Abscess Symptoms

The symptoms of an abscess vary depending on the location of the abscess, but in general, individuals will experience the following:

• Most often, an abscess becomes a painful, compressible mass that is red, warm to the touch, and tender.



• As an abscess progresses, it may "point" and come to a head. Pustular drainage and spontaneous rupture may occur.



• Most abscesses will continue to get worse without care and proper incision and drainage. The infection can potentially spread to deeper tissues, and even into the bloodstream.



• If the infection spreads, fever, nausea, vomiting, increasing pain, and increasing skin redness may develop.