Need to be seen quickly? Same-day and next-day appointments may be available for a painful or spreading boil or abscess. See our urgent dermatology appointments page or call (516) 246-8800.
A painful, swollen lump that is red, warm, draining, or getting larger can become difficult to manage at home.
We determine whether it is an abscess, inflamed cyst, or another problem and whether drainage, antibiotics, culture, or another treatment is needed.
Prompt evaluation is especially important when redness is spreading, pain is worsening, or fever develops.
Skin Abscesses and Boils
A skin abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by infection or inflammation. A boil, or furuncle, is a type of abscess that often begins around a hair follicle.
What are the symptoms?
Abscesses may cause a painful, warm, swollen lump that becomes soft or fluctuant as pus accumulates. Some patients also develop drainage, fever, or spreading redness.
How are abscesses treated?
The main treatment for many true abscesses is incision and drainage. Antibiotics may also be appropriate depending on size, surrounding cellulitis, location, immune status, fever, recurrent infection, or other risk factors.
When should I seek urgent care?
Prompt evaluation is important for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, facial or genital involvement, immune suppression, recurrent abscesses, or worsening symptoms despite treatment.
Should I squeeze it?
Do not aggressively squeeze or lance an abscess at home. This can worsen inflammation, push infection deeper, or spread bacteria.
Need drainage? When a drainable abscess is present, see Abscess & Boil Drainage (I&D) for the procedure, aftercare, packing and antibiotic considerations.
Related reading from Borealis
Explore these topics for more background and questions to discuss at your visit.