Overview
A cutaneous abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms within or under your skin, usually due to a bacterial infection. Think of it as a tender, swollen pocket that has developed because your body is fighting off germs.
These abscesses are typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, which enter the skin through a small cut, a hair follicle, or even an insect bite. Anyone can get a skin abscess, but they might be more common in individuals with certain skin conditions, weakened immune systems, or those living in close contact with others where bacteria can spread.
The bacteria causing the abscess can be contagious if someone comes into direct contact with the pus from an open abscess. Living with a skin abscess can be quite uncomfortable and painful, and we understand it can be worrying to see one develop on yourself or your child.
Symptoms
You might notice several signs if you have a cutaneous abscess. Here are some of the most common:
A painful, firm, or fluctuant (feeling like it's fluid-filled) lump - under the skin that may feel warm to the touch.
Redness and swelling - in the affected area, which may increase over a few days.
Often, a visible central point or "head" - may appear, which can be yellowish or whitish due to the underlying pus.
The area - is usually very tender or sore, especially when touched.
You might experience a throbbing sensation - in the area of the abscess.
In some cases, especially if the infection is more significant, you might develop a fever or feel generally unwell
(chills, fatigue).
The skin around the abscess - can feel tight.
Sometimes, the abscess - may start to drain pus on its own.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a cutaneous abscess usually involves a healthcare professional looking closely at the affected area of your skin.
Physical Examination: - Your doctor will typically examine the lump, noting its size, redness, warmth, and tenderness. They'll ask about your symptoms and how long you've had the lump.
Pus Sample (Culture): - In some situations, especially if abscesses keep coming back, if the infection seems severe, or if there's concern about specific types of bacteria like MRSA, your doctor might take a sample of the pus. This is done by gently swabbing the area if it's draining, or by collecting a sample if the abscess is surgically drained. This sample is sent to a lab to identify the exact bacteria causing the infection.
Management & Treatment
Dealing with a painful abscess can be concerning, but rest assured, effective treatments are available to help you heal. The main goal of treatment is to drain the pus from the abscess, which relieves pain and allows the skin to recover.
Some very small, minor abscesses might drain on their own with diligent home care. Applying a warm, moist compress to the area for 10-15 minutes, several times a day, can help the abscess come to a head and begin to drain. It's very important that you do not try to squeeze or pop the abscess yourself. This can push the infection deeper into your skin and make things much worse.
For most abscesses, a simple procedure called Incision and Drainage (I&D) is the most effective treatment. A healthcare professional will first numb the area so you are comfortable. Then, they will make a small incision to allow the pus to drain out completely. In some cases, the provider may pack the space with a special gauze to help it heal from the inside out.
Antibiotics may be prescribed after the drainage procedure, especially if the infection is spreading, if you have a fever, or if you have other health conditions that could make fighting the infection more difficult. However, antibiotics alone are usually not enough to cure an abscess without drainage.
You should start to feel much better within a couple of days of the abscess being drained. Complete healing usually takes about one to two weeks. Keeping the area clean and dry and following your doctor's wound care instructions are crucial for a smooth recovery.
If you notice the redness is spreading, the pain is getting worse, you develop a fever, or the abscess comes back, it's important to see a healthcare professional right away.
Duration & Outlook
A cutaneous abscess typically develops over several days and is considered an acute condition, meaning it comes on relatively quickly.
The timeline for healing can vary. If an abscess is small, it might sometimes be reabsorbed by the body or drain a tiny amount and resolve. However, many abscesses require medical intervention, such as drainage by a healthcare professional, to heal properly. After drainage, improvement is usually seen within a few days, with complete healing over one to two weeks.
The outlook is generally good once the abscess is appropriately managed. However, it's important to ensure the infection is fully resolved to prevent it from coming back or leading to complications.
Warning signs for complications
that need prompt medical attention include:
Rapidly spreading redness - around the abscess.
High fever - or chills.
Severe or worsening pain.
Red streaks - appearing on the skin leading away from the abscess.
If you start to feel very sick.
Prevention
While not all skin abscesses can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
Practice good personal hygiene. - Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching your skin, wounds, or using the bathroom.
Keep any cuts, scrapes, or breaks in the skin clean and covered - with a sterile bandage until they are healed.
Avoid squeezing or picking - at pimples, boils, or minor skin infections, as this can introduce bacteria or push existing bacteria deeper.
