health

Abscesses (AB-seh-sez) are localized or walled off accumulations of pus*
caused by infection that can occur anywhere within the body. Furuncles
(FYOOR-ung-kulz), which are also known as boils, and carbuncles (KARbung-
kulz) are types of abscesses that involve hair follicles* and occur on
the skin.
An abscess develops when the body’s immune system* isolates an area of
body tissue that has been infected by an invading microorganism* (usually
bacteria) to prevent the infection from spreading further. The body
sends infection-fighting leukocytes (LOO-kuh-sites) to the infected area;
leukocytes are specialized white blood cells that can destroy infectious
microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
As the bacteria and white blood cells clash at the site of infection, pus
begins to form within the involved tissue. As the infection progresses, a wall
of tissue develops surrounding the infection site, forming an abscess. A growing
abscess on the skin is usually warm, red, painful, and swollen with pus.
Abscesses that grow inside the body are uncommon but can be very serious.
Internal abscesses can occur anywhere within the body, but some of the
more common areas where they form include surrounding the appendix*
(as when someone has appendicitis, ah-pen-dih-SY-tis, an inflammation
of the appendix), surrounding one of the tonsils* (a peritonsillar, per-ih-
TON-sih-lar, abscess), and in the gums or jaw (a dental abscess). They may
also form in the liver, around the spinal cord, or on or in the brain. People
who have weak immune systems, such as those who need chemotherapy*
for cancer or someone with diseases such as longstanding diabetes* or
HIV*/AIDS*, are at more risk for developing internal abscesses.
Furuncles (boils) are a type of skin abscess most commonly found on
the face, neck, armpit, groin, buttocks, and thighs. Carbuncles are larger
areas of skin infection made up of several boils that have formed close
together and then joined. They take longer to form and are often located
on the back and the nape of the neck. Men are more likely to develop
carbuncles than are women. Fever and a general feeling of illness are often
associated with carbuncles.