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What is an abscess?

What is an abscess?

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What is an abscess?

An abscess is a painful, swollen pocket of pus that forms when the body is fighting an infection. It can develop in the skin, gums, teeth, armpits, groin, or inside the body.

Most abscesses are caused by bacteria entering the body through a cut, blocked gland, or infected hair follicle. The immune system sends white blood cells to the area, which helps fight the infection but also creates pus.

What does an abscess look and feel like?

An abscess often appears as a red, warm, tender lump. It may feel soft in the middle and firm around the edges.

As it grows, the area may become more painful and the skin may look stretched or shiny. Some abscesses can burst on their own and release pus, which may reduce the pressure and pain.

Common causes

Skin abscesses can happen after a minor injury, an ingrown hair, or an infected cyst. They are more likely if bacteria get trapped under the skin.

Dental abscesses often develop when tooth decay or gum disease allows bacteria to reach the root of a tooth. Other abscesses may form after surgery, from infected sweat glands, or because of an underlying health condition.

When to seek medical help

You should speak to a GP, NHS 111, or a dentist if you think you have an abscess, especially if it is painful, getting bigger, or not improving. Medical advice is important if the abscess is in the mouth or face.

Get urgent help if you develop a fever, feel very unwell, or notice redness spreading quickly around the area. These can be signs that the infection is worsening or spreading.

How is an abscess treated?

Some small abscesses may drain on their own, but many need medical treatment. A doctor or dentist may need to drain the pus safely and may prescribe antibiotics if the infection has spread or is at risk of spreading.

Do not try to squeeze or burst an abscess yourself. This can push the infection deeper, make it worse, or spread bacteria to other parts of the body.

Can abscesses be prevented?

Good skin hygiene, prompt treatment of cuts and wounds, and keeping teeth and gums healthy can help reduce the risk. It is also important to manage conditions such as diabetes, which can make infections more likely.

If you notice a small infected spot, seek advice early before it becomes larger and more painful. Early treatment can help prevent complications and speed up recovery.

What is an abscess?

An abscess is a sore bump filled with pus. Pus is a thick yellow or white liquid. Abscesses happen when your body is fighting germs. You can get an abscess on your skin, in your mouth, under your arms, between your legs, or inside your body.

Most abscesses start because bacteria (germs) enter the body. This can happen through a cut, blocked gland, or sore hair spot. Your body sends white blood cells to fight the germs, which makes pus.

What does an abscess look and feel like?

An abscess looks like a red, sore lump. It can feel warm, soft in the middle, and harder around the edges.

If it gets bigger, it can hurt more. The skin might look shiny or stretched. Sometimes, abscesses can burst open on their own. Then, pus comes out. After that, it may hurt less.

Common causes

You can get a skin abscess after a small cut, an ingrown hair, or an infected lump. It happens if germs get trapped under your skin.

A tooth abscess can happen if you have a hole in your tooth or gum disease. This lets bacteria reach the tooth root. Abscesses can also happen after surgery, from infected sweat glands, or if you have health problems like diabetes.

When to seek medical help

Talk to your doctor, NHS 111, or a dentist if you think you have an abscess, especially if it hurts, gets bigger, or does not get better. If you have an abscess in your mouth or on your face, you should get medical advice right away.

Get emergency help if you have a fever, feel very ill, or if the red area spreads quickly. These are signs the infection could be getting worse or spreading in your body.

How is an abscess treated?

Sometimes small abscesses heal by themselves, but many need help from a doctor or dentist. They may need to let the pus out in a safe way. You may also need medicine called antibiotics if the infection could spread.

Do not try to squeeze or pop an abscess by yourself. This can push the germs in deeper, make things worse, or spread the infection.

Can abscesses be prevented?

To lower your chance of getting an abscess, keep your skin clean, take care of cuts, and brush your teeth every day. Manage your health problems like diabetes, because they can make you more likely to get infections.

If you see a small sore or lump, get help early before it grows or hurts more. Quick treatment can help you get better faster.

Helpful tools: If you find reading hard, ask someone you trust to read with you. You can also use tools like text-to-speech apps or picture guides to help understand the information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an abscess?

An abscess is a collection of pus that forms in tissue due to an infection.

How does an abscess develop?

An abscess develops when the body's immune system tries to fight an infection, causing a buildup of pus.

What causes an abscess?

Abscesses are usually caused by bacterial infections, but can also result from fungi or parasites.

What are common symptoms of an abscess?

Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, warmth, and sometimes fever.

Where can abscesses form?

Abscesses can form anywhere in the body, including the skin, teeth, lungs, and organs.

Is an abscess contagious?

The pus inside an abscess may contain infectious material, so direct contact can be contagious.

