Cutaneous abscess natural history, complications and prognosis

Abscess Main page
Patient Information
Overview
Causes
Classification Anal Abscess Appendicular Abscess Brain Abscess Breast Abscess Colon Abscess Cutaneous Abscess Liver Abscess Lung Abscess Pancreatic Abscess Retropharyngeal Abscess Splenic Abscess Tonsillar and Peritonsillar Abscess
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Complications

• Spreading of the abscess material to adjacent or remote tissues
• Extensive regional tissue death (gangrene)

Prognosis

Abscesses in most parts of the body rarely heal themselves, so prompt medical attention is indicated at the first suspicion of an abscess.