The evaluation of a skin abscess begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a skin abscess may include:

• Painful skin lump
• Skin redness
• Skin swelling
• Skin tenderness
• Skin warmth
• Pus draining from the skin
• Red streaks spreading from the skin lump:
• Lymphangitis of the arm
• Lymphangitis of the back of the leg
• Lymphangitis of the hand from a finger wound
• Fever

Tests are not necessary to make the diagnosis of a skin abscess.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a skin abscess include:

• Cultures of the pus from the abscess

For more information:

• Carbuncle evaluation
• Folliculitis evaluation
• Furuncle evaluation
• Pilonidal abscess evaluation