How is an abscess diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on physical examination, and sometimes imaging or lab tests.

What does pus in an abscess contain?

Pus is made up of dead cells, bacteria, and white blood cells.

Can an abscess go away on its own?

Small abscesses may sometimes resolve, but most require treatment to prevent complications.

How is an abscess treated?

Most abscesses are treated by draining the pus and sometimes using antibiotics.

What happens if an abscess is not treated?

An untreated abscess can worsen, spread infection, or cause serious health problems.

Can you pop an abscess at home?

It is not recommended to pop an abscess at home, as it can spread infection and cause complications.

What are the risk factors for developing an abscess?

Risk factors include poor hygiene, weakened immune system, and certain medical conditions.

Are there different types of abscesses?

Yes, abscesses can be classified by location, such as skin (cutaneous), dental, or internal abscesses.

Can abscesses recur?

Yes, some people may experience recurrent abscesses, especially if underlying conditions persist.

Does an abscess always need antibiotics?

Not all abscesses require antibiotics; drainage is often the main treatment, but antibiotics may be used if infection spreads.

How long does it take for an abscess to heal?

Healing time varies but typically takes a few days to weeks after proper treatment.

Can abscesses be prevented?

Practicing good hygiene and treating infections promptly can help prevent abscesses.

What should you do if you suspect you have an abscess?

If you suspect an abscess, see a healthcare provider for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Can an abscess cause other health problems?

Yes, if left untreated, abscesses can lead to more serious infections or complications.

What is an abscess?

An abscess is a sore spot on your body. It is like a lump or bump under your skin. It is filled with pus. Pus looks like thick, yellow or white liquid. An abscess can hurt and make your skin feel hot.

If you have an abscess, ask a doctor or nurse for help. You can ask someone you trust to help you read this or show you pictures.

An abscess is a sore or lump filled with thick, yellow fluid called pus. It happens when a part of your body gets infected.

If you think you have an abscess, tell an adult or a doctor. They can help you get better.

To help you understand new words, you can ask someone to explain them, use a picture dictionary, or listen to someone reading the words to you.

How does an abscess develop?

An abscess is a sore that fills with pus. This usually happens when germs get into the body through a cut or broken skin.

The body tries to fight these germs. This makes the area swollen, red, and sore. Pus can build up and make a lump.

If you find a lump or sore, tell an adult or a doctor. Using pictures or talking mats can help you explain how you feel.

An abscess happens when your body tries to fight germs. This makes a sore area fill up with yellow or white pus (thick liquid).

If you have an abscess, you might see a red, sore bump on your skin. It can hurt if you touch it.

If it is hard to read or understand, you can ask someone you trust to read it with you. You can also use tools that read the words out loud or make the text bigger.

What causes an abscess?

An abscess happens when germs, like bacteria, get into your body and cause an infection. Your body tries to fight the germs. Pus collects and makes a sore, called an abscess.

If you have trouble reading, you can ask someone to help you, or use tools that read text out loud.

Abscesses are often caused by bacteria. Sometimes, they can also be caused by fungi or parasites (tiny living things).

If you find reading hard, you can ask someone to read with you. You can also use a computer or phone to read words out loud.

What signs show you might have an abscess?

An abscess is a sore with pus inside. Here are signs you might have one:

  • Red, swollen skin
  • Pain in the area
  • Skin feels warm
  • Pus or yellow liquid coming out
  • Fever (feeling very hot)

If you think you have an abscess, ask an adult or a doctor for help. Try using pictures or pointing to where it hurts. You could use speech or writing tools, or ask someone to help you explain.

You might notice the area looks bigger (swelling), looks red, feels sore or hurts (pain), and feels warm to touch. Sometimes, you might also get a fever (your body feels hot).

Where can abscesses form?

An abscess is a sore with pus inside. It is like a lump. Abscesses can happen anywhere on your body. They are common in your mouth, skin, or near your bottom. If you think you have an abscess, tell a doctor or a grown-up you trust.

It can help to ask someone to read this with you. You can also use pictures or videos to help you understand more. If you find reading hard, try breaking the words into small parts or saying them out loud.

Abscesses are lumps filled with pus. They can grow anywhere in your body. For example, you can get them on your skin, in your mouth near your teeth, in your lungs, or in other parts inside your body.

It can help to look at pictures, use simple words, or ask someone to read with you if you find reading hard.

Can you catch an abscess from someone else?

An abscess is a sore filled with pus. Most abscesses are not easy to catch from another person. But if you touch the pus or the sore, you might spread germs.

To stay safe, wash your hands well and do not touch anyone else's sore. You can ask someone you trust or a doctor for help if you are worried.

