Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What Is The Pathophysiology of An Abscess
What Is The Pathophysiology of An Abscess
What Is The Pathophysiology of An Abscess
A skin abscess is a localized collection of pus that generally • As an abscess progresses, it may "point" and come to a
develops in response to infection or to the presence of other head. Pustular drainage and spontaneous rupture may
foreign materials under the skin. An abscess is typically painful, occur.
and it appears as a swollen area that is warm to the touch. The skin
surrounding an abscess typically appears pink or red.
Abscesses can develop in many parts of the body, but they usually
involve the skin surface. Skin abscesses are often referred to as • Most abscesses will continue to get worse without care
boils. Common sites affected include the armpits, groin, rectal area and proper incision and drainage. The infection can
(perirectal abscess), the external vaginal area (Bartholin's abscess), potentially spread to deeper tissues and even into the
and along the tailbone (pilonidal abscess). Inflammation bloodstream.
surrounding hair follicles or sweat glands can lead to the formation
of abscesses, as well. Abscesses can also affect the brain, kidneys,
liver (hepatic abscess), lungs, breast, neck, teeth (dental abscess),
and tonsils (peritonsillar abscess).
• If the infection spreads, fever, nausea, vomiting,
Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not typically cure a increasing pain, and increasing skin redness may
skin abscess. In general, abscesses must open and drain to develop.
improve. Although sometimes an abscess will open and drain