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February 9, 2012
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Abscess (cont.)

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Skin Abscess Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of a skin 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.


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