About this topic
An anal abscess is an infected area filled with pus. It is located near your anus or rectum. It happens when germs get inside the small glands inside your anus. An anal abscess needs to be drained. Your doctor can do this in the office. It is done by making a small cut near the infected area. ‚
Sometimes, a small tunnel forms from the anal gland to the outside of the skin. This is a fistula. These often form at the same time or just after you have had an abscess. An anal fistula needs surgery. You can most often go home the same day of the surgery. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Use stool softeners to make bowel movements less painful.
- Take a sitz bath. Sit in 2 to 3 inches of warm water in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Carefully wipe your bottom afterwards.
- Use baby wipes or other moist wipes instead of toilet tissue.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Keep your stools soft
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Your doctor may suggest eating a high fiber diet. This means eating: ‚
- Whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You cannot always prevent these problems. These things may help: ‚
- Use condoms. This is very important during anal sex.
- Change your childs diapers often. Clean the diaper area well.
- Seek care for signs of sexually transmitted infections, like burning, itching, or a rash on your genitals.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
- Pain in your rectum
- A painful bump or swelling near the anus
- Pus or blood coming from the anus
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have pain in my rectum, a bump or swelling near my anus, or pus or blood coming from my anus.
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/anal_abscess_fistula/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