How do you know if you have a skin abscess?

The most common sign of a skin abscess is painful, inflamed swelling or a lump on the skin that is filled with pus, explains WebMD. The surrounding skin may also be inflamed. In certain cases, the pus and debris inside the skin abscess forms a head and eventually ruptures.

Depending on the extent of the infection, additional signs of a skin abscess can include fluid drainage from the affected area and nausea, according to Healthline. In many cases, mild skin abscesses are treatable with home care methods, but it is important for sufferers to seek medical attention when abscesses are accompanied by fever or do not improve within two weeks.