Skin abscess

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Skin layers

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Skin abscess

Alternative Names:

Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. The doctor may cut and drain the abscess to clean the area and control the infection. Antibiotics such as dicloxacillin are given to control the infection.

Heat (such as warm compresses) may speed healing, reduce inflammation, and make the area feel better. Elevate the affected part to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment.

Complications:

Spread of infection around the same area
Prevention of the proper functioning of nearby tissues
Gangrene (tissue death)
Spread of infection through the bloodstream, causing:
- Endocarditis
- Osteomyelitis
- Multiple new abscesses ("seeding" of infection)
- Abscess formation on the joints, pleura, or other locations

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any signs of skin infection occur -- including fever, pain, redness, swelling, or drainage of any kind.

Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if new symptoms develop during or after treatment of a skin abscess.

Review Date: 10/29/2004
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.