What are the different types of abscesses?
There are many different kinds of abscesses. Abscesses can develop on your skin, in your mouth or around an internal organ. Skin abscesses Skin abscesses (cutaneous abscesses) develop under your skin. They’re common and typically easy to treat. Types of skin abscesses include: Armpit abscess: An armpit abscess can occur when pus collects in your armpit. One common cause of armpit abscesses is a condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. Hidradenitis suppurativa causes red, tender bumps in the skin of your armpits that can turn into abscesses over time. Breast abscess: A breast abscess is a pocket of pus in your breast. Untreated breast infections can lead to breast abscesses. Breast abscesses often occur in people who are breastfeeding (chestfeeding). Anorectal abscess: An anorectal abscess is an abscess located under the skin around your anus or rectum. A perianal abscess is a type of anorectal abscess that affects the skin around your anus. A pilonidal abscess is an abscess in the skin of the crease of your buttocks. Abscesses in your mouth Abscesses in your mouth can affect your teeth, gums and throat. A tooth abscess (dental abscess) is an abscess that forms around a tooth. There are various types of tooth abscesses: Gingival abscess: Another name for a gingival abscess is a gum abscess. This type of abscess develops in your gums. It doesn’t usually affect your teeth. Periapical abscess: A periapical abscess is an infection that forms at the tip of the root of your tooth. This type of abscess can occur due to dental injuries or cavities. Periodontal abscess: A periodontal abscess affects the bones and tissues that support your teeth. It usually occurs due to periodontitis or gum disease. Other abscesses in your mouth may include: Tonsil abscess: A tonsillar abscess is a pocket of pus behind one of your tonsils. Tonsillar abscesses are most common in adolescents and young adults. Peritonsillar abscess: Another name for a peritonsillar abscess is a quinsy. A quinsy is a buildup of pus between your tonsils and the wall of your throat. Retropharyngeal abscess: A retropharyngeal abscess is an abscess in the back of your throat. This type of abscess forms when lymph nodes in the back of your throat become infected. Internal abscesses Internal abscesses occur much less frequently than external ones, but can develop on your spinal cord, brain and other organs. Internal abscesses are usually harder to diagnose and treat. Abdominal abscess: An abdominal abscess is a buildup of pus inside your belly (abdomen). It may be located inside or near your liver, kidneys, pancreas or other organs. Spinal cord abscess: A spinal cord abscess is a buildup of pus in and around your spinal cord. An infection on your spine usually causes a spinal cord abscess. Brain abscess: A brain abscess is a rare buildup of pus in your brain. An abscess may form in your brain when bacteria from an infection elsewhere in your head or bloodstream or from a wound enter your brain.