Skin Abscess (Furunculosis)

A skin abscess is a painful, pus-filled lump that forms under the skin due to a bacterial infection, often starting in a hair follicle (a boil, or furuncle). Most are minor but can become more serious if they enlarge or spread.

• A painful, red, swollen lump under the skin that may feel warm to touch
• The lump often develops a visible head and may drain pus, either on its own or after treatment
• Fever can occur with larger abscesses or spreading infection
• Multiple boils occurring close together (a carbuncle) can cause more significant illness

• Most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria entering through a hair follicle or small break in the skin.
• Risk is increased by poor hygiene, skin friction or shaving, diabetes, obesity, and a weakened immune system.
• Can occur anywhere on the body but is common in areas prone to friction and sweating, such as the neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs.

• Diagnosed clinically based on the characteristic painful, swollen, pus-filled lump.
• Recurrent or unusually large or numerous abscesses may prompt further evaluation for an underlying contributing factor, such as diabetes.

Incision and drainage — a minor procedure to open and drain the abscess — is the primary treatment for most abscesses and is often more important than antibiotics alone for larger lesions.

An oral antibiotic is added for larger abscesses, those with surrounding cellulitis, fever, or in people with diabetes or weakened immunity.

Warm compresses applied several times a day can help a smaller abscess come to a head and drain on its own.

Abscesses should not be squeezed or lanced at home, as this can push infection deeper or spread it; a health worker should perform drainage using sterile technique.

• Practise good hygiene, including regular washing and prompt cleaning of cuts or skin breaks.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as razors or towels.
• Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes well, as they increase infection risk.
• Seek medical care for a lump that is enlarging, very painful, or associated with fever rather than attempting to drain it at home.