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Skin abscess

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess

Treatment:

The 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 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:

• Spread of infection around the same area
• Prevention of the proper functioning of nearby tissues
• Gangrene (tissue death)
• Spread of infection through the bloodstream, causing:
  • Endocarditis
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Multiple new abscesses ("seeding" of infection)
  • Abscess formation on the joints, pleura, or other locations

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any signs of skin infection occur -- including fever, pain, redness, swelling, or drainage of any kind.

Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if new symptoms develop during or after treatment of a skin abscess.

• Review Date: 10/16/2006
• Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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