Signs of skin abscess are:

• A smooth swelling under the skin that may feel hard or firm
• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Warmth and redness in the affected area
• A visible build-up of white or yellow pus under the skin in the affected area
• A high body temperature (fever)
• Chills

Signs and symptoms of an internal abscess are:

• Discomfort in the area of the abscess
• Fever
• Increased sweating
• Feeling sick
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Pain or swelling in the tummy (abdomen)
• Loss of appetite and weight Loss
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

Common tests & procedures

Bacteria culture and sensitivity test: Pus from an abscess will be taken and tested. This will help to identify the causative bacteria.

Urine test: If skin abscess is recurrent, the glucose level in urine is measured, as people with diabetes are at high risk.