Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
A skin abscess is a collection of pus and infected material in or on the skin.
Alternative Names
Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Skin 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.
Images
Skin layers
Next Section
Skin abscess Symptoms
Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
