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.



::: body-ad-desktop
zones:: 232632,232320,232640
types:: 163
disclaimer:: AD
typeFilter:: native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232320,232642
types:: 5,163
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display/native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::
## 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.



::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232320,233460
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::
## **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.


error

 There was an error when submitting your feedback – have a screen break then try again in a few minutes.

Oh no, something’s gone wrong

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

initial

This isn’t helpful

This isn’t relevant

Something is wrong

This isn’t accurate

Please select one.

loading

success

We're listening – we use your feedback to improve your experience, and make our content more helpful.

Thank you for your feedback

References

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Ann Nainan

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

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.