White blood cells, the body's defense against some types of infection, migrate through the walls of the blood vessels in the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by bacteria, parasites, and foreign materials. Abscesses in the skin are readily visible, red, raised and painful. Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious but if they involve vital organs they may cause significant damage.
Good hygiene is important in prevention of skin abscesses.
Dental hygiene and routine care will prevent dental abscess . A recent rise in unusual bacterial and fungal abscesses including brain abscesses has occurred with the increased use of illegal intravenous drugs. Hygiene, sterility, and safety are often not concerns at the time the drugs are being used. Avoiding intravenous drug routes will remove this cause of avoidable abscesses. See the individual types of abscesses.