Hot compress therapy for perianal abscesses is typically chosen after surgery. Prior to surgery, due to the formation of a typical pus cavity in the perianal abscess and the encapsulation of pus fluid, it is an acute infectious foci. Using hot compress therapy can easily lead to further aggravation of the local infection or spread of the pus cavity, which may worsen the condition. Therefore, hot compresses are not recommended before surgery.

After promptly conducting surgery on a perianal abscess, since the local wound contains infectious material, it is suitable to fumigate and apply hot compresses postoperatively to disinfect the local wound further, and to manage residual fecal matter to prevent infection. Additionally, changing dressings is necessary to promote the fresh growth of normal granulation tissue, thus leading to the proper healing of the wound rather than pseudohealing or infection.