Why Do I Keep Getting Abscesses?

Uncovering Hidden Causes & Long-Term Solutions

If you’re tired of dealing with abscesses that keep coming back, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining it.

These painful, pus-filled lumps aren’t just random flukes or hygiene issues. In many cases, recurring abscesses are your body’s way of telling you something deeper is going on—something that needs attention.

At Regen X Wound Care, we’ve seen this over and over again. Patients show up frustrated, having gone through rounds of antibiotics, drainage procedures, creams, and home remedies… only to have the infection return a few weeks later. And it’s not because they’re doing anything wrong. It’s because treating the surface is only part of the story.

This article dives into the real reasons abscesses keep coming back, and what you can do—finally—to stop the cycle for good.

🔍 What Is an Abscess, Really?

An abscess is basically a pocket of infection under the skin, filled with pus. It happens when bacteria enter the body—often through a tiny cut or clogged hair follicle—and the immune system responds by sending white blood cells to fight it off. The result is pus, which is made of dead cells, bacteria, and tissue debris.

They can pop up anywhere, but common spots include the armpits, groin, buttocks, thighs, and even along the jawline or neck. They often feel swollen, warm, and painful—and sometimes burst on their own if not treated.

But here's the key: if they keep coming back, there's almost always something deeper going on.

⚠️ Why Do Abscesses Keep Coming Back?

Here’s what the science—and our experience—shows:

1. Your Immune System Might Be Struggling

When your immune system is weakened, it can’t fight off infections effectively. That means even minor bacteria can cause major problems. This could be due to:

• Chronic illnesses like diabetes, HIV, or autoimmune diseases

• Nutrient deficiencies (low vitamin C, zinc, iron)

• Poor sleep, stress, or long-term fatigue
  
  

2. You Might Have Undiagnosed Diabetes

One of the most common hidden causes of recurring abscesses is undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes.

High blood sugar weakens your immune defenses and increases your risk of infection. In fact, over 38 million Americans have diabetes—and 1 in 5 don’t even know it. If you’re dealing with recurring abscesses and also feel tired, thirsty, or have slow-healing wounds, it’s worth getting tested.

3. Inflammation & Diet Play a Big Role

Processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive dairy can cause chronic inflammation in the body. That inflammation doesn’t just affect your gut or joints—it can mess with your skin’s ability to heal and defend against bacteria.

A lot of patients report fewer flare-ups after cutting back on sugar and processed foods and adding in more fruits, veggies, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

4. Your Genetics Might Be Involved

Some people are just more prone to skin infections because of their family history. This doesn’t mean you’re doomed to deal with abscesses forever, but it does mean you may need a more proactive, preventative approach.

🧬 Conditions That Raise Your Risk

Some medical conditions make recurring abscesses more likely:

• Hidradenitis Suppurativa – A chronic skin condition that causes painful nodules and abscesses, especially in sweat gland-rich areas.

• Autoimmune Disorders – Conditions like lupus or Crohn’s disease can weaken the immune system.

• MRSA Infections – A resistant strain of staph bacteria that’s harder to treat and can return if not fully eradicated.

🧼 Lifestyle & Hygiene: What You Can Control

Let’s be clear—abscesses are not caused by being "dirty." But smart hygiene habits can reduce bacterial exposure and stop recurring issues.

Here’s what helps:

• Daily showers, especially after sweating

• Don’t share razors, towels, or personal hygiene items

• Clean wounds properly and cover them with clean bandages

• Use antibacterial soap on areas prone to abscesses

• Quit smoking – It reduces circulation and delays healing

• Exercise regularly – Movement improves immune and skin health

🧠 Track Your Patterns: Knowledge is Power

One of the most helpful things you can do is keep a symptom journal. Write down when abscesses appear, what you were eating, how you were feeling, and anything else going on in your life. Over time, this can help uncover hidden triggers—like stress, a certain food, or hormonal shifts.

🛑 Antibiotics Aren’t Enough

A lot of people rely on antibiotics to treat abscesses—and yes, they can help clear up an infection short-term. But if you don’t address what’s causing the abscess in the first place, you’re likely to get another one.

Think of antibiotics like putting out a kitchen fire without checking the stove. It solves the emergency, but not the reason it started.

💡 How to Break the Cycle

If abscesses keep coming back, it’s time to stop treating symptoms and start fixing the source. Here’s how:

1. Get Medical Testing – Ask your provider to check for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune markers, and inflammatory conditions.
   

2. Strengthen Your Immune System – Eat more fruits, leafy greens, and healthy fats. Sleep 7–8 hours. Reduce stress where possible.
   

3. Watch for Skin Conditions – If you have painful lumps in sweat-prone areas, you might have hidradenitis suppurativa or another chronic skin disorder.
   

4. Change Your Approach – Treating the wound is only half the battle. You need a care plan that looks at the whole body.

📊 Supporting Stats That Might Surprise You

• 38.4 million Americans have diabetes—and it’s a major risk factor for abscesses
  Source: NIDDK
  

• Over 3.8 million ER visits each year are related to skin and soft tissue infections
  Source: CDC
  

• Diets high in sugar and processed food are linked to chronic inflammation, which weakens your skin’s defenses
  Source: CDC

💭 Final Thoughts: Abscesses Are a Warning Sign

If abscesses keep returning, your body isn’t just unlucky—it’s sending a message.

Yes, it might start as a surface infection… but it often reflects something deeper. Whether it’s diabetes, an overworked immune system, or chronic inflammation, these infections are a signal, not just a symptom.

And the biggest mistake people make?

• Relying only on antibiotics

• Using only topical creams

• Ignoring what their body is trying to say
  

Don’t just treat the wound—treat the cause. That’s where real healing starts.

✅ Next Steps

• Think back: Have abscesses become more frequent?

• Are you feeling more tired, stressed, or run-down than usual?

• Have you had a full workup from your doctor—or just prescriptions?

If you’re ready to get real answers and break the cycle for good, we’re here to help.

👉 Visit regenxwounds.com to learn more about our physician-led mobile wound care services across Arizona and California. We specialize in advanced care that goes beyond the surface—so you can finally start healing from the inside out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a recurring abscess?
Recurring abscesses are often caused by a combination of bacterial infections, immune dysfunction, and sometimes chronic skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa.

How do I stop abscesses from coming back?
Practice good hygiene, strengthen your immune system, eat a nutrient-rich diet, manage stress, and address any underlying conditions with your doctor.

Can stress cause abscesses?
Indirectly, yes. Stress weakens your immune system, which makes it easier for infections to take hold—especially if your skin is already vulnerable.

What autoimmune diseases are linked to abscesses?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a major one, but others like lupus or Crohn’s disease can increase the risk due to immune system disruptions.

Is drainage enough to get rid of an abscess?
Drainage helps remove the pus, but it doesn’t address the infection or the cause of recurrence. Medical treatment and long-term prevention are key.