How to get rid of an abscess that keeps coming back? Find lasting relief

Recurring abscesses can be a sign of an underlying health issue, not just a surface-level problem. If you are looking for how to get rid of an abscess that keeps coming back, the key is to address the root cause, which requires a professional medical diagnosis.

Quick Summary

Chronic, recurring abscesses often signal an underlying health issue like bacterial colonization, a compromised immune system, or hidradenitis suppurativa, necessitating professional drainage, targeted antibiotics, and treatment of the root cause to achieve a permanent solution.

Key Points

• See a medical professional: Recurrent abscesses often indicate a deeper issue that requires professional diagnosis and treatment, not just home remedies.

• Identify underlying causes: The root of the problem could be an untreated condition like diabetes, a suppressed immune system, or hidradenitis suppurativa.

• Address bacterial colonization: Persistent bacteria like MRSA on the skin or in the nose can cause recurrent infections and may require a specific decolonization protocol.

• Complete all prescribed treatment: Incomplete drainage or antibiotic courses are major causes of recurrence, so always follow your doctor's instructions fully.

• Practice strict hygiene: Maintain excellent personal hygiene, use antibacterial washes as directed, and avoid sharing personal items to prevent re-infection.

• Manage lifestyle factors: Quitting smoking, managing weight, and controlling chronic diseases like diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of future abscesses.

Understanding Why Abscesses Keep Coming Back

A one-time abscess can be a frustrating, painful experience, but dealing with one that returns time and again is a sign that deeper issues may be at play. While an occasional skin infection might heal with proper care, a recurrent abscess points toward a persistent problem that requires a comprehensive medical approach. Ignoring the underlying cause will only lead to more pain and discomfort.

Common Reasons for Recurrence

• Incomplete Treatment: If a previous abscess wasn't fully drained or a prescribed antibiotic course wasn't completed, a lingering infection can remain and cause a new abscess to form.
• Bacterial Colonization: Some people are colonized with bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (staph), including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. These bacteria can live harmlessly on the skin or in the nose, but can cause repeated infections when they enter a break in the skin.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, HIV, or other immune system disorders can weaken the body's ability to fight off infections, making it more susceptible to recurrent abscesses.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): This chronic inflammatory skin condition is often mistaken for simple recurring abscesses. It causes lesions, nodules, and abscesses in areas like the armpits and groin, and it requires specific, ongoing medical management.
• Internal Connections: In some cases, like with a perianal abscess, a tunnel called an anal fistula can form under the skin. This tunnel can become repeatedly infected, leading to a cycle of abscesses.
• Foreign Bodies: An abscess may keep coming back if a foreign body, such as a splinter or ingrown hair, remains in the tissue and continues to cause irritation and infection.

The Critical Need for Professional Medical Care

Self-treating recurring abscesses at home with compresses and over-the-counter products is not an effective long-term strategy. To permanently resolve the issue, professional diagnosis and treatment are essential. A healthcare provider can determine the root cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation

1. Thorough Examination: Your doctor will examine the abscess and surrounding area to determine its size, location, and potential depth.
2. Bacterial Culture: A sample of the pus may be taken and sent for a lab culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and test its sensitivity to different antibiotics.
3. Screening for Underlying Conditions: Your doctor may screen for conditions like diabetes or check for bacterial carriage (e.g., in the nose) to find any contributing factors.
4. Advanced Imaging: For deeper or internal abscesses, imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan might be used to understand the extent of the infection, especially if an anal fistula or other complication is suspected.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategies for Recurrence

Depending on the findings from your medical evaluation, a healthcare provider might recommend a combination of the following treatments:

Incision and Drainage

For larger abscesses, a doctor will perform a sterile incision to drain the pus completely. For deeper or more complex cases, a drainage catheter or packing with sterile gauze may be necessary to ensure all infection is removed and the wound heals from the inside out.

Targeted Antibiotic Therapy

Based on the lab culture results, your doctor will prescribe a specific antibiotic to target the identified bacteria. It is crucial to complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Addressing Bacterial Colonization

If tests show you are a carrier of staph or MRSA, your doctor may recommend a decolonization protocol. This can involve applying antibiotic ointment (like mupirocin) in the nostrils or using an antibacterial wash (like chlorhexidine) for your skin.

Managing Underlying Medical Conditions

Treating the underlying condition is vital for preventing future abscesses. This might mean better management of blood sugar levels for diabetes or specialized treatment from a dermatologist for hidradenitis suppurativa.

