Understanding Perianal Abscess

A perianal abscess is an infection around your anus. The anus is the opening of your rectum. It's located between your buttocks. It’s where solid waste (feces or stool) leaves your body.

How to say it

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What causes a perianal abscess?

Most perianal abscesses occur when an anal gland becomes blocked. You have 8 to 10 of these glands around your anus. They can become blocked with bacteria or fecal matter. Once blocked, they may become infected. They then fill with pus. Some people who have a perianal abscess also develop a fistula. This is a connection between the anal gland and the skin.

Symptoms of a perianal abscess

A perianal abscess may appear as a red, swollen bump near the anus. The area may be sore to the touch. If it’s inside the anal canal, you may not see it. If the perianal abscess can't be seen or felt, your healthcare provider may order an imaging test to help with diagnosis.

The abscess can cause severe pain. You may feel sick and have a fever. If the abscess bursts, pus may ooze out of it.

Treatment for a perianal abscess

A perianal abscess should be treated right away. Treatment options include:

• Incision and drainage. Cutting open the abscess lets the pus inside it drain. This eases discomfort and pain. If a fistula develops, it may also need to be treated.

• Sitz bath. Soaking the anal area by sitting in a warm bath several times a day after the abscess has been drained helps it heal. Another option is using hand-held showers to keep the area clean until it heals.

• Medicine. In some cases, you may need antibiotics if an infection is severe. You may also need them if you have a health problem such as diabetes that may slow down healing.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Redness, swelling, or fluid leaking from your incision that gets worse

• Pain that gets worse

• Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse

• New symptoms