How to treat perianal abscess?

Written by Xiao Zhi Guo
Colorectal Surgery Department
Updated on September 11, 2024
00:00
00:00

Perianal abscesses generally have two treatment options. Initially, if the abscess is not very large and the swelling and pain are not particularly severe, conservative treatment with antibiotics can be used temporarily. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the swelling worsens, surgical treatment may be necessary. In cases of severe abscesses, incision and drainage can be considered first, followed by antibiotic treatment. Surgical definitive treatment can then be performed 3-5 days later.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
1min 20sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
48sec home-news-image

Can an anal abscess be cured by taking medicine?

An anal abscess is formed due to repeated infections within the anal crypts, resulting in localized pus or an encapsulated abscess. During an episode, the patient experiences severe pain, strong positive tenderness, and notable swelling, heat, and pain around the anal area. In severe cases, it can affect normal sitting and even walking activities. When an anal abscess occurs, it generally requires prompt surgical incision and drainage followed by definitive surgery. Relying solely on oral or topical medications cannot completely cure an anal abscess and only serves to alleviate symptoms. Post-surgery for an anal abscess usually involves local dressing changes to prevent pseudohealing and maintain proper drainage of the wound.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
58sec home-news-image

Can a perianal abscess in children heal by itself?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Cai Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 5sec home-news-image

How to change dressings for perianal abscess during menstruation?

Dressing changes during menstruation for perianal abscesses require cleansing with warm water after defecation. Sitz baths are not recommended as they may lead to gynecological infections. After thoroughly cleaning the area, it can be wiped with iodine. A hemorrhoid suppository should then be inserted into the anus, and hemorrhoid cream or an anti-inflammatory ointment can be applied to the wound. Covering with a piece of gauze can have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. Secure it with adhesive tape, and decide the frequency of dressing changes based on the amount of wound excretion. If there is a lot of excretion, it is advised to change the dressing twice a day, in the morning and evening. If the excretion is minimal and there is no feeling of moisture or discomfort, changing the dressing once a day after defecation is sufficient. At the same time, pay attention to a light diet.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
52sec home-news-image

How to treat recurrent perianal abscess?

If a perianal abscess has already been treated surgically, it is necessary to develop good dietary and bowel habits postoperatively to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. However, recurrence may still occur due to poor diet and bowel habits of the patient. If there is pain or discomfort at the site of the local wound of the perianal abscess, it is advisable to go to the hospital as soon as possible for an anal examination and perianal ultrasound to confirm if it has recurred. If it is confirmed to have recurred, early surgical treatment is necessary to prevent further expansion of the local infection focus or aggravation of the infection, which would increase the difficulty of treatment later.