Pus is a yellow or white liquid in an abscess (a painful lump). Pus can have germs that make you sick. Touching pus or an abscess can spread these germs to others. Wash your hands well after touching an abscess, and use gloves if you need to help someone. You can ask an adult or a nurse for help.

How do doctors know if you have an abscess?

An abscess is a sore with pus inside it.
Doctors check for an abscess by looking at your skin.
They may gently touch the area to see if it hurts or is swollen.
Sometimes, doctors might use a scan or take a sample if they need more information.
If you think you have an abscess, you should ask an adult for help and see a doctor.
You can use a picture book or show pain with a pain scale to help you talk about how you feel.

The doctor will usually look at your body to find out what is wrong. Sometimes, you might also need a scan or a blood test.

If you find it hard to understand, you can ask someone you trust to help you. You can also use pictures or talk to your doctor about using simple words.

What is in the pus from an abscess?

Pus is a thick, yellow or white liquid. It comes from an abscess, which is a swollen sore on your body.

Pus is made up of:

  • Germs (like bacteria)
  • Dead white blood cells (cells that help fight infection)
  • Dead skin or tissue

If you need help understanding words, you can ask someone you trust or use a picture dictionary. Pointing to pictures can help you talk about your body.

Pus is a yellow or greenish goo that comes from the body when there is an infection. It is made of germs, dead skin and white blood fighter cells. If you see pus, it means your body is fighting an infection. If you are worried, talk to a doctor. You can also use pictures or ask someone you trust to help you understand more.

Can an abscess go away on its own?

An abscess is a sore with pus inside it. Sometimes, small abscesses can get better on their own. But many abscesses need help from a doctor.

If you have an abscess, you may need medicine or a doctor might need to drain it. Do not squeeze or pick at it.

If you notice redness, pain, or swelling, tell someone you trust or ask a doctor.

You can use tools like picture charts, talking to your doctor, or getting help from a family member to help you understand what to do.

Small abscesses might get better on their own, but most need treatment from a doctor. This helps stop problems.

How is an abscess treated?

An abscess is a painful lump filled with pus.

To treat an abscess, a doctor might:

  • Make a small cut to let the pus out
  • Clean the area
  • Give medicine to kill germs (antibiotics)
  • Put on a bandage

If you have an abscess, tell a grown-up or a doctor. Do not squeeze it yourself.

Taking someone with you, using pictures, or asking the doctor to explain things slowly can help you understand your treatment.

Most abscesses are treated by making a small cut to let the pus out. Sometimes, you may also need medicine called antibiotics to help you get better.

If you have an abscess, ask someone you trust to come with you to the doctor. You can also bring a picture board or use a speaking app to help explain how you feel.

What happens if an abscess is not treated?

If you do not get help for an abscess, it can get worse. The area may swell more, hurt more, or fill up with pus. The infection could spread to other parts of your body. This can make you very sick.

If you have an abscess, talk to a doctor or nurse. Ask someone you trust to help you if you are worried or need support. You can use pictures or speak to someone about how you feel.

If you do not treat an abscess, it can get worse. The infection can spread to other parts of your body. This can make you feel very sick.

If you think you have an abscess, ask a doctor or nurse for help. You can also ask a friend or family member to go with you. If you have trouble explaining how you feel, you can write it down or use pictures to show where it hurts.

Is it safe to pop an abscess at home?

An abscess is a painful, swollen lump filled with pus. It can make your skin red and sore.

Do not try to pop or squeeze an abscess at home. This can make it worse and cause infection.

If you have an abscess, tell a doctor or nurse. They know how to help you safely.

You can ask someone you trust to help you talk to the doctor. You can also write your symptoms down or use pictures to help explain how you feel.

Do not try to squeeze or pop an abscess at home. This can make the infection worse and cause problems. It is safer to see a doctor.

Support: If you find reading hard, ask someone you trust to help you understand. You can also use tools like a screen reader to read this text out loud.

What can make you more likely to get an abscess?

An abscess is a sore with pus inside it. Some things can make it more likely to get an abscess, like:

  • Having a weak immune system
  • Not keeping your skin clean
  • Getting small cuts or injuries
  • Having other health problems, like diabetes

If you are worried about sores or cuts, ask someone you trust to help you clean them. You can also use picture cards or ask for help to talk to a doctor.

Some things can make you more likely to get sick. These are:

  • Not keeping clean (poor hygiene)
  • Having a weak immune system (your body cannot fight germs well)
  • Having other health problems

It can help to wash your hands often and ask someone you trust for help. You can use pictures or simple lists to remember ways to stay healthy.

Are there different types of abscesses?

Yes, there are different types of abscesses. An abscess is a sore or a lump filled with pus. Abscesses can happen in many places in the body, such as on the skin or inside the body.

