The main cause of abscess is an infection. An abscess is an area of the body that has become infected and inflamed, and filled with pus. It can occur in any part of the body and is most commonly caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or Streptococcus pyogenes (strep). In some cases, abscesses can be caused by viruses or fungi.
When bacteria enter the body, they can cause an infection in the tissue or organ they have invaded. This infection causes inflammation and a buildup of pus. The immune system responds to the infection by sending white blood cells to the affected area to fight the infection and wall off the bacteria, forming an abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause more serious complications.
Abscesses can be caused by different types of bacteria and other microorganisms. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of abscesses, but they can also be caused by viruses, fungi, or parasites. Bacterial infections can occur due to poor hygiene, contaminated food, contact with a person or animal carrying the infection, or from an injury that exposes the skin to bacteria.
Abscesses can also be caused by an immune system disorder. In some cases, the body's immune system may not be able to fight off the infection and an abscess can form. Additionally, abscesses can develop due to a foreign object in the body, such as a splinter, or due to a blocked duct in the body, such as a blocked sweat gland.