[Multiple and recurrent cutaneous abscesses: diagnosis approach]

The cutaneous abscess commonly occurs in the medical practice, its management being well known. However, atypical cases - multiple occurrence, recurrence and/or resistance to classical treatment can be very challenging for the physician. These cases can be addressed for consultation in several medical specialties depending the age of the patient and the site of the lesions. The systematization of the diagnostic approach would have a great impact for the clinical practice.

We used the PubMed search engine to perform a literature review on the different aspects to consider in case of atypical abscess. This has been conducted in order to offer an updated diagnostic approach.

The multiple and recurrent cutaneous abscesses can be caused in general by community-acquired or family transmitted infections. However they can also be the manifestation of an underlying chronic disorder as an acquired or innate immunodeficiency, chronic dermatoses, or other systemic diseases. Thus different diagnostic conditions are to be considered.