage or pus

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT  

DIAGNOSIS: The doctor will take a medical history and examine the abscess and tissue around it. The doctor also may feel for swollen lymph nodes or do a wound culture, blood tests, or imaging studies.

TREATMENT: The treatment of abscess may include: 

• Warm compresses or soaks 

• Incision and drainage by a doctor if needed 

• Course of Antibiotics 

SELF CARE: To help clear up a small skin abscess and prevent infection from any abscess: 

1. Apply warm compresses for about 30 minutes, four times a day. 

2. Always wash your hands before and after touching a skin abscess. 

3. Never squeeze or stick a boil to drain it. 

4. If a boil ruptures on its own, apply an antibiotic ointment and keep the area around it clean. 

5. Keep the abscess covered with a clean bandage. 

6. Gently wash the abscess twice a day with antibiotic soap. 

7. Wash clothing, sheets, towels and other materials that come into contact with the abscess in hot soapy water.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. See a doctor if a skin abscess is larger than 1/2 inch across, doesn't heal, grows bigger, is in the rectal or groin area, or if there is a foreign material in a wound or under the skin. 

2. Also see a doctor if you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 

3. People suffering from chronic illness such as AIDS, diabetes, cancer, sickle cell disease, or peripheral vascular disease should see a doctor for any skin abscess.

4. If you have had a skin abscess removed, contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever or increased redness or pain in the area.