Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Abscess?
A primary care doctor can diagnose and treat most skin abscesses. A dermatologist (a skin doctor) or a surgeon may help with large ones. An infectious disease doctor (a doctor who treats infections) may help when a germ like MRSA is involved. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus. Pus is a buildup of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria (germs) or other foreign substances. When a part of your body gets infected, your immune system (the body's defense system) tries to fight and contain it. White blood cells move into the damaged tissue and pus forms. The area around an abscess is usually swollen and inflamed.
Abscesses can form in almost any part of the body. The skin, the area under the skin, and the space around the teeth are the most common spots. Skin abscesses are easy to see. They are red, raised, and painful. Abscesses deep inside the body may not be seen, but they may cause organ damage.
Symptoms
Signs of a skin abscess often include:
- Local swelling around the infected spot.
- Hardened skin tissue over the area.
- Redness, tenderness, and warmth.
- An open or closed sore, or a raised area.
- Fluid or pus draining from the spot.
Fever or chills happen in some cases.
Causes and who gets it
Skin abscesses are common and affect people of all ages. They happen when an infection causes pus to collect in the skin. The cause is often a bacterial infection (an infection caused by germs), and it is often staphylococcus (staph).
A skin abscess may form after a minor wound or injury, a boil, or folliculitis (an infection in a hair follicle, the tiny pocket that holds a hair). Abscesses can also come from parasites (tiny living things) and foreign substances. Abscesses can be caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of staph germ. Infections caused by MRSA respond to specific antibiotics.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor can diagnose a skin abscess by looking at the affected area. The visit includes a physical exam focused on your symptoms. Often, a sample of fluid is taken from the abscess and tested to see what germ is causing the problem. This lab test is called a culture.
Tests to locate an abscess include ultrasound (a scan that uses sound waves), CT scan (a detailed x-ray), and MRI scan (a scan that uses magnets). An x-ray is used mainly for a tooth abscess.
Treatment
Often, a doctor needs to cut open the abscess and drain the pus. Numbing medicine is put on or into your skin. Packing material may be left in the wound to help it heal. Contact your doctor if you think you have an abscess, because it often needs to be drained. Antibiotics (medicines that kill germs) can also be used, and you may need to take them by mouth to control the infection. Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment.
At home, you can apply moist heat, such as warm compresses, to help a skin abscess drain and heal faster. Do not push and squeeze on the abscess.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if you have any sign of a skin infection. These include drainage of any kind, fever, pain, redness, and swelling. Contact your doctor right away if you develop new symptoms during or after treatment of a skin abscess. An abscess can lead to complications, like spread of the infection in the same area or into the blood and throughout the body. It can also cause tissue death (gangrene). Call 911 or go to the emergency room if an infection brings rapid breathing and heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, extreme pain, fever, shivering, feeling very cold, or clammy or sweaty skin. These can be signs of sepsis, the body's overactive and extreme response to an infection. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you think you have a tooth abscess, contact your dentist.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can examine the lump and start simple treatment, like warm compresses. The doctor can also refer you to a surgeon or skin doctor if you need a procedure, and follow the area as it heals.
Common questions
What causes a skin abscess?
It happens when an infection causes pus to collect in the skin. The cause is often a bacterial infection, and it is often staphylococcus. A skin abscess may form after a minor wound or injury, a boil, or an infected hair follicle.
How is a skin abscess treated?
Often, a doctor cuts it open and drains the pus after numbing the area. Antibiotics by mouth may be needed to control the infection. Warm compresses can help it drain and heal faster. Do not push and squeeze on the abscess.
What is MRSA?
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph germ. Abscesses can be caused by MRSA. Infections caused by MRSA respond to specific antibiotics.
When should I call a doctor about an abscess?
Contact your doctor if you see signs of skin infection, like drainage, fever, pain, redness, or swelling. Call right away if new symptoms show up during or after treatment.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
