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What an abscess is
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection. It can develop in the skin, gums, teeth, or deeper inside the body.
Common signs include swelling, redness, pain, warmth, and sometimes a fever. Some abscesses may also leak pus or feel tender to the touch.
What happens if it is left untreated
If an abscess is not treated, the infection can get worse over time. The swelling and pain may increase, and the area can become more inflamed.
In some cases, the abscess may burst on its own. This might release pus and ease the pressure for a short time, but it does not mean the infection has gone away.
Risk of the infection spreading
One of the main dangers of an untreated abscess is that the infection can spread to nearby tissue. This can cause more pain, larger areas of swelling, and further damage.
The infection may also enter the bloodstream in serious cases. This can become a medical emergency and may lead to sepsis, which needs urgent hospital treatment.
Possible complications
Untreated abscesses can lead to complications depending on where they are. A dental abscess, for example, may spread to the jaw, face, or neck and make it difficult to eat or swallow.
Skin abscesses can form tunnels under the skin or keep coming back if the infection is not properly treated. Deep abscesses inside the body may damage organs or nearby structures.
When to get medical help
You should seek advice from a GP, NHS 111, or a dentist if you think you have an abscess. Early treatment can prevent the infection from becoming more serious.
Get urgent help if you have a high temperature, feel very unwell, have rapidly spreading redness, or are struggling to breathe or swallow. These can be signs that the infection is spreading.
Why treatment matters
Most abscesses need proper treatment to drain the pus and clear the infection. This may involve antibiotics, drainage, or dental treatment, depending on the cause.
Getting treatment early usually means less pain, a lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery. If you suspect an abscess, it is best not to wait and see if it improves on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
An abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms due to infection.
If an abscess is not treated, the infection may spread to surrounding tissues and possibly enter the bloodstream.
Yes, an untreated abscess can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Symptoms include increased pain, swelling, redness, fever, and possibly pus drainage.
Yes, the ongoing infection can destroy nearby tissues and cause permanent damage.
No, not all abscesses burst on their own, and some may continue to grow or become more painful.
Yes, chronic or untreated abscesses can sometimes create fistulas, which are abnormal passages to other areas.
In rare cases, small abscesses may drain and heal without treatment, but most require medical intervention.
Yes, the infection can spread to the bone, causing osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection.
Most abscesses are painful, but some deeper or internal abscesses may not be felt initially.
A dental abscess can lead to tooth loss, jawbone infection, and spread of bacteria to other parts of the body.
Chronic infection from an untreated abscess can strain and weaken the immune system.
Yes, in severe cases, untreated abscesses can cause life-threatening complications such as sepsis and organ failure.
Complications can develop within days to weeks depending on the location, size, and type of abscess.
Yes, bacteria from an abscess can enter the bloodstream causing bacteremia or sepsis.
Yes, if the infection spreads or causes systemic illness, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be required.
Chronic inflammation and tissue destruction from untreated abscesses can lead to significant scarring.
Yes, children can suffer serious complications from untreated abscesses and should be seen by a healthcare professional.
You should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible to get appropriate treatment.
Antibiotics are often not enough without draining the abscess, as pus may prevent medication from reaching the infection.
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