Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Cutaneous Abscesses

Authors

Christopher M. Wong, Medical City Fort WorthFollow
Christian J. Scheufele, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Sandhya Bodapati, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Daniel A. Nguyen, Medical City Fort Worth
Ashleigh E. Hermann, Medical City Fort Worth
Jean Elizze M. Charles, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Michael Carletti, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort WorthFollow
Stephen E. Weis, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth

Keywords

dermatology; skin pigmentation; skin of color; abscess/diagnosis; cutaneous abscess; bacterial infections; cellulitis/diagnosis; furunculosis; carbuncle; erythema; Fitzpatrick skin types

Disciplines

Dermatology | Medical Education | Primary Care

Abstract

Cutaneous abscesses are collections of pus resulting from skin and soft tissue bacterial infections. They clinically exhibit the four cardinal inflammatory signs of pain, warmth, swelling, and erythema. In patients with darkly pigmented skin, classically-associated erythema may be challenging to appreciate and can lead to missed or delayed diagnosis. We compare abscess presentations in different skin types. Recognition of varying presentations of cutaneous abscesses in diverse skin colors will help clinicians utilize additional clues to identify and diagnose this entity correctly.

Recommended Citation

Wong, Christopher M.; Scheufele, Christian J.; Bodapati, Sandhya; Nguyen, Daniel A.; Hermann, Ashleigh E.; Charles, Jean Elizze M.; Carletti, Michael; and Weis, Stephen E. (2022) "Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Cutaneous Abscesses," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 3: Iss. 3, Article 13.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1431
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol3/iss3/13