An abscess is a pus-filled hollow space that can appear on the skin or inside the body. Most abscesses form just under the skin, and are the result of a bacterial infection. The infection causes the immune system to activate white blood cells and chemicals to fight the bacteria.
Breast abscesses
When breastfeeding, an infection may occur as a result of an untreated blockage in the flow of milk through the breasts, or bacteria entering the breast tissue. If it is not treated quickly, a breast infection can lead to the development of an abscess.
Breast abscesses can affect women who are between 18-50 years of age, but they are very uncommon in women who are not producing milk.
Continue to next section: Facts about breast abscesses