What is anal abscess?
An anal or anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of anal abscess are swelling around the anus accompanied by intense and constant pain, which is accentuated during bowel movements.
In addition, other symptoms may occur:
- Constipation
- Pus discharge from the anus
- Tiredness, fever, chills and even night sweats.
- Hardened, red, painful tissue in the anal area.
- In infants, irritation and discomfort, as there is a red, swollen lump around the anus
Causes of anal abscess or why it occurs
There are different causes of anorectal abscess:
- Anal obstructed glands
- Infection of anal fistulas
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis (deep rectal abscesses)
In addition, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of anal abscess:
- Anal sex
- Chemotherapy medication
- Diabetes
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Corticosteroid medications
- Weak immune system
- Infants and children with previous anal fistulas
Can it be prevented?
Prompt treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases can prevent anal abscesses. Hence, the use of condoms is essential, even in anal sex.
In infants and young children, frequent diaper changes and proper cleansing can help prevent anal abscess and fistulas.
What is the treatment?
Anal abscess does not go away on its own and cannot be treated with antibiotics, so surgery is required to open and drain the abscess. This is usually an outpatient procedure, so the patient returns home on the same day of the operation.
After surgery the patient will need to take warm sitz baths, sitting in a tub or bidet with warm water. This will help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and facilitate drainage, since abscesses do not usually close, so that they can drain all the pus.