Anal abscess (patient information)

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 * Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan Doherty.

Overview
An anal abscess is a collection of pus in area of the anus and rectum.

What are the symptoms of an Anal abscess?
The following are all symptoms of an anal abscess
 * Constipation (may occur)
 * Discharge of pus from the rectum
 * Fever
 * Lump or nodule, swollen, red, tender at edge of anus
 * Pain associated with bowel movements
 * Painful, hardened tissue

In infants, the abscess often appears as a swollen, red, tender lump at the edge of the anus. The infant may be fussy from discomfort, but there are generally no other symptoms.

What are the causes of an Anal abscess?
Common causes include:
 * Blocked gland in the area
 * Infection of an anal fissure
 * Sexually transmitted infection

Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis.

Who is at highest risk?
The following factors increase your risk for an anorectal abscess:
 * Anal sex
 * Diabetes
 * Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
 * Weakened immune system

The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.

Diagnosis
A rectal examination may confirm that you have an anal abscess. A proctosigmoidoscopy may be done to rule out other diseases.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you notice a rectal discharge, symptoms of an anal abscess develop. You should also call if you have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition.

Treatment options
Treatment involves surgery to drain the abscess.

Warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water) may help relieve pain and swelling, and may help make the abscess easier to drain.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.

Diseases with similar symptoms

 * Anal Fistula

Where to find medical care for an Anal abscess ?
Directions to Hospitals Treating an Anal abscess

Prevention of an Anal abscess
Prevention or prompt treatment sexually transmitted diseases may prevent this cause of anal abscesses. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections.

Frequent diaper changes and proper cleaning during diaper changes will help prevent both anal fissures and perianal abscesses in infants and toddlers.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
With prompt treatment, a patient usually does well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.

Possible complications

 * Anal fistula
 * Body-wide infection
 * Recurrence
 * Scars