Abscesses can also affect the brain, kidneys, liver (hepatic abscess), lungs, teeth (dental abscess), and tonsils (peritonsillar
abscess). Inflammation surrounding hair follicles can lead to the
formation of abscesses.
Skin abscesses are often referred to as boils.
Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not cure an abscess. In general, abscesses must open and drain to improve.