Once the body has successfully contained the infection within the abscess it will attempt to expel the contents by having the skin over the area die eventually leading to rupture of the abscess. Prior to rupturing an abscess will develop a soft central area often with loss of hair.

Although many of the bacteria commonly found in abscesses are sensitive to antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, the blood flow into its centre is reduced which can result in a poor response to antibiotics alone. Surgical lancing and flushing of the cavity with hydrogen peroxide or iodine is generally considered the most effective treatment.