Anal Abscess

Our Approach

At Franciscan Health, our doctors treat anal abscesses by draining them via an incision. Early treatment can prevent eruption of the abscess.

If the anal abscess is superficial, your doctor can treat it in the office using a local anesthetic. If your anal abscess is large or deep, your doctor may need to drain it in an operating room.

After treatment, patients have a chance of developing a complication called an anal fistula. If this occurs, our doctors can treat the fistula using medication or surgery.

How is an anal abscess diagnosed?

Our doctors diagnose anal abscesses with a physical examination and digital rectal exam. Your doctor may also order additional tests to screen for:

• Crohn's disease
• Diverticulitis
• Infections
• Rectal cancer

What is an anal abscess?

An anal abscess is a collection of pus near the anus. The most common type - called a perianal abscess - appears as a boil-like swelling. The abscess may also be red and warm to the touch.

Abscesses located in deeper tissue are less common and may be less visible. Most anal abscesses come from an infection in the anal glands.

Anal abscess symptoms

Superficial anal abscesses are often associated with:

• Discharge of pus
• Pain associated with bowel movements
• Skin irritation around the anus, including swelling, redness and tenderness
• Throbbing and constant anal pain that is worse when seated

Deeper anal abscesses may cause less pain but sometimes are accompanied by:

• Fever
• Chills
• Malaise (an overall unwell feeling)