Perianal abscess

A perianal abscess is a painful pus-filled lump in or near the back passage (anus). 

Symptoms of a perianal abscess

How is a perianal abscess diagnosed?

**Treatment for a perianal abscess**



## 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.


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## 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](/health-library/medical-exams/mri-scan) or a [CT scan](/health-library/medical-exams/ct-scan), if they think you have an abscess deeper in your anus.


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## **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.


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References

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Ann Nainan

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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. Here’s how to treat a perianal abscess.