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What is an abscess?
An abscess is a swollen pocket of pus that forms when the body is fighting an infection. It can develop in the skin, gums, under the skin, or inside the body.
Abscesses can be painful and may need medical treatment. The symptoms often depend on where the abscess is located and how severe the infection is.
Common signs of a skin abscess
A skin abscess often starts as a tender, red lump. It may feel warm to the touch and become increasingly painful over time.
The swelling may grow quickly and the skin around it can look shiny or stretched. Some abscesses develop a white or yellow centre as pus collects underneath.
You might also notice the lump becoming soft in the middle. In some cases, it can burst and release thick fluid or pus.
Other symptoms to look out for
Some abscesses cause a throbbing or constant ache, especially if they are pressed or moved. Pain can be mild at first but often gets worse as the infection builds.
There may also be a bad smell or discharge if the abscess drains. This is more likely if the abscess has opened on its own or is close to the surface of the skin.
If the infection is more serious, you may feel generally unwell. This can include tiredness, shivering, or a raised temperature.
Symptoms of abscesses in other parts of the body
Not all abscesses are visible. A dental abscess may cause toothache, swollen gums, pain when biting, or sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink.
An abscess inside the body can cause deeper pain and may be harder to spot. Depending on the location, it may lead to tummy pain, swelling, or fever.
Because internal abscesses can be serious, they often need urgent assessment. Symptoms may be less obvious but can still worsen quickly.
When to get medical help
You should contact a GP or NHS 111 if you think you have an abscess, especially if it is getting bigger or more painful. This is important if you have a fever or the area is spreading red and swollen.
Seek urgent help if the abscess is on your face, near your eye, or if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing. You should also get advice quickly if you feel very unwell or have a weakened immune system.
Do not try to squeeze or burst an abscess yourself. This can spread the infection and make the problem worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common abscess symptoms include a painful, swollen, red lump, warmth over the area, tenderness, and pus or drainage. Fever can also occur if the infection is more severe.
Abscess symptoms usually feel like a throbbing, tender, and swollen area that may hurt more when touched or moved. The pain often worsens as pressure builds inside the abscess.
Worsening abscess symptoms can include increasing redness, expanding swelling, more severe pain, fever, chills, or red streaks spreading from the area. These signs may mean the infection is advancing.
Yes, abscess symptoms can include fever and chills, especially when the infection is more significant or spreading. Fever suggests the body is responding to a deeper or more serious infection.
No, abscess symptoms are not always visible on the skin. Some abscesses form deeper in the body and may cause pain, fever, or swelling without an obvious surface lump.
When an abscess starts draining, abscess symptoms may include a sudden release of pus, reduced pressure, and sometimes less pain. The area may still remain red, sore, and swollen.
Yes, some abscess symptoms include a foul-smelling drainage if pus breaks through the skin or is drained. A bad odor can suggest infection with certain bacteria.
Urgent abscess symptoms include fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, facial swelling, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or confusion. These may indicate a serious infection or a dangerous location.
Yes, abscess symptoms can differ by location. For example, a skin abscess usually causes a visible lump, while a dental or internal abscess may cause pain, swelling, fever, or pressure without an obvious skin lesion.
Yes, abscess symptoms can look similar to a boil because both may cause a red, painful, pus-filled lump. A boil is often a smaller skin infection, while an abscess may be deeper or larger.
Common abscess symptoms in a dental abscess include tooth pain, gum swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, bad taste in the mouth, facial swelling, and sometimes fever.
Yes, abscess symptoms often include redness and warmth over the affected area. These signs happen because the body sends blood and immune cells to fight the infection.
Without treatment, abscess symptoms often persist or worsen rather than resolving on their own. The lump may grow, become more painful, and the infection may spread.
Yes, abscess symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes near the infected area. This can happen as the immune system reacts to the infection.
Typical abscess symptoms of a forming skin abscess include a tender, firm lump that becomes softer in the center, increased redness, warmth, and eventual pus buildup. The area may also throb.
Yes, abscess symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell, especially if the infection is more severe. These symptoms may occur along with fever or body aches.
Abscess symptoms in children are often similar to those in adults, including swelling, redness, pain, warmth, and sometimes fever. Children may also be more irritable or have trouble eating or sleeping.
Symptoms of a deep internal abscess may include persistent pain, fever, chills, weakness, poor appetite, and swelling or pressure in the affected body part. The symptoms depend on the organ or tissue involved.
Yes, abscess symptoms can improve temporarily if pressure changes or the abscess partially drains, but the infection may still be present. Medical evaluation is often needed to treat the underlying cause.
Abscess symptoms require emergency attention if there is trouble breathing, severe facial or throat swelling, high fever, rapid spread of redness, severe weakness, or signs of blood infection such as confusion. These can be life-threatening.
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