general clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
The clinical features of an abscess are dependent on many factors including its site, size and the organism involved. General features of external abscesses may include:
- locally, cardinal signs of inflammation:
- erythema, hot at site
- tender and fluctuant to palpation
- pain at site may be severe and throbbing, particularly if pus is under tension
- a white surface point, indication that the pyogenic cavity has tracked to the surface and may discharge
- toxic reaction, if extensive:
- pyrexia, occasionally pyrexia of unknown origin is the only feature
- malaise
- anorexia
- sweating
- rigors
- septicaemic shock
- ultimately, multi-organ failure and death