An abscess is a buildup of pus within an enclosed space in tissues of the body, diagnosed by swelling and by redness on the skin surface above. The affected tissue is usually warm and painful. Abscesses are typically caused by bacterial infection (most commonly Staphylococcus aureus), and may result from wounds which bacteria infest. Pus is naturally produced by the body during infections, but when this occurs beneath the skin, pus may become trapped and cannot drain without intervention.
