Abscesses can form wherever the body is fighting off an infection. For example, a skin abscess can appear when germs get into the body through an opening in the skin (like a cut, insect sting, or burn).
Most germs don't belong in a healthy body and the immune system knows it: It's the immune system's job to be on the lookout for infection. After figuring out that something is wrong, it sends in the troops (otherwise known as white blood cells) to destroy whatever's causing the infection. Some of these white blood cells will end up in pus, which also includes stuff like dead skin and dead germs.
The body considers pus garbage and will try to get rid of it. But when pus collects in an abscess, it may not be able to drain out. As pus builds up, it can press against the skin and surrounding inflamed tissue, causing pain.
Some abscesses are caused by an irritant like an injected medication that was not completely absorbed. Since they're not caused by infection, these kinds of abscesses are called "sterile" abscesses. Sterile abscesses aren't as common as infected abscesses, but they can happen on occasion.
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