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What is an abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when the body tries to fight an infection. It usually develops as a swollen, painful lump and may feel warm to the touch.
Abscesses can happen in different parts of the body. Some are easy to see on the skin, while others form deeper inside and may cause more general symptoms such as fever or feeling unwell.
Skin abscesses
One of the most common places for an abscess to form is just under the skin. These often start after bacteria enter through a cut, bite, blocked pore, or infected hair follicle.
Skin abscesses can appear anywhere, but they are often seen on the armpits, buttocks, groin, face, or limbs. They may become red, swollen, and painful before eventually draining pus.
In the mouth and teeth
Abscesses can also form in the mouth, especially around the teeth or gums. A dental abscess usually develops when tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury allows bacteria to get in.
These abscesses may cause severe toothache, swelling in the face or jaw, and pain when chewing. They should be checked by a dentist promptly, as untreated dental infections can spread.
Inside the body
Some abscesses form deeper in the body and are not visible from the outside. These can affect organs or spaces between tissues, such as the abdomen, liver, brain, or lungs.
Internal abscesses may cause symptoms like fever, chills, pain, tiredness, or swelling in the affected area. Because they are harder to spot, they often need scans or other tests to diagnose.
Around the anus and genital area
Abscesses can also develop around the anus or in the groin and genital area. These may be linked to blocked glands, infected skin, or conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
They can be very painful, especially when sitting or going to the toilet. Medical attention is important if the area becomes swollen, hot, or starts leaking pus.
When to get help
Most abscesses need treatment, and some may need to be drained by a healthcare professional. In the UK, you should contact your GP, NHS 111, or a dentist if you think you have an abscess.
Seek urgent help if you have a fever, severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, or trouble swallowing or breathing. These can be signs that the infection is getting worse or spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abscesses can form almost anywhere in the body, including the skin, internal organs, and tissues.
Yes, skin abscesses are common and often appear as swollen, pus-filled lumps under the skin.
Yes, dental abscesses can form in the gums, teeth, or surrounding areas of the mouth.
Yes, internal organs such as the liver, brain, lungs, and kidneys can develop abscesses.
Perianal abscesses occur near the anus and rectum.
Yes, abscesses can develop in the armpit area, often due to infections of sweat glands.
Yes, breast abscesses can develop, especially in breastfeeding women due to infections.
Yes, scalp abscesses may occur, often resulting from infections or blocked hair follicles.
Yes, brain abscesses are rare but serious, caused by infections spreading to brain tissues.
Liver abscesses form within the liver tissue due to bacterial or parasitic infections.
Yes, lung abscesses may form when lung tissue becomes infected and pus collects.
Yes, kidney abscesses can form as a result of severe urinary tract infections.
Yes, abscesses can occur in the abdominal cavity or within abdominal organs.
Yes, abscesses are sometimes found in the groin, particularly where hair follicles or glands become infected.
Yes, abscesses often form on the buttocks, especially after blocked glands or follicles become infected.
Yes, spinal or epidural abscesses can form along the vertebral column and surrounding tissues.
Abscesses can develop in reproductive organs, such as ovarian or tubo-ovarian abscesses in women.
Yes, abscesses may form in the feet or toes, especially from injuries or ingrown toenails.
Yes, abscesses can develop in and around the eyes, including the eyelid or eye socket.
Yes, muscle abscesses, also called intramuscular abscesses, occur when infections take hold in muscle tissue.
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