How to change dressings for perianal abscess during menstruation?

Written by He Cai Dong

Colorectal Surgery Department

Updated on February 28, 2025

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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

56sec

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Is the recurrence rate of perianal abscess high?

Perianal abscess is an acute infectious disease localized around the anus. If a perianal abscess acutely erupts, it requires prompt surgical treatment. Without surgery, there is a possibility of recurrent episodes of perianal abscesses or the formation of anal fistulas due to the rupture of the abscess. After surgery for a perianal abscess, it is also important to pay attention to a light diet and regular bowel movements. It is crucial not to allow the stool to become too dry, nor to experience diarrhea. Recurrent diarrhea can lead to infection of the anal crypts, thereby causing perianal abscesses and local infections. Therefore, the care of a perianal abscess is very important; maintaining good dietary and bowel habits is essential to prevent recurrence of the abscess.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao

Colorectal Surgery

1min 4sec

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Has the perianal abscess that was drained a month ago and is neither painful nor itchy healed?

This situation often shows good post-operative recovery. Whether this situation is completely resolved depends on whether anal fistulas develop later, as most perianal abscesses drained can easily form anal fistulas. This is because drainage of perianal abscesses merely removes pus and secretions as much as possible, but does not completely clear the internal opening of the abscess and infected tissues. Thus, anal fistulas are likely to form later, and the patient needs to continue monitoring. Moreover, it’s important to maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy, irritating, and dry-hot foods as much as possible while also keeping bowel movements smooth. Frequent constipation or diarrhea should be avoided as they can cause wound pain or lead to inflammation and infection of the anal glands, potentially causing recurrence of the perianal abscess or the formation of anal fistulas later. However, the current situation indicates a relatively good post-operative recovery.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

48sec

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What will happen if a perianal abscess is not treated?

Perianal abscesses are localized abscess formations that occur due to repeated infections in the anal crypts. Typically, under perianal ultrasonography, clear pus chambers and related structures can be observed. If perianal abscesses are not treated promptly, there is a high likelihood of expansion of the local pus chambers and dispersion of the pus, leading to an increase in the size of local anal abscesses, which might involve the sacrococcygeal area or the intersphincteric space. The primary treatment for perianal abscesses is surgical, mainly through incision and drainage to evacuate the pus, followed by thorough debridement of the local wound. Additionally, if there are changes in the local sphincter, thread-lifting therapy may also be performed.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

58sec

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Can conservative treatment be effective for perianal abscesses?

Conservative treatment of perianal abscesses can only relieve temporary inflammatory symptoms and cannot achieve a curative effect. There is also the potential for conservative treatment to delay the condition, leading to an increase in the size of the abscess cavity or the rapid expansion of pus, thereby exacerbating the condition. Once a perianal abscess is identified, surgical treatment should be carried out as soon as possible. First, the abscess cavity needs to be opened, and the enclosed pus drained completely, and then either a local incision with suture or debridement surgery chosen for treatment. Additionally, it is necessary to maintain the normal function of the anal sphincter. If only conservative medication is used for a perianal abscess, it can only temporarily relieve the current symptoms and does not benefit the healing of the disease or its long-term development at all.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

49sec

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Which is more serious, perianal abscess or hemorrhoids?

Perianal abscesses and hemorrhoids are two different types of anorectal diseases. During the acute phase of a perianal abscess, the urgency of the condition is greater than that of hemorrhoids. If active surgical intervention and incisional drainage and debridement are not carried out for a perianal abscess, it can lead to further enlargement of the pus cavity, increasing the size of the infected wound and the focus of infection, causing more severe pain and symptoms of systemic infection in the patient. Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can be managed with conservative medication to alleviate symptoms. Surgical treatment is considered only when there are recurrent flare-ups, severe pain, significant prolapse, and worsening bleeding.