A tender abscess is displayed on the cheek of this child. An abscess will sometimes have a central bruise-like appearance from bleeding under the skin surface; the most important signs indicating a possible abscess are pain, redness, and swelling, as seen on this child's palm and at the base of the fourth finger. This abscess on the young girl has been incised and drained by the doctor. A small pus-filled lesion (pustule) is often seen in the center of a red, tender swollen abscess, as seen on this child’s buttock.
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Abscess  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Abscess: A tender abscess is displayed on the cheek of this child. Divider line
A tender abscess is displayed on the cheek of this child.
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References


Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, p. 1126. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Wolff, Klaus, ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed, pp. 874, 1702. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008.

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MedlinePlus: Abscesses

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Last Modified: 2 Sep 2009
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