An abscess is a localized collection of pus in any part of the body, caused by an infection. It is encountered when the infection becomes localised in a particular area.

Abscesses can be seen in any system and can affect any organ.

Abscesses are normally described on the basis of their origin. For eg. Amebic Liver Abscess, Peri anal abscess etc. Abscesses may be acute or chronic. The latter are typified by the cold abscess of Tuberculosis infection.

Abscesses are caused by obstruction of oil (sebaceous) glands or sweat glands, inflammation of Hair follicles, or from minor breaks and punctures of the skin. Germs get under the Skin or into these glands, which causes an inflammatory response as your body's defenses try to kill these germs. White blood cells, the body's defense against some types of infection, migrate through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process "pus" forms, which is an accumulation of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign invaders or materials. Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by infectious organisms, parasites, and foreign materials.

Symptoms often depend on whereabouts in the body the abscess occurs. A skin abscess may appear as an open wound or sore, or as a smooth lump under the skin. The area may be warm and tender to touch. People with white or pale skin may notice that the skin around the area is reddened. Abscess in other parts of the body, such as the liver, anus, Rectum, Vagina, tonsils, brain and spinal cord, are less obvious. However, there is often pain in the affected area and a general feeling of illness, with Fever, sweats, chills and general aches and pains. Abscesses in the brain or Spinal Cord can affect your mental health, causing drowsiness or confusion for example. Any symptoms that affect your mental health require urgent medical attention.

Sometimes an FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy) is done to extract pus and send for culture test to find out the infecting organism. An abscess on an internal organ such as the Liver or Brain may be diagnosed by X-ray or scanning. Sometimes an operation is needed to detect it.

You can prevent skin abscesses by washing your skin at least once a day with water and soap. Take care when shaving your face, legs, underarms or pubic area to avoid nicking your skin. Clean the wound immediately and visit your doctor if you think there may be something trapped in the wound. You can prevent tooth abscesses by avoiding sugary foods and drinks, brushing your Teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and having regular dental check-ups.

The symptoms clear when the abscess is drained. Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not cure an abscess. In general an abscess must be opened and drained in order for it to improve. Sometimes draining occurs on its own, but generally a doctor in a procedure called incision and drainage must open it

Most abscess are treatable but take a longer time to heal in people whose immunity is weakened e.g. AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Tuberculosis etc.

When an abscess involves a vital organ, seek medical assistance promptly and prevent any complication. Septicemia is the commonest manifestation of an abscess.