A to Z: Abscessenparentshttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/headers/P-khAZDictionary-enHD-AR1.jpgAn abscess is a collection of pus that forms as part of the body's response to an infection.abscess, boil, carbuncle, furuncle, cutaneous abscess, skin abscess, brain abscess, peritonsillar abscess, infection, white blood cells, immune system, bacteria, tooth abscess01/11/201303/18/201909/02/2019480dce88-2a7e-4338-9e1b-663fbe6b9f9bhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-abscess.html/<p><a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/dictionary/"><img class="right" title="Parents image" src="https://kidshealth.org/EN/images/buttons/P-atoZDictionary-enBT.jpg" alt="A to Z Dictionary 500 Go" name="5093-P_ATOZDICTIONARY2_ENBT.JPG" /></a></p>
<p><strong>May also be called: Boil; Carbuncle; Furuncle</strong></p>
<p>An <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/abscess.html/">abscess</a> (AB-sess) is a collection of pus that forms as part of the body's response to an infection.</p>
<h3>More to Know</h3>
<p>Abscesses form after bacteria, fungi, or other germs enter the body — usually through an open wound like a cut — and cause an <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/infections/">infection</a>. When this happens, the <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/immune.html/">immune system</a> sends white blood cells to fight the infection. It's these white blood cells, along with other debris, that can collect in the wound and make pus. When pus collects, sometimes it can't drain out and the area begins to hurt.</p>
<p>Abscesses usually are red, swollen, and warm to the touch, and they might leak fluid. They can develop on top of or under the skin, in a tooth, or deep inside the body.</p>
<p><img title="abscess illustration" src="https://kidshealth.org/EN/images/illustrations/abscess-415x233-rd4-enIL.png" alt="abscess illustration" name="4620-ABSCESSXSEC_415X233_RD4_ENIL.PNG" /></p>
<p>Some abscesses heal with simple treatment at home, but more serious cases can require a hospital stay. An abscess should be examined by a health care provider to determine the best treatment.</p>
<h3>Keep in Mind</h3>
<p>In general, skin abscesses will drain and heal with no long-term problems. Other abscesses are treated with antibiotics or a minor procedure or surgery to help drain the abscess. Good hygiene can help prevent skin and tooth abscesses.</p>
<p><em>All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.</em></p>A to Z: Abscess, DentalSee: Abscess, Periapical.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-abscess-dental.html/787955a1-2293-4959-a536-bda6ea536d3dA to Z: Abscess, PeriapicalA periapical abscess is a collection of infected material (pus) that forms at the tip of the root of a tooth.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-abscess-periapical.html/1cf79572-10da-47c9-87f1-2e855455e103A to Z: Abscess, SkinA skin abscess forms when bacteria get under the skin.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-abscess-skin.html/3cb037da-3c6c-4c02-816d-7ffe8d9d676aAbscessAn abscess is a sign of an infection, usually on the skin. Find out what to do if your child develops one.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/abscess.html/f31fd7e9-3f18-41b3-9409-0075181f6ca4CellulitisCellulitis is a skin infection that involves areas of tissue just below the skin's surface. It can affect any part of the body, but it's most common on exposed areas, such as the face, arms, or lower legs.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/cellulitis.html/11d03e5b-f1ac-42bc-95b9-8ed4436e5326Cuts, Scratches, and ScrapesMost small cuts, scrapes, or abrasions heal on their own. Here are tips for teens on how to treat cuts at home - and when to get medical help.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/cuts.html/8a67c334-f7b8-4aeb-ba0b-d40c0329c38aDealing With CutsFind out how to handle minor cuts at home - and when to get medical care for a more serious injury.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/bleeding.html/dd98d89c-e30e-4b99-8178-bb65cc8e9c3dMRSAMRSA is a type of bacteria that the usual antibiotics can't tackle anymore. Simple precautions can help protect your kids from becoming infected.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/mrsa.html/45242956-043b-400a-8ac7-cce1891a9c43ParonychiaParonychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. Most of the time, it's not serious. Find out what causes it, what to do, and how to prevent it.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/paronychia.html/da6edce0-bdf2-4523-98f7-5900d8224608Peritonsillar AbscessA peritonsillar abscess is an area of pus-filled tissue at the back of the mouth, next to one of the tonsils. Find out how it happens and what to do.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/peritonsillar-abscess.html/53c0cdfe-b374-4d71-827c-fdd5c5f01133Wound Drainage CultureDoctors order wound drainage cultures when they suspect wounds are infected.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/wound-culture.html/bbce2001-ae3d-4a2c-bda5-45a15e1ecbf0Wound Healing and CareHow well a wound heals depends on where it is on the body and what caused it – as well as how well someone cares for the wound at home. Find out what to do in this article for teens.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/wounds.html/8698279b-71fb-496e-a138-9564f07e71f2kh:age-allAgesOrAgeAgnostickh:clinicalDesignation-generalPediatricskh:clinicalDesignation-infectiousDiseasekh:genre-dictionarykh:primaryClinicalDesignation-generalSurgeryAhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/dictionary/a/891958dd-782d-4b8e-b649-d7c34f646eechttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/buttons/P-atoZDictionary-enBT.jpghttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/illustrations/abscess-415x233-rd4-enIL.png