What physical exam finding is typical in a patient with an abscess?

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that typically occurs due to infection, inflammation, or obstruction. The presence of purulent drainage is a classic physical exam finding associated with abscesses. This drainage is often thick, yellowish, or greenish, indicating the presence of neutrophils, dead bacteria, and tissue debris within the pus. The discovery of such drainage during an examination strongly suggests that the lesion is infectious and warrants further investigation or intervention, such as incision and drainage.

While other findings such as fever can accompany an abscess due to systemic infection, they are not specific to the localized nature of the abscess itself. Similarly, localized numbness is not a typical physical exam finding, as it may suggest nerve involvement or other neurological issues rather than an abscess, while dry skin does not relate to the infectious processes typical of an abscess. Therefore, the identification of purulent drainage is the most definitive indicator of an abscess during a physical examination.