The Link Between Diabetes and an Abscess

If you have diabetes, you know that the disease increases the risk of other medical issues, such as diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and heart disease. But a lesser-known complication, and one that’s rarely discussed, is a perianal abscess: a pocket of pus that forms near the anus from an infection in a gland.

At his practice in Los Angeles and Glendale, California, board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, specializes in perianal abscess treatment. Here, he explains why diabetes increases the risk of perianal abscesses, breaks down common symptoms, and highlights what treatment involves.

Why diabetes increases the risk of a perianal abscess

Diabetes is a group of diseases that cause high blood sugar (glucose). Although blood sugar management is often the focus of treatment, keeping your levels within the optimal range can benefit your digestive system as well. 

That’s because diabetes often weakens immunity and slows circulation, making it harder for your body to fight infection. High blood sugar also promotes bacterial growth and affects white blood cell response, so minor skin injuries and blocked anal glands are more likely to become infected.

Having diabetes doesn’t guarantee you’ll experience a perianal abscess, but studies show it increases your risk. You’re also more susceptible to recurrent abscesses and slower healing after drainage procedures, so it’s important you know how to identify a perianal abscess as soon as it forms.

Symptoms to watch out for

The good news is that perianal abscesses present noticeable symptoms, so it’s easier to take prompt action. Telltale signs include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness on or around your anus
• Fever or chills
• Drainage of fluid or pus
• Difficulty sitting
• Difficulty having bowel movements

If you have any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Yavrouian right away. Without treatment, an abscess can lead to an anal fistula or systemic infection.

How perianal abscesses are diagnosed and treated

If Dr. Yavrouian suspects you have a perianal abscess, he completes a rectal exam, checking for swelling, redness, and drainage. He may also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to assess the abscess’s depth and to look for other hidden pockets of infection.

After confirming the abscess' size, location, and severity, he develops a custom treatment plan. This usually involves incision and drainage, an outpatient procedure that removes fluid and pus, relieving pain and reducing your risk of a more serious infection. He may also prescribe antibiotics to help your immune system fight back.

Beyond this initial treatment, Dr. Yavrouian works with your primary care provider to keep your blood sugar within the healthy range, promoting healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Get treatment for a perianal abscess

If you have diabetes alongside symptoms of a perianal abscess, treatment from a proctologist like Dr. Yavrouian can provide peace of mind and help you heal quickly. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online with Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, today to get expert care promptly.