A pocket of pus that collects under the skin or in deeper spaces inside the body.

An abscess is a pocket of pus that collects at the site of an infection. Pus is a collection of white blood cells, damaged tissue and germs. This collection happens as the body's immune system reacts to an infection.

Symptoms of an abscess depend on the location of the abscess. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sweating and pain in the area of the abscess.

Treatments include draining the abscess and taking medicines called antibiotics.