What is an Abscess and What Causes It?

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms within the tissues of the body, usually due to an infection. The pus consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. When your body’s immune system is fighting an infection, white blood cells are sent to the affected area, causing inflammation and leading to the formation of a pocket filled with pus.

Abscesses can develop anywhere on the body, such as the skin, mouth, internal organs, or deeper tissues. They often appear as swollen, red, and painful lumps, and the skin over an abscess may feel warm to the touch. If left untreated, an abscess can enlarge, and the infection may spread, leading to more serious health problems.

At Fast Aid Urgent Care, our experienced medical providers can quickly evaluate and treat abscesses. Treatment typically involves draining the pus from the abscess and may also require antibiotics to clear the underlying infection. Prompt care is important to relieve pain, prevent complications, and promote healing.

Yes, an abscess can develop without an injury. While abscesses often form after an injury, such as a cut or scrape that introduces bacteria into the skin, they can also develop internally or in areas with no external injury. In these cases, the abscess is typically caused by an infection in a blocked gland, hair follicle, or due to conditions like dental infections, blocked sweat glands, or chronic skin conditions like acne.

Bacteria can enter the body through small openings, such as pores or hair follicles, or through existing medical conditions that weaken the immune system, like diabetes or inflammatory diseases. Even conditions like a blocked sebaceous gland or a clogged sweat pore can create an environment conducive to an abscess, as bacteria multiply and cause localized inflammation. Treatment often involves antibiotics and sometimes drainage, depending on the size and location of the abscess.

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms in response to an infection, most often caused by bacteria. If you have an abscess, you may notice a painful, swollen lump under your skin that feels warm or tender to the touch. The area may appear red, shiny, or stretched, and as the abscess progresses, you might see a white or yellow center where pus is building up. Sometimes, an abscess can drain on its own, releasing pus or fluid with an unpleasant odor.

In addition to these local symptoms, you might experience general signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or feeling unwell—especially if the abscess is large or located deeper within the body. Internal abscesses can cause more subtle symptoms, like pain in a specific area, unexplained fever, or swelling in regions such as the mouth or abdomen.

At Fast Aid Urgent Care, our experienced medical team can evaluate and treat abscesses promptly. We offer on-site diagnosis and safe procedures to drain abscesses when necessary, as well as prescribe antibiotics or further care if needed. If you suspect you have an abscess—especially if you have a fever, or if the area is rapidly growing, red, or extremely painful—don’t wait.

If an abscess is not treated promptly, the infection inside can worsen and spread to nearby tissues. Over time, the buildup of pus and bacteria may cause increased pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. Sometimes, the skin over the abscess may break open and drain pus, but this does not always mean the infection is fully resolved. Without proper medical care, the infection can spread deeper into the body and lead to serious complications, such as cellulitis, tissue damage, or even sepsis—a life-threatening infection that affects the entire body.

At Fast Aid Urgent Care, Dr. Curtis Grote, MD is skilled in diagnosing and treating abscesses. We can assess the severity of your infection and provide the most effective treatment, which may include incision and drainage to remove the pus, antibiotics to control the infection, and instructions for proper wound care to promote healing. By seeking timely care, you can reduce your risk of complications, effectively manage pain, and ensure the infection is properly treated to prevent it from recurring or spreading.

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