An abscess is a collection of pus which can occur in tissues, organs or confined spaces in the body. The pus within the abscess is composed of leukocytes (white blood cells), dead and decomposing cells and the causative microorganism. In most cases, an abscess is caused by bacteria – bacterial infection. An abscess is walled off by connective tissue and inflamed tissue from surrounding areas of the body.
An abscess may not heal unless it is drained, either by incision and drainage or fine needle aspiration. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary to assist with healing and preventing a recurrence of the infection. In some cases, an abscess may resolve spontaneously without drainage or treatment. This is usually slow and the pus is gradually broken down into a thin sterile fluid. This is then resorbed into the bloodstream.
