Anal abscess: symptoms, causes, to treatment

x

Definition

What is an anal abscess?

Anal abscess is a disease caused by infection of the anal glands, causing pus to build up around the anus.

The most common type of anal abscess is a perianal abscess, which is a swollen and painful boil around the anus. Another type of anal abscess, which is a perirectal abscess, is located deeper in the tissue, so it is less visible.

Quoted from Harvard Health Publishing, most anal abscesses are not associated with other health problems. In fact, this condition can arise spontaneously, for no apparent reason.

This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

How common is this condition?

Anal abscesses are common in adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Men are affected more often than women.

Most anal abscesses are located near the anal opening and are rarely located inside or above the anal canal.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of an anal abscess?

The most common symptom of an anal abscess is sharp pain in the anus, especially when sitting. Other signs are irritation of the anus, discharge of pus, and constipation.

If the abscess is deeper, the patient may develop a fever, chills and feel unwell. Sometimes, fever is the only sign.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes an anal abscess?

Anal abscesses are thought to develop from glands around the anus. Sometimes, a perianal abscess can develop from infected skin adjacent to the anus.

The glands can become blocked, usually leading to bacterial infection. When filled with pus, the glands may burst inward and release the infected contents into the space around the rectum and anus.

This is what causes an abscess, or pus collection, in the spaces around the rectum or anus. This condition can enlarge and cause pain, fever, and difficulty defecating.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for anal abscess?

Some people have a tendency to develop abscesses, including those with the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• AIDS or HIV infection with a low white blood cell count
• Crohn's disease
• People with drugs that suppress the immune system, such as steroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone), or those who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment
• Pregnant
• Placement of a foreign body into the anus.

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is an anal abscess diagnosed?

In most cases, evaluation by digital rectal examination is sufficient for diagnosis. However, some patients need further tests to look for rectal cancer, sexually transmitted infections, or other diseases.

After you describe your symptoms, the doctor will ask about your medical history and lifestyle. This will help the doctor assess problems with your anus, including if you have an anal abscess.

Depending on the symptoms, your doctor may ask:

• Your bowel habits, especially a history of constipation
• Your medical history, including a history of bleeding disorders, episodes of rectal bleeding, sexually transmitted diseases, or radiation treatment for cancer.
• Use of prescription or nonprescription drugs that can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Have you had anal sex or have a history of anal trauma.

Then, the doctor will perform a physical examination of your abdomen, followed by an external examination of your anal area. The doctor may also perform a digital examination of the rectal area.

Usually, the doctor will also perform anoscopy (inserting a tube-like instrument into the anus to look inside) and sigmoidoscopy (a short telescope to examine the rectum and lower colon).

How are anal abscesses treated?

Anal abscesses can sometimes dry up on their own, although it is always safer for a doctor to check for the problem. If the abscess doesn't get better on its own, the doctor can perform surgical procedures to treat the anal abscess.

It is best to treat an anal abscess before it erupts. Generally, anal abscesses can be treated with surgical drainage using local anesthesia. More severe cases can require hospitalization.

After the procedure, the patient will be given pain medication and antibiotics. For healthy people, antibiotics are usually not needed. Antibiotics may be needed for some people, including those who have diabetes or have decreased immunity.

Sometimes, fistula surgery can be done in conjunction with abscess surgery. However, fistulas often develop four to six weeks after the abscess has drained.

Fistulas may not appear until months or years later. So, fistula surgery is usually a separate procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis or in a hospital setting.

Quoted from Web MD, you can soak the affected area with warm water, three or four times a day. Stool softeners may be recommended by your doctor to relieve bowel movement discomfort.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat an anal abscess?

With proper treatment, people with an anal abscess can make a full recovery in a short time. You can prevent anal abscesses by using condoms during anal sex.

Apart from that, you can also do the things below:

• Use gentle techniques to clean the anal area
• Keep your anal area dry by changing your underwear intelligently and using powder to soak in excess moisture
• Always use a condom if you are having anal sex
• Never insert any object into the anus.

In some cases, babies and toddlers can experience this condition. Frequent diaper changes and proper cleaning during diaper changes can help prevent anal fissures and abscesses.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.