Do not share personal items - such as towels, razors, athletic equipment, or clothing, as bacteria can spread this way.
If you have dry skin or conditions like eczema that can cause skin cracking, keep your skin well-moisturized
to maintain its protective barrier.
Seek prompt attention
for minor skin infections to prevent them from worsening.
Causes & Triggers
The primary cause of a cutaneous abscess is a bacterial infection.
Bacteria: - The most common bacteria responsible is Staphylococcus aureus (often called "staph"), including the drug-resistant strain MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Other types of bacteria can also cause abscesses.
Entry Point: - These bacteria usually enter the skin through:
A hair follicle - (this can lead to a boil or furuncle, which is a type of abscess)
A cut, scrape, or puncture wound
An insect bite
Areas of inflamed skin - due to conditions like eczema or psoriasis
Common Triggers & How to Avoid Them:
Skin injury: - Any break in the skin can be an entry point. Protect your skin from injury, and clean any wounds promptly.
Blocked sweat or oil glands: - Good hygiene can help, but sometimes these blockages occur anyway.
Foreign bodies: - Splinters or other foreign objects embedded in the skin can lead to an abscess. Remove them carefully and cleanly if possible, or see a doctor.
Who is most likely to develop it? (Risk Factors):
Individuals with weakened immune systems - (due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive medications).
People with diabetes - as high blood sugar can impair the body's ability to fight infection.
Those with pre-existing skin conditions - like eczema, psoriasis, or severe acne, which can cause breaks in the skin.
Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions.
Close contact - with someone who has a staph infection or MRSA.
Poor circulation.
Obesity.
Intravenous drug use.
When to see a doctor:
It's important to seek medical advice for a suspected skin abscess, as trying to manage it yourself can sometimes make things worse. You should definitely see a doctor or dermatologist if:
The abscess - is larger than about half an inch (or 1 cm) across.
It's very painful - or continues to get bigger.
The redness - around the abscess is spreading.
You develop a fever - (100.4°F or 38°C or higher), chills, or feel generally unwell.
The abscess - is located on your face, neck, near your spine, or in the groin or rectal area. These areas are more sensitive and infections can sometimes be more serious.
You have multiple abscesses.
Abscesses - keep coming back (recurrent abscesses).
You have an underlying health condition - such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, or are on medications that suppress your immune system.
The abscess - doesn't improve after a few days or doesn't drain on its own.
You notice red streaks - leading away from the abscess (this could be a sign of a spreading infection called lymphangitis).
A gentle reminder:
Please do not try to squeeze, pop, or drain an abscess yourself. This can push the infection deeper into the skin, worsen the inflammation, cause it to spread, and lead to more significant scarring or complications. A healthcare professional can assess it and, if necessary, drain it safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is the difference between a pimple and an abscess? - A: While both involve inflammation and can contain pus, an abscess is generally larger, deeper, and more painful than a common pimple. Pimples typically involve a single blocked pore, while abscesses are infections that create a larger pocket of pus under the skin.
Q: Can an abscess go away on its own without draining? - A: Sometimes, a very small abscess might be reabsorbed by the body or drain a tiny amount and resolve. However, many skin abscesses require drainage to heal properly and to relieve pain. It's always best to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Q: Is a skin abscess always caused by being unclean? - A: Not necessarily. While good hygiene is important in preventing skin infections, abscesses can occur even in very clean individuals. Bacteria are naturally present on our skin, and any small break can allow them to enter and cause an infection if conditions are right.
Q: If an abscess drains on its own, do I still need to see a doctor? - A: It's often a good idea to still see a doctor, especially if it was a large abscess, very painful, or if you have any underlying health conditions. The doctor can ensure it's draining properly, check for signs of further infection, and advise on how to care for the area to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
Q: Are some people more prone to getting skin abscesses? - A: Yes, people with certain conditions like diabetes, weakened immune systems, specific skin conditions (like hidradenitis suppurativa), or those who are carriers of staph bacteria may be more prone to developing skin abscesses.
References
- Merck Manuals. (N/A). Cutaneous Abscess. Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/bacterial-skin-infections/cutaneous-abscess
- Michigan Medicine. (N/A). Abscess: Patient Education. Retrieved from https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/InternalMedicine/AbscessGeneral.pdf
- Healthline. (2023, March 16). Skin Abscess: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-abscess
- MedlinePlus. (2023, October 5). Skin abscess. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000863.htm