Surgical Correction for Complex Cases

Conditions like anal fistulas often require surgical intervention to properly drain the tunnel and prevent recurrence. For HS, radical excision of the affected hair-bearing areas may be necessary in severe cases.

Comparison: Single Abscess vs. Recurrent Abscesses

Feature	One-Time Abscess	Recurring Abscesses
Cause	Localized, one-off bacterial infection from a cut, splinter, or blocked follicle.	Underlying chronic condition, bacterial colonization, or incomplete treatment.
Treatment	May heal with warm compresses; larger ones require simple drainage and possibly antibiotics.	Requires professional medical evaluation to identify and treat the root cause.
Diagnosis	Often clear, based on visual examination and patient history.	Requires lab cultures, screening for underlying conditions, and potentially advanced imaging.
Risk of Complications	Lower, if treated properly. Infection can spread if left untreated.	Higher, with greater risk of deeper infections, sepsis, or complex issues like fistulas.
Prevention	Basic hygiene and proper wound care.	Comprehensive approach: hygiene, managing chronic illness, decolonization protocols.

Preventive Measures to Stop the Cycle

Once the underlying cause is addressed, maintaining a preventive regimen is crucial to ensure the abscesses do not return. These measures focus on overall skin health and managing risk factors.

Prioritize Personal Hygiene

Regular and consistent hygiene is your first line of defense. This includes:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Use antibacterial soap in areas prone to infection, especially if recommended by your doctor.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or washcloths.

Proper Wound Care and Skin Protection

• Treat any cuts, scrapes, or skin irritations promptly and effectively.
• For those who shave, use proper technique to avoid cuts and irritation. Use a new, clean blade and shave in the direction of hair growth.
• Wear clean, dry clothing that doesn't rub or irritate sensitive areas.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

• Manage Chronic Conditions: Keep any underlying conditions like diabetes in check with your healthcare team.
• Healthy Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can strengthen your immune system.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for recurrent abscesses.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity has been linked to a higher risk of recurrent skin infections.

Follow Medical Instructions Diligently

It bears repeating: if you are prescribed antibiotics or a decolonization routine, follow the instructions precisely. Failure to do so is one of the most common reasons for recurrence. Adherence is key to breaking the cycle of infection.

For more information on skin abscesses, consult reliable medical resources like the Cleveland Clinic on Abscesses.

Conclusion: Seeking Permanent Relief

Dealing with a recurring abscess can be painful and frustrating, but it is not a problem you have to accept. By seeking professional medical help, you can move beyond temporary fixes and get to the bottom of why the infection is returning. Whether the cause is a chronic condition, bacterial colonization, or incomplete past treatment, a doctor can provide the targeted, comprehensive solution you need to finally get rid of an abscess that keeps coming back for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a recurring abscess be a sign of a serious underlying condition?

Yes, frequent abscesses can be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as a weakened immune system, uncontrolled diabetes, or a chronic inflammatory skin condition like hidradenitis suppurativa. A doctor's evaluation is necessary to rule out these possibilities.

What is MRSA and how does it relate to recurring abscesses?

MRSA is a strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that can colonize the skin and lead to repeated infections. Your doctor can test for MRSA colonization and prescribe specific treatments, such as decolonization with topical ointments, to prevent recurrence.

Is it safe to drain a recurring abscess at home?

No, you should never attempt to drain an abscess at home. Doing so can push the infection deeper into the tissue, cause it to spread, and lead to more serious complications. Professional medical drainage is required for safe and effective treatment.

How can I prevent abscesses from coming back after treatment?

Prevention involves addressing the root cause. This includes practicing meticulous personal hygiene, completing all prescribed antibiotic or decolonization treatments, managing any underlying chronic conditions, and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Could an anal fistula be the cause of a recurring perianal abscess?

Yes, a fistula—a small, infected tunnel—can connect an infected gland to the surface, causing repeated perianal abscesses. This condition often requires surgical intervention to fully resolve.

What should I do if my abscess keeps getting larger or I develop a fever?

You should seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms can indicate a worsening infection (cellulitis) or a spreading systemic infection, which requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

What kind of doctor should I see for recurring skin abscesses?

It is best to start with a primary care provider. If the issue is persistent or related to a specific condition, they may refer you to a dermatologist or a surgeon.