For example, a puncture wound from a dirty needle may force bacteria under the skin. Or bacteria may spread from an infection elsewhere in the body. Also, bacteria that normally live on the body but cause no harm can sometimes cause an abscess. They are fairly common in or just below the skin, especially on the face. Symptoms and Diagnosis Where an abscess is located and whether it interferes with the function of an organ or a nerve determine its symptoms.
Symptoms can include pain, tenderness, heat, swelling, redness, and possibly a fever.
An abscess that forms just under the skin usually appears as a visible bump. When an abscess is about to rupture, it develops a whitish center as the overlying skin grows thinner. An abscess deep inside the body often grows quite large before it causes symptoms. Unnoticed, a deep abscess is likely to spread infection throughout the body. Doctors can easily recognize an abscess on or just beneath the skin but often miss a deep abscess.