Abscesses that develop in the mouth, on the skin, or inside the body have certain characteristics. Treatment will depend on the location and the size of the abscess.

Cellulitis and abscesses are bacterial skin infections that can develop separately or together. While both can cause tender, inflamed, and swollen patches, only an abscess will have a pocket of pus.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Versus Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess Talan DA, Mower WR, Krishnadasan A, et al N Engl J Med. 2016;374:823-832 ...

Five lead candidates were tested in both skin abscess and deep thigh infection mouse models of A. baumannii, demonstrating high activity, without signs of toxicity.