An abscess is a pocket of pus under the skin. Most abscesses are caused by an infection that develops in a cut or wound. It is made up of pus and white blood cells that the body sends to fight the infection.

Abscesses can develop anywhere on the skin, deeper inside the skin or in a tooth. Children are more likely to get an abscess when they don’t properly clean or care for their cuts.

Would you like to schedule an appointment with Pediatric Surgery?

Schedule

What are the signs and symptoms of an abscess?

Common symptoms of an abscess include:

  • An area on the skin that looks like a pimple and may leak fluid
  • Skin that is red or swollen
  • A bump on the skin that may be painful or tender
  • Fever and chills (from the infection)

What causes an abscess?

Most abscesses are caused when an infection develops in a cut or wound. In some cases, they can be caused when a foreign body, like dirt or a hair, gets caught in a cut.

How are abscesses treated?

Treatment for abscesses can vary based on how severe the infection is, and may include surgical or non-surgical options. Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for an abscess.

  • Antibiotic medicines can treat the infection.
  • The doctor may drain the pus from the abscess by making a small cut in it.
  • Sometimes surgery is needed to drain the pus from a large abscess.