Introduction
An abscess is an encapsulated accumulation of pus that is located in a newly formed body cavity of melted tissue. Abscesses can form anywhere in the body and on organs. In most cases, an abscess is caused by bacteria that enter the body through injury or infection, trigger an immune response and lead to pus formation.
The immune system tries to contain the inflammation and forms an encapsulated cavity, the abscess. The causes of an abscess are manifold. An abscess can form in the body due to wounds, inflammation or incorrectly administered injections.
Abscess due to diabetes
People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to infections and develop abscesses more easily than healthy people. The elevated blood sugar level in diabetes mellitus weakens the body’s resistance to pathogens and makes patients more susceptible to infections and thus abscesses. The abscesses often occur after injuries to the skin, e.g. the legs or in the armpit.
The exact mechanism why diabetics have a suppressed immune system is not yet known. The following two topics may also be of interest to you in this context: Abscess on the leg and abscess of the axilla Among the typical pathogens of an abscess is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which occurs naturally on human skin. The pathogens can enter the body through small injuries to the skin.
Normally, small wounds are not a problem for people with an intact immune system and the infection can be quickly eliminated. Diabetics, however, have a weak immune system and therefore have problems killing the germs. As a result, the bacteria can multiply more easily and form abscesses.
Abscess after a pimple
Pusty pimples quickly form on different parts of the body, e.g. on the face or back. These are small abscesses caused by clogged pores. Excessive sebum production and dead skin scales clog the fine pores of the skin, making it easier for bacteria to multiply.
The body reacts with an inflammation and pus forms, which can then be encapsulated in an abscess. Pimples usually heal on their own after a short time and do not require any treatment. With immature pimples that are not yet completely filled with pus, it is important not to “squeeze” them. This can cause the bacteria to spread even further in the tissue and in the worst case even lead to sepsis (blood poisoning) or cause a dangerous brain abscess in the brain.
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