Abscesses happen with athletes of all calibers and levels of knowledge, from beginners to the incredibly top pros.An abscess is a tender mass usually surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red. Abscesses are frequently simple to feel by touching. The center of an abscess is full of pus and debris. Abscesses are caused by obstruction of oil glands or sweat glands, inflammation of hair follicles, or minor breaks and punctures of the skin.