Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Abscess

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Abscess: A local accumulation of pus anywhere in the body. The following are some examples of abscesses:

  1. A skin abscess is better known as a common boil;
  2. A peritonsillar abscess is a persistent collection of pus behind the tonsils; and
  3. A perianal abscess is a pool of pus that forms next to the anus, often causing considerable tenderness and swelling in that area and pain on sitting down and on defecating.