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.

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

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.