abscess

Collection of pus in solid tissue forming in response to infection. Its presence is signalled by pain and inflammation.

The infection causes tissue destruction in a circumscribed area and leucocytes (white blood cells) aggregate, forming pus. Eventual resolution occurs in most instances, with absorption of the debris, but occasionally the abscess may discharge through a sinus onto the skin surface.

Most abscesses are due to infection by Staphylococcus (as in the boil), but other bacteria are sometimes associated. Abscesses may occur in any part of the body, in any organ, and in many instances surgical intervention is required. The bacteria are usually susceptible to antibiotics, but their action depends on an adequate blood supply to the site of inflammation. Thus the drugs will not reach a large abscess, which has no blood supply, and surgical drainage will be required. A cold abscess is one caused by tuberculosis.