Yes, an abscess can come on suddenly. An abscess is a pocket of pus that is caused by an infection. These infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal in nature.
The most common causes of an abscess are staph or strep bacteria, which can enter the body through a cut or wound. An abscess can also be caused by an ingrown hair, a blocked sweat gland, or a foreign object such as a splinter.
When an abscess forms, you may experience redness, pain, swelling, and warmth around the affected area. The area may also be tender to the touch. If the abscess is close to the surface of the skin, it may appear as a pimple-like bump that is filled with pus.
If the abscess is not treated, it can cause serious complications, such as a fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. It can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to a more serious infection.
If you think you may have an abscess, you should see your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to drain the pus or prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the abscess.