This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

General clinical features

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The clinical features of an abscess are dependent on many factors including its site, size and the organism involved. General features of external abscesses may include:

  • locally, cardinal signs of inflammation:
    • erythema, hot at site
    • tender and fluctuant to palpation
    • pain at site may be severe and throbbing, particularly if pus is under tension
    • a white surface point, indication that the pyogenic cavity has tracked to the surface and may discharge
  • toxic reaction, if extensive:
    • pyrexia, occasionally pyrexia of unknown origin is the only feature
    • malaise
    • anorexia
    • sweating
    • rigors
    • septicaemic shock
    • ultimately, multi-organ failure and death

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.