JARGON BUSTER

We explain common medical terms . . .

This week: Abscess

AN ABSCESS is a lump that can develop in any part of your body, and is due to a build-up of pus.

There are two main types — a skin abscess, which develops under the skin; and an internal abscess, which forms in or around our organs.

Regardless of the location, they are typically due to a bacterial infection and may cause other symptoms of infection, such as a fever and chills.

The word has origins from the mid 16th century: from Latin abscessus (from the verb abscedere), referring to the separation or elimination of infected matter via the pus. While a small abscess may drain naturally or shrink without treatment, larger ones may need antibiotics to clear the infection, followed by a procedure to drain the pus.