What Is an Abscess? Your body naturally fights back when germs
get inside. Sometimes an abscess forms when your body is trying
to do this kind of germ fighting. But then the abscess (say: ab-
sess) becomes part of the problem because it's an area of
infected tissue that needs attention. Abscesses can form on the
skin, under the skin, in a tooth, or inside the body. Some
people feel sick when they have an abscess. They might get a
fever that makes them feel too hot or too cold. What If I Have a
Skin Abscess? Unlike abscesses inside the body, you can see an
abscess on your skin. A skin abscess may look like a red,
swollen bump — a large pimple that might be tender if you touch
it. An abscess can happen after an injury, like a scrape. Tell a
grownup if you think you have a skin abscess. Make sure you
don't touch or squeeze the abscess because that could make it
worse. With a grownup's help, you might want to put a warm
washcloth on the area. Sometimes, that can help the abscess open
up and drain. What's in there?