When to Seek Medical Care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur with an abscess:

• The sore is larger than 1 cm or one-half inch across.



• The sore continues to enlarge or becomes more painful.



• The person has an underlying illness such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, leukemia, sickle cell disease, or peripheral vascular disease.



• The person is an IV drug abuser.



• The person is on steroid therapy, chemotherapy, or dialysis.



• The sore is on or near the rectal or groin area.



• The person has a fever of 100.4°F or higher.

Go to a hospital's emergency department if any of these conditions occur with an abscess:

• Fever of 102°F or higher, or vomiting, especially if the person has a chronic disease or is on steroids, chemotherapy, or dialysis



• The person has a spreading red streak on the skin originating from the abscess



• Any facial abscess larger than 1 cm or one-half inch across