Abscess
Abscesses are filled with pus and can occur anywhere on your body. They can be painful. Learn about types of abscesses and how they are treated.
An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body’s immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue.
Bacteria, viruses, parasites and swallowed objects can all lead to abscesses. Skin abscesses are easy to detect. They are red, raised and painful. Abscesses inside your body may not be obvious and can damage organs, including the brain, lungs and others. Treatments include drainage and antibiotics.
Studied by: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health)
Official medical term (MeSH): Abscess
Official medical term (MeSH): Abscess
Official source: U.S. National Library of Medicine, via MedlinePlus. Category: Infections.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician, dentist, or veterinarian with any questions about a health condition — never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. Do not self-medicate. In an emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
