Perianal Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus, while perianal is the area around the entrance of the anus to the human anus. So, a perianal abscess means a collection of pus near the anus.
This condition usually occurs due to bacterial infection in the crypto globular glands of the anus. Perianal abscess is one of the most common types of abscesses from anal abscesses.
The presence of a bacterial infection can cause pus because when bacteria enter the body, the immune system will fight it with white blood cells in the infected area.
When white blood cells attack the bacteria, some of the surrounding tissue dies and forms a hole that then fills with pus.
The pus contains a combination of dead tissue, red blood cells, and bacteria.
In addition to perianal, also get to know 3 Types of Abscesses and How to Treat Them in the article.
Symptoms of Perianal Abscess
The following are some general symptoms of perianal abscess, including:
- The presence of a painful lump or swelling near or around the anus.
- When you touch it, the lump is usually soft, red, and feels warm.
- Pain in a perianal abscess is usually continuous or constant.
- There is skin irritation around the anus, including redness.
- Draining pus and blood if the abscess ruptures.
So, if you are surprised to experience Pus Coming Out When Defecating, What Causes It?, it could be that you have a perianal abscess.
Apart from lumps or swelling, this condition can also cause several symptoms, such as:
- Fever and chills.
- Feeling malaise or feeling ‘unwell’ accompanied by fatigue.
- Feeling constipated or pain when defecating.
Risk Factors for Perianal Abscess
Perianal abscesses most commonly occur in baby boys under one year of age.
However, in relation to anal abscesses, several other risk factors can also trigger them, including:
- Having an inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease).
- Smoking habit.
- Over 40 years old.
- Having a history of certain diseases, such as diabetes.
- Frequent anal sex.
- Use of corticosteroid drugs.
- Having HIV/AIDS.
- Having a smoking lifestyle.
- Is pregnant.
- Frequent diarrhea or constipation.
Causes of Perianal Abscess
Most anal abscesses occur due to blockage and infection of the glands in the anus.
The infection will form a soft red lump under the skin near the anus which appears due to bacteria being trapped in the crypt glands that line the anal canal.
Later, bacteria and fluid (pus) will accumulate and become a red, painful lump (like a pimple).
Apart from blockage or infection, these pus-filled lumps can also occur due to sexually transmitted infections.
The reasons why someone can experience a perianal abscess are:
- An infected anal fissure, which is a tear in the lining of the anus.
- Trauma to the anal area, such as during anal sex.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Have a medical condition that affects the intestines.
- Epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts, which are infected in the perianal area. Infected cysts are usually less painful than classic perianal abscesses. They also tend to cause fever and the general symptoms.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic disease involving special skin glands found in certain areas. Such as, armpits, groin, perianal, perineum, and under the breasts.
- Anal fistula. This is a small abnormal tunnel that starts from the hole inside the anus to the outside hole in the skin near the anus. This condition occurs due to an infection that can develop into an anal abscess. Crohn’s disease, anal cancer, trauma, and radiation can increase the risk of infection and fistula. If you experience an anal fistula, contact this specialist immediately.
Perianal Abscess Diagnosis
To diagnose a perianal abscess, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination of the anal area.
A physical examination aims to check for lumps or swelling by palpating the anus and surrounding area to ensure there are lumps that may contain pus.
This examination also aims to see the color and involvement of the surrounding tissue.
In some cases, if there are complaints of pain in the area around the anus, but no lumps containing pus are found, then several imaging examinations will be carried out.
Here are some supporting examinations that may be carried out by a doctor:
1. Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan)
Using sophisticated computers and X-ray machines, this examination can help doctors find lumps of pus, especially those that form deep inside the anus.
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI imaging examinations utilize magnetic and radiowave technology.
Just like a CT scan, this examination also aims to help doctors find perianal abscesses in the anus.
3. Anorectal ultrasonography (USG)
Ultrasonography or USG is done by displaying images or pictures of the condition of the inside of the body.
For example, such as certain organs or soft tissues in the body. Ultrasound imaging examination itself utilizes high-frequency sound waves.
Perianal Abscess Treatment
Some treatment methods that can treat perianal abscesses include:
1. Incision and drainage
If this condition is detected and is severe, the doctor will usually perform medical procedures in the form of incision and drainage surgery.
The surgery is performed by the doctor by opening the lump or swelling with sterile instruments and local anesthesia. The goal is to remove the pus until it is clean.
Side effects of this surgery can occur if the sufferer does not maintain hygiene or cleanliness. Especially when the wound healing process after surgery is ongoing.
This risks causing various other health problems.
Examples include infection, bleeding, or loose stitches. Meanwhile, side effects for antibiotic therapy can vary depending on the type of antibiotic given.
2. Antibiotic drug therapy
Apart from surgery, some cases of perianal abscess can also be cured by prescribing antibiotics.
You must use prescription antibiotics according to the doctor’s rules and instructions to get maximum results and also prevent antibiotic resistance.
3. Home care
After undergoing a surgical procedure, you can do home care to help speed up recovery.
Many people recover from perianal abscesses by regularly taking a warm bath after a bowel movement. This helps clean the affected area.
Another treatment is to prevent constipation. This is important to minimize discomfort during recovery.
To prevent constipation, you can improve healthy bowel function by:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat foods that contain lots of fiber.
- Avoid consuming processed foods.
- Using stool softeners.
Complications of Perianal Abscess
The most common complication of perianal abscess is the occurrence of perirectal fistula. This is the formation of a kind of channel between the skin and the anus.
If a perianal fistula occurs, bacteria in the digestive tract (intestine) can become trapped in this tract and cause repeated infections.
Doctors can treat perirectal fistulas using a surgical method called fistulectomy to eliminate the presence of the tract/fistula.
In addition, other complications that may arise are recurrent abscesses, infection or sepsis (which can be life-threatening), and Fournier’s gangrene.
Perianal Abscess Prevention
Until now there is no specific prevention method to avoid this disease.
However, several things can be done to reduce the risk of this condition occurring, including:
- Use a condom when having anal sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- If you experience an infection, immediately consult a doctor to get appropriate therapy.
- Keep the anal area clean.
- Manage any medical conditions you have that may increase your risk of a perianal abscess, such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.