Can a perianal abscess in children heal by itself?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Although they are all perianal abscesses, each child's condition is different. The size of the perianal abscesses varies; some are as small as a grain of rice and may heal on their own, but there are also larger ones the size of a walnut, or even cause the entire buttock area to become swollen and red. Such cases require hospitalization, especially for younger children who also exhibit systemic symptoms like fever. They generally require hospital treatment. Meanwhile, it is recommended that parents take good care of the baby's perianal area, maintain a healthy diet and bowel habits, avoid diarrhea and constipation, ensure cleanliness around the anal area, and use soft, non-irritating wet wipes when cleaning the area to avoid friction injuries that could lead to infections, as the skin of small infants is very delicate.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can you eat mutton with a perianal abscess?

During the acute phase of a perianal abscess, do not consume mutton, as it is considered a "heaty" food. Excessive consumption of mutton may lead to congestion of the local rectal and anal mucosa, which can potentially cause enlargement of the local abscess or worsen the condition. The primary treatment for a perianal abscess is surgical, and the diet following surgery should consist mainly of light and easily digestible liquid foods. To avoid the pain associated with overly dry stools in the early stages, patients can consume more vegetables, fruits, and a suitable amount of staple foods.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What is the best medicine to take for a perianal abscess?

Perianal abscess is a type of acute infectious disease localized around the anus, and oral medication is not necessarily the best treatment method for perianal abscesses. Rather, the best treatment for perianal abscesses is surgery. Surgical methods generally include incision and drainage procedures, as well as further definitive surgeries, because perianal abscesses are associated with infections in the anal crypts. Thus, medication alone can only relieve symptoms and cannot completely clear the infection. If treatment is solely through medication or if it is incomplete, there is a high likelihood of recurrent infections, which may even lead to the formation of anal fistulas. Once an anal fistula forms, it can only be cured through surgical procedures that involve cutting and threading.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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If pus is draining from a perianal abscess, does that mean it's getting better?

The discharge of pus from a perianal abscess does not indicate improvement. This situation is due to the spontaneous rupture of the perianal abscess, which can easily lead to the formation of an anal fistula. Since a perianal abscess is caused by an infection of the anal glands and can infect the surrounding tissues, the simple discharge of pus without clearing the internal opening and infected tissues will not resolve the problem. Furthermore, there is a risk of recurrent episodes that may even result in more severe swelling. Therefore, it is necessary to seek early treatment at a hospital's colorectal surgery department for a definitive one-time surgical resolution of the perianal abscess, removing the internal opening and infected tissues. Post-surgery, medications like anal washes and potassium permanganate solutions should be used for dressing changes. Additionally, medications like erythromycin ointment strips and mupirocin ointment can be used to promote healing of the local surgical site. Patients should also maintain perianal hygiene, ensure smooth bowel movements, and avoid dry, hard stools that may irritate and cause pain or bleeding at the wound site.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can a perianal abscess heal by itself without rupturing?

Perianal abscesses that have not ruptured generally involve two scenarios. First, the application of topical or oral antibiotics may eliminate the local abscess, but some infection foci and swelling may persist, with a possibility of recurrence later. The second scenario occurs when the abscess does not rupture, but the pus chamber further expands, leading to an increase in the area of infection and thus worsening systemic infection symptoms. Once a perianal abscess is detected, it is necessary to treat it promptly. If an early-stage typical pus chamber has not formed, antibiotics can be used for symptomatic treatment to reduce local inflammation. If a clear pus chamber has formed and is accompanied by pus, it is advisable to promptly perform an incision and drainage of the abscess, followed by a definitive surgical debridement.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What is causing the stabbing pain in the wound half a year after perianal abscess surgery?

Six months after surgery for a perianal abscess, if there is local pain at the wound site, it is first necessary to rule out the presence of local infection and recurrence. To differentiate between infection and recurrence, it is necessary to conduct a digital rectal examination and a perianal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. If infection and recurrence are ruled out, consider the possibility that the pain may be due to contraction and softening of the scar tissue at the site of the perianal abscess surgery, leading to painful stinging at the wound. Local application of anti-inflammatory ointments or gels can be used to treat the inflammation. If the pain or discomfort is severe, Chinese herbal washes or dilute salt water can be used for fumigation and hot compresses on the local scar.