A perianal abscess is a painful pus-filled lump in or near the back passage (anus). It’s often caused by a blockage and infection of a gland in the area.
Symptoms of a perianal abscess
If you have a perianal abscess, you may notice a pain in your bottom. This pain may come and go.
You may also notice you have a fever and feel generally unwell. And sometimes a fluid may leak from your back passage if the abscess bursts on its own.
See a doctor if you have, or think you may have, a perianal abscess.
How is a perianal abscess diagnosed?
A doctor will usually need to examine you to diagnose a perianal abscess. They can do this by looking at your back passage and doing a digital rectal exam – putting a gloved finger into your anus and feeling for lumps or other changes.
You may also need imaging tests, like an MRI or a CT scan, if they think you have an abscess deeper in your anus.
Treatment for a perianal abscess
A perianal abscess is unlikely to get better on its own and will usually need medical treatment. But there are a few things you can try to help manage your symptoms while waiting to see a doctor. These include:
- not squeezing or draining pus from the abscess yourself
- keeping the area clean
- sitting in a shallow warm bath
- taking simple painkillers to help with any pain and reduce inflammation –peak to a pharmacist for advice
A doctor can treat a perianal abscess by arranging a small procedure to drain pus from the abscess and prescribing antibiotics to treat any infection.
