Predisposing factors to abscess formation include the following: Impaired host defense mechanisms (eg, impaired leukocyte defenses) The presence of foreign bodies Obstruction to normal drainage (eg, in the urinary, biliary, or respiratory tracts) Tissue ischemia or necrosis Hematoma or excessive fluid accumulation in tissue Trauma Symptoms and Signs of Abscesses The symptoms and signs of cutaneous and subcutaneous abscesses are pain, heat, swelling, tenderness, and redness.