0
A skin abscess is a collection of pus and infected material in or on the skin.
Alternative NamesAbscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsSkin abscesses are fairly common. They occur when an infection causes pus and infected material to collect in the skin.
Skin abscesses may occur after:
- A bacterial infection (often staphylococcus)
- A minor wound or injury
- Boils
- Folliculitis
Skin abscesses may occur anywhere on the body. They affect people of all ages.
Symptoms- Fever or chills, in some cases
- Local swelling, hardening of tissue (induration)
- Skin lesion
- Open or closed sore, domed nodule
- Red
- May drain fluid
- Tender and warm affected area
Your doctor can diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the area. A culture or examination of any drainage from the lesion may help identify what organism is causing it.
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to cure the infection. The doctor may cut and drain the abscess to clean the area and control the infection. Antibiotics are given by mouth to control the infection.
Heat (such as warm compresses) may speed healing, reduce inflammation, and make the area feel better. Raise the affected part to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Expectations (prognosis)Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment.
Complications- Prevention of the proper functioning of nearby tissues
- Spread of infection around the same area or throughout the body
- Spread of infection through the bloodstream, causing:
- Abscess formation on the joints or other locations
- Endocarditis
- Many new abscesses ("seeding" of infection)
- Osteomyelitis
- Tissue death (gangrene)
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any signs of skin infection, including:
- Drainage of any kind
- Fever
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
Also call for an appointment if you develop new symptoms during or after treatment for a skin abscess.
PreventionPrevent and watch for bacterial infections. Keep the skin around minor wounds clean and dry. Consult the health care provider if you develop signs of infection. Treat minor infections promptly.
What else can I help you with?
What do you mean by gluteal abscess?
Gluteal abscess is a collection of pus lined by inflammatory tissue that is in not in the immediate location of the anus (perianal abscess), but rather just below the skin in the areas covered by the Gluteus maximus and minimus muscles.
The skin infection associated with melioidosis may spread to what tissue?
The skin infection associated with melioidosis may spread to the underlying soft tissues, such as muscles, leading to a condition known as subcutaneous melioidosis. This can result in severe inflammation, abscess formation, and potentially systemic dissemination of the infection.
What could cause a deep abscess or hole in your hip?
A deep abscess or hole in your hip may be caused by an infection that has progressed, such as a bacterial infection from an untreated wound or surgery. Other potential causes include foreign objects entering the skin and causing damage, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes that can impair wound healing and increase infection risk. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are important to prevent complications.
What do you call a boil on your bottom?
Some boils on the tailbone are called Pilonidal (Pie-Low-Nye-Dal) Cysts or Abscesses.
What are the causes of a gluteal abscess?
it is collection of pus in subcutaneous plane of gluteal area .it is most likely result from fat necrosis (by trauma ,frequently injection ) superimposed by bacterial infection (mostly staphyllococcal ) .there is history of intramuscular injection followed by painfull swelling and redness .treatment is drainage
What is a cat abscess?
A cat abscess is the name for an infection that festers under the skin and breaks open. Most abscess's are from cat fights.
What is commonly known as a boil of the skin?
abscess
What is commonly known as a boil of a skin?
abscess
What is commonly known a boil of the skin?
abscess
How does an abscess spread?
the spreading follows the path of least resistance--the tissues most easily digested. A good example is an abscess just beneath the skin. It most easily continues along beneath the skin
What is the medical term meaning localized elevation of the skin that is a sign of a local inflammation?
abscess
What is the medical billing code 10060 used for?
Incision and drainage of skin or subcutaneous abscess
What is the medical term meaning pus-forming bacterial skin infection?
The medical term meaning a pus forming bacterial skin infection is pyogenic infection. An abscess is a single focus of collection of pus covered by a thin layer and can be found both outside on the skin and inside (eg: Liver abscess). An abscess can easily be treated with certain antibiotics.
What section of the CPT manual would you find the code for a superficial abscess of the skin of the penis?
Integumentary
What do you mean by gluteal abscess?
Gluteal abscess is a collection of pus lined by inflammatory tissue that is in not in the immediate location of the anus (perianal abscess), but rather just below the skin in the areas covered by the Gluteus maximus and minimus muscles.
What is pilondal cyst?
A pilonidal cyst is a cyst or abscess near or on the top of the buttocks that often contains hair and skin debris.
Is breast abscess breast cancer?
A breast abscess (also called a breast infection) is a pus-filled area under the skin, similar to a boil. Engorgement, which occurs during breast feeding, mastitis or a plugged duct can lead to an abscess. Treatment is usually surgical drainage and a course of antibiotics.
