An abscess is a collection of pus, while the perianal area is the area surrounding the anus and extending into the human anus. Therefore, a perianal abscess refers to a collection of pus near the anus.
This condition usually occurs due to a bacterial infection in the crypt globular glands of the anus. A perianal abscess is one of the most common types of anal abscess.
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.
Besides perianal abscesses, you can also learn about the 3 types of abscesses and how to treat them in this article.
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 other common symptoms.
·
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition involving
specialized skin glands found in specific areas, such as the armpits, groin,
perianal region, perineum, and under the breasts.
·
Fistula years. This is a small, abnormal tunnel that
extends from the opening inside the anus to an external opening in the skin
near the anus. This condition occurs due to an infection that can progress to
an anal abscess. Crohn's disease, anal cancer, trauma, and radiation can
increase the risk of infection and fistula formation. If you experience an anal
fistula, contact this specialist immediately.
Risk Factors for Perianal Abscess
Perianal abscesses most commonly occur in male infants 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.
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Over 40 years old.
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Have 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.
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.
·
Discharge of pus and blood if the abscess ruptures.
So, if you are surprised to experience pus discharge when defecating, what is the cause?, 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 having pain when defecating.
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 doctor performs this surgery by opening the lump or swelling with sterile instruments and local anesthetic. The goal is to drain the pus completely.
Side effects from this surgery can occur if the patient doesn't maintain proper hygiene, especially during the post-operative wound healing process.
This risks causing various other health problems.
Examples include infection, bleeding, or loose stitches. Meanwhile, side effects of antibiotic therapy can vary depending on the type of antibiotic administered.
2. Antibiotic drug therapy
Apart from surgery, some cases of perianal abscess can also be cured by prescribing antibiotics.
You must use these prescription antibiotics according to your doctor's instructions and rules to get maximum results and also prevent antibiotic resistance.
3. Home care
After undergoing the 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 cleanse the affected area.
Another treatment is preventing constipation. This is important to minimize discomfort during recovery.
To prevent constipation, you can improve healthy bowel function by:
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Drink plenty of water.
·
Consume foods that contain lots of fiber.
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Avoid consuming processed foods.
·
Using stool softeners.
Complications of Perianal Abscess
The most common complication of a perianal abscess is a perirectal fistula. This is the formation of a tunnel between the skin and the anus.
If a perianal fistula occurs, bacteria in the digestive tract (intestines) can become trapped in this canal and cause recurrent infections.
Doctors can treat perirectal fistulas using a surgical method called fistulectomy to remove 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.