Abscess complication | Pus under the skin

Abscess complication

An abscess is an accumulation of pus surrounded by a capsule, which results from the melting of inflamed tissue. An abscess of the skin can occur as a complication of various inflammations of the skin (boils, carbuncles) or by operations and injections. The pathogen is in most cases the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinically, an abscess is characterized by redness and painful swelling, which can be accompanied by fever and chills. Increased inflammation values can be detected in the laboratory. An abscess must always be treated with antibiotics and usually also relieved by a puncture or surgical removal. An abscess heals spontaneously only slowly or not at all, since the bacteria are surrounded by a capsule. Further complications such as blood poisoning may occur, so that immediate medical treatment is indicated.

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All articles in this series:

  1. Pus under the skin
  2. The Pimple
  3. The therapy of pus under the skin
  4. Abscess complication