If you find a lump that is sore or red, tell someone you trust, like a parent or carer. They can help you see a doctor.

It can help to look at pictures or use simple words when learning new things. You can also ask someone to read this with you.

Yes, abscesses can be sorted by where they are found on or in the body. Some types are:

  • Skin abscesses: These are on the skin. They look like red, swollen bumps.
  • Dental abscesses: These happen in the mouth, near the teeth.
  • Internal abscesses: These are inside the body, where you cannot see them.

If you find a lump or sore on your skin, or if you have a bad toothache, ask your doctor or dentist for help. You can also use pictures or ask someone you trust to help explain.

Can abscesses come back?

An abscess is a sore or lump filled with pus. Sometimes, abscesses can come back after they heal. This means you can get another one in the same place or a different place on your body.

If you get abscesses often, talk to your doctor. You can write down when you get them and show this to your doctor to help them understand.

It can help to ask someone you trust to go with you to your doctor. You can also use pictures or simple words to explain how you feel.

Yes, some people can get abscesses again and again. This happens if health problems are not solved.

Do you always need medicine for an abscess?

An abscess is a sore or swollen bump. It is filled with pus (a thick, yellowish liquid).

Sometimes, a doctor gives medicine called antibiotics to help treat an abscess. But not all abscesses need this medicine.

Treatment can be different for everyone. A doctor will look at the abscess and tell you the best way to treat it.

If you find it hard to understand what your doctor says, you can:

  • Take a friend, family member or carer with you
  • Ask your doctor to use simple words
  • Write down any questions you want to ask

If you are worried, always ask for help.

Not every abscess needs medicine. Doctors usually help by draining the abscess (taking out the pus). Medicine (antibiotics) is only needed if the infection spreads. If you are worried, talk to a doctor, nurse, or ask someone you trust for help. Using pictures, simple words, or asking someone to explain can make things easier to understand.

How long does it take for an abscess to heal?

An abscess is a sore with pus inside. It is a bump on your skin that feels sore.

Most abscesses get better in a few days or weeks. You may need to see a doctor for help.

It is good to keep the sore clean and dry. You can ask family, friends, or a nurse to help you look after it.

If you find reading this hard, you can try using pictures, ask someone you trust to read it with you, or talk to your doctor about what it means.

It usually takes a few days or weeks to heal after you get the right treatment.

If you are finding it hard to wait, you can use a timer or calendar to count the days. You can also ask someone you trust, like a friend or family member, to help you remember how long it might take.

Can abscesses be prevented?

You can try to stop abscesses from happening. Keep your skin clean by washing often. If you get a small cut, clean it and cover it with a clean plaster. Try not to scratch your skin. If you have trouble looking after your skin, you can ask for help from a doctor, nurse, or carer. Using pictures or videos can help you understand how to care for cuts and sores.

Keeping clean and washing your body often can stop you from getting abscesses. If you have an infection, tell a grown-up or doctor quickly to get help.

What to do if you think you have an abscess

If you think you have an abscess (a sore with pus inside), you should:

  • Tell an adult you trust.
  • Talk to a doctor or nurse as soon as you can.
  • Do not try to pop or squeeze it yourself.
  • Keep the area clean and dry.

If it is hard to talk about your worries, you can write them down or ask someone you trust to help you explain to the doctor.

If you think you might have an abscess (a sore with pus), tell a doctor or nurse. They can check your sore and help you get better.

You can take someone with you to your appointment if you feel nervous. It might help to write down any questions you have before you go.

Can an abscess cause other health problems?

An abscess is a sore or bump filled with pus. If an abscess is not treated, it can make you feel very unwell. It can spread to other parts of your body and make you sick. Sometimes, you might get a fever. If you think you have an abscess, talk to a doctor or nurse.

You can ask someone you trust to go with you. Using pictures or simple words may help you explain how you feel.

Yes, if an abscess is not treated, it can cause bigger health problems or make infections worse.

If you think you have an abscess, you should talk to a doctor as soon as possible.

You can ask someone you trust to help you make an appointment or explain your symptoms to the doctor.

Writing down your symptoms or showing a picture can help you explain how you feel.

Useful Links

Useful Links : What is an abscess?
Abscesses

NHS guide explaining what an abscess is, symptoms, causes, and treatments
Dental Abscess

NHS information about dental abscesses, their symptoms, and management
Skin Abscesses

NHS page detailing causes, symptoms, and treatment of skin abscesses
Boils and carbuncles

NHS page about boils and carbuncles, which are types of abscesses
Abscesses - Factsheet

Cancer Research UK factsheet on abscesses as a skin problem for people affected by cancer
Skin abscesses: Symptoms and treatments

NHS Inform (Scotland) information about causes, symptoms, and treatment of skin abscesses
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