Abscess (boil)

An abs­cess is an encap­su­la­ted coll­ec­tion of pus in or under the skin, usual­ly cau­sed by bac­te­ria that pene­tra­te through small inju­ries. Typi­cal sym­ptoms are a pain­ful, red­den­ed swel­ling that beco­mes warm and can grow lar­ger; some­ti­mes accom­pa­nied by fever or a strong fee­ling of ill­ness. Important: do not squeeze it out yours­elf, as the inflamm­a­ti­on can wor­sen. Seek medi­cal advice if it is on the face, very pain­ful, grows rapidly or gene­ral sym­ptoms occur.