Abscesses: Symptoms, Types and Treatment

An abscess is a painful collection of pus that usually develops because of an infection. Abscesses can form on or underneath the skin and can also develop around a tooth, in the breast, near the anus or, more rarely, inside the body.

Abscesses should not be ignored. Some can become larger, spread infection into nearby tissue or lead to a serious infection affecting the whole body.

When bacteria get into the body, the immune system sends infection-fighting cells to the area. A pocket can then form containing pus, which is made up of fluid, damaged tissue, bacteria and white blood cells. That pocket is an abscess.

Not every lump is an abscess. Cysts, swollen glands and other conditions can look and feel similar. Any lump that is unexplained, persistent, hard or growing should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than watched at home.

• a painful or tender lump
• warmth and swelling
• red or changed skin colour
• a soft centre or a feeling of fluid beneath the skin
• pus or unpleasant-smelling discharge
• fever, chills or feeling unwell

Skin abscesses and boils. These commonly appear on the face, neck, armpits, groin, buttocks, back or limbs. They often start as a small tender lump that becomes larger, warmer and more painful.

Dental abscesses. These occur in a tooth or the gum and can cause severe toothache, facial or jaw swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, fever and difficulty opening the mouth. A dental abscess needs urgent dental treatment. It will not disappear by itself, and a GP cannot provide dental treatment.

Breast abscesses. These can cause a painful, warm or swollen breast and may follow mastitis. Hospital assessment may be needed, and the pus often has to be drained by a healthcare professional.

Perianal abscesses. These develop near the anus and may cause constant throbbing pain, swelling, discharge or fever. Urgent medical assessment may be needed, and some people later develop an anal fistula — a small channel between the bowel and the skin that usually requires further treatment.

Internal abscesses. These can develop inside organs or body cavities and may not produce any visible lump. Symptoms depend on where the abscess is. A brain abscess is one rare but life-threatening example; it needs emergency hospital treatment.

Treatment depends on the size and location of the abscess. A healthcare professional may:

• examine the area
• arrange an ultrasound or another scan
• numb the area and drain the pus
• take a sample for laboratory testing
• prescribe antibiotics when appropriate
• refer the person to dental, breast, surgical or hospital services

Antibiotics alone do not always cure an abscess, because the pus may still need to be drained professionally. That is why it is important to be assessed rather than waiting for tablets to work.

• follow the wound-care instructions given by your clinician
• keep any dressing clean and dry
• wash your hands before and after touching the dressing
• dispose of used dressings safely
• use pain relief only as directed on the packet or by a healthcare professional
• seek medical advice if pain, swelling, discharge or fever worsens or returns

This page does not give instructions for draining an abscess at home, because that should only ever be done by a trained healthcare professional.

• NHS — Abscess (skin abscess information)
• NHS — Dental abscess
• NHS — Breast abscess
• NHS — Brain abscess
• NHS — Sepsis
• Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust — Perianal abscess
• NHS — Anal fistula
• NHS — Mastitis
• NHS — Hidradenitis suppurativa
• NHS — Cellulitis

This information is for general guidance and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. If you are worried about a lump, an infection or a wound, speak to your GP, dentist, pharmacist or NHS 111.

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