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Children's Mercy Hospital

Children's Mercy Hospital

2401 Gillham Road
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 234-3000
www.childrensmercy.org


What's an Abscess?

Abscess

Say: AB-sess

An abscess is a collection of pus. Abscesses can happen when your body is fighting germs that cause an infection. White blood cells gather in the place where the germs are and make pus. An abscess can cause swelling and hurt. You can get an abscess inside your body, in a tooth, or in your skin.