OVERVIEW

An abscess is a collection of pus that forms in tissues or organs in the body. An abscess is usually the result of an infection, but can also occur due to an injury. The most common type of abscess is a skin abscess, or boil.

A boil starts as a tender, red lump. It then fills with pus and becomes firm. The lump is usually very painful. Boils are most commonly found on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs.

However, an abscess can form anywhere in the body. Internal abscesses can occur in the lungs, brain, liver, or other organs. When an abscess forms in the brain, it is called a brain abscess. If an abscess is not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of abscess may include the following:

• A painful, red bump that starts out small and can enlarge to more than 2 inches (5 centimeters).
• Reddish or purplish, swollen skin around the bump.
• An increase in the size of the bump over a few days as it fills with pus.
• Development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows the pus to drain out.

CAUSES

Most abscess are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacterium commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. A bump forms as pus collects under the skin. Abscess sometimes develop at sites where the skin has been broken by a small injury or an insect bite, which gives the bacteria easy entry.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offre include but are not limited to:

• Topical antibiotics (Mupirocin).
• Oral antibiotics (Doxycycline or Cephalexin).