An abscess is an accumulation of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. A bacterial infection may lead to an abscess in several ways. For example, using a contaminated needle can introduce ...

A skin abscess is a bump within or below the skin’s surface. It is usually full of pus, painful, and may feel thick and swollen. This is typically caused by a bacterial infection. A skin abscess may ...

Almost 90% of all anal abscesses are caused by blocked glands that become infected. The most common type of anal abscess is a perianal abscess, which typically appears as a painful swelling near the ...

A 24-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a three-day history of worsening sore throat, pain with swallowing and fever. She had been seen by her primary care physician one day ...

A peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that usually begins as a complication of untreated strep throat or tonsillitis. A pus-filled pocket forms near one of your tonsils. It can cause pain ...

A boil, or skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess ...

A pyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled sac in the liver that occurs due to infection or injury. Treatment involves antibiotics to address the infection. Drainage may also be necessary to help ...

A subareolar abscess is a lump that forms on the breast. This lump can be painful and include swelling. The bump is a collection of pus. Subareolar abscesses can be painful. They can make your breast ...