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Circumscribed collections of pus in the skin are referred to as abscesses. An abscess forms when a localized infection causes the body to produce pus, which is made up of dead tissue, bacteria, and immune cells. This collection of pus becomes encapsulated within a pocket in the skin, leading to the formation of a swollen, painful area.

Abscesses are often associated with bacterial infections and can occur anywhere in the body, including the skin. They are typically characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Treatment often involves drainage of the pus and sometimes antibiotic therapy to address the underlying infection.

In contrast, pimples are generally small red bumps caused by clogged pores and do not represent a collection of pus in the same encapsulated manner. Plaques are raised areas of skin that may have a variety of causes and are not specifically pus-filled. Macules are flat, discolored spots on the skin without elevation and do not involve pus at all. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why abscesses specifically denote the circumscribed collections of pus you are asking about.