Question 1

Anal abscess symptoms

Accepted Answer

An anal abscess not only causes pain, but is also noticeable in the general state of health. The typical symptoms can vary in severity depending on the size and location of the abscess in the anal area:