Anal abscess: What it is, causes, symptoms, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about an anal abscessMedically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Carolyn Farnsworth on October 4, 2022An anal abscess is a collection of infected fluid, or pus, around the rectum or anus. With a prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, most anal abscesses will not cause long-term health consequences. Share on PinterestPER Images/StocksyMost anal abscesses respond to surgical drainage of the infected fluid. Untreated or advanced anal abscesses may lead to anal fistulas. This article discusses the causes and diagnosis of anal abscesses, as well as the most effective treatments and prevention strategies. What is an anal abscess The last section of the large intestine is the rectum. The stool passes through the rectum before it leaves the body through the anus. The anal canal links the rectum to the anus, and this canal connects to the skin around the anus at the anal verge. Perianal skin surrounds the anal verge. Anal abscesses occur in the anal verge region. When anal glands do not drain properly, they can become infected. This infected fluid then collects into an anal abscess. Individuals who have an anal abscess may experience symptoms such as: ongoing, throbbing pain inflammation or swelling redness or other discoloration around the anus sensations of tenderness in the anal region constipationpus leaking from the abscess Causes and risk factors The obstruction and subsequent infection of anal glands cause about 90% of anal abscesses. Individuals may also develop anal abscesses due to trauma to the anal region. Certain medical conditions can elevate the risk of anal abscesses. These include: diabetesobesityCrohn’s diseaseHIV These abscesses occur twice as often in males as in females. They also become more common in middle age, with the average age of onset being 40 years. Not all individuals with an increased risk of anal abscesses will go on to develop them. However, people who experience the symptoms of an anal abscess should discuss any concurrent health conditions with a healthcare professional. Diagnosis Doctors may begin the diagnosis of an anal abscess with a digital rectal exam. During this exam, they will first visually examine the anal exterior. They will then insert a gloved finger into the rectum, using medical lubricant to minimize discomfort. By digitally probing the rectum, a doctor can determine whether any anal abscesses are present. They may order imaging tests to get a closer look at the location of the abscess fluid. CT scans are a common imaging technique for visualizing anal abscesses. A CT scan can identify areas to which pus from the abscess has spread. CT scans with contrast dye can help distinguish between different types of abscesses. Another common imaging technique for diagnosing anal abscesses is an MRI scan. An MRI device uses large magnets to acquire images of soft tissues in the human body. Ultrasound tests may also act as an alternative to provide images of anal abscesses. A person with an anal abscess should speak with a doctor to learn more about the different diagnostic tests available. Treatment and home remedies In most cases, anal abscesses respond well to surgical drainage. During this procedure, a healthcare professional makes an incision in the perianal skin. Pus from an abscess drains through this incision. Individuals with minor abscesses can undergo this procedure in an outpatient clinic with local anesthesia. More complicated abscesses may require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics. People with an increased risk of complications, such as individuals with diabetes or compromised immunity, may need further care in a hospital setting to ensure that they have responded well to treatment. Home remedies After surgery, people can take steps to maximize their recovery at home. Many people recovering from abscess surgery may benefit from a sitz bath after any bowel movement. This warm bath can help clean the affected area. Avoiding constipation is another important step to minimize discomfort during recovery. People can promote healthy bowel function by:drinking plenty of watereating foods high in fiberavoiding processed foodstrying stool softeners Outlook Although anal abscess surgery is generally enough to treat an abscess, certain complications may occur after this procedure. Research shows that 30–50% of people who receive treatment for anal abscesses develop an anal fistula. A fistula is an abnormal passage that forms between the anal canal and the exterior area around the anus. The warning signs of an anal fistula may include nausea, vomiting, and pain. Doctors can identify the presence of an anal fistula through imaging techniques. Most anal fistulas heal following surgical treatment. Preventing complications Cleaning the abscess regularly after surgery can help reduce the risk of an anal fistula. Consistently dressing the area can also prevent postoperative complications. Antibiotic treatment after surgery can prevent the occurrence of anal fistulas. In one study from 2019, people who received antibiotics after surgery for anal abscesses had a 36% lower chance of developing an anal fistula. Possible ways to prevent anal fistulas include:following a balanced diet that is low in added salt and sugarexercising regularlymaintaining a moderate weightavoiding smoking Learn more about recovery from fistula surgery. People who have Crohn’s disease or have developed anal abscesses may remain at high risk of anal fistulas due to other symptoms they experience. A person will need medical and surgical treatment to treat perianal Crohn’s disease. A person can work with a doctor to create a suitable treatment plan. Summary Anal abscesses are collections of pus around the rectal or anal regions. Infection of the anal glands is one of the primary culprits. Certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing an anal abscess. These include obesity, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease. Surgical drainage is the standard treatment for this condition. However, individuals with anal abscesses should work with a medical team to determine the best treatment option for them. With the right treatment and follow-up care, people with anal abscesses can expect to make a full recovery. Last medically reviewed on October 4, 2022DermatologyGastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses 17 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Abscess and fistula expanded information. (n.d.).https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/abscess-and-fistula-expanded-informationAdamo, K., et al. (2016). Prevalence and recurrence rate of perianal abscess - a population-based study, Sweden 1997–2009 [Abstract].https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00384-015-2500-7Choe, J., et al. (2018). Imaging of acute conditions of the perineum.https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/epdf/10.1148/rg.2018170151Eating, diet, & nutrition for constipation. (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/eating-diet-nutritionFukuzako, S., et al. (2020). Perirectal abscess with dysuria.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jgh3.12307Gokce, F. S., et al. (2020). Can the risk of anal fistula development after perianal abscess drainage be reduced?https://www.scielo.br/j/ramb/a/Yx5DXSVvbscFrsw4prdNvrd/?lang=enHemorrhoids. (2020).https://medlineplus.gov/hemorrhoids.htmlJimenez, M., et al. (2022). Anorectal fistula.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560657/Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (n.d.).https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mriMarzo, M., et al. (2015). Management of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease: An up-to-date review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4316082/Mocanu, V., et al. (2019). Antibiotic use in prevention of anal fistulas following incision and drainage of anorectal abscesses: A systematic review and meta-analysis [Abstract].https://www.americanjournalofsurgery.com/article/S0002-9610(18)31292-3/fulltextShi, Y., et al. (2021). A systematic review and meta-analysis of incision and seton drainage in the treatment of high perianal abscess.https://apm.amegroups.com/article/view/79936/htmlSigmon, D. F., et al. (2022). Perianal abscess.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459167/The anal fistula operation. (n.d.).https://www.wirralsurgeon.co.uk/Patient-information/Information-Anal-Fistula-Surgery.pdfWalls-Smith, L., et al. (2018). Perianal abscess.https://escholarship.org/content/qt5t66q3m0/qt5t66q3m0_noSplash_cf1d754156bef66b1e39090405fdf883.pdf?t=pmiaz5What is a fistula? (n.d.).https://www.nafc.org/fistulaWhat is anal cancer? (2017).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/anal-cancer/about/what-is-anal-cancer.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Carolyn Farnsworth on October 4, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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