Skin Abscess

What it is

A skin abscess is a pocket of pus that forms under the skin when bacteria invade a hair follicle, a small wound, or a cyst. It presents as a red, warm, painful lump that grows increasingly tense, sometimes with fever and malaise. It can appear anywhere, and is common in the armpits, groin, buttocks, perianal area, and areas of friction or hair removal. Ointments and antibiotics alone rarely resolve it: the essential treatment is drainage. At Femi Saúde, the general surgery team, with Dr. Henrique Stachon, performs the drainage in the office, under local anesthesia, and guides wound care and prevention of further episodes.

Most common symptoms

• Red, warm and painful lump
• Hardening that softens at the center
• Swelling that increases over a few days
• Spontaneous drainage of pus
• Fever and general malaise
• Swollen lymph nodes near the lesion

Causes and risk factors

• Bacteria naturally present on the skin (staphylococci)
• Folliculitis and ingrown hairs
• Infected sebaceous cysts
• Small wounds, hair removal and friction
• Diabetes and low immunity
• Hidradenitis suppurativa

How it is diagnosed

Diagnosis is clinical: the surgeon examines the lesion, checks for signs of fluctuance (accumulated pus), and assesses the extent of surrounding redness. For deep abscesses or those in sensitive areas, such as the perianal region or breasts, ultrasound helps outline the collection and plan the drainage. When there is fever, recurring abscesses, or suspicion of resistant bacteria, blood tests and a culture of the drained material are requested. Diabetes, hormonal changes, and hidradenitis suppurativa are investigated in recurrent cases.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Treatment is surgical drainage: under local anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision, removes the pus, and cleans the cavity, leaving a drain or gauze in place for a few days when necessary. In most cases, the general surgery team at Femi Saúde performs the procedure in the office in just a few minutes, with immediate pain relief. Antibiotics are added when there is surrounding cellulitis, fever, diabetes, or low immunity. Daily dressing changes and local hygiene complete healing within one to three weeks. Cysts that caused the abscess can be removed afterward to prevent recurrence.

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