(HealthDay News) -- A skin abscess occurs when pus and infected material accumulate in an area of the skin.
An abscess may be red, warm, swollen, and hard, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). The area may also be oozing fluid. Without a doctor's treatment, the bacterial infection that caused the abscess can spread to the bloodstream and throughout the body, leading to severe complications.
Treatment probably will include a prescription antibiotic, and draining the fluid and thoroughly cleansing the infection site.
A warm compress can help alleviate pain and reduce any inflammation. Elevating the affected body part also may help, the NLM says.
