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 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 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 ...

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 ...

Spinal epidural abscess is an infection in the epidural space. Patients typically present with localized back or neck pain (or both) that is accompanied by fever or neurologic symptoms. Magnetic ...

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 peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues of the throat next to one of the tonsils. An abscess is a collection of pus that forms near an area of infected skin or other soft tissue. The abscess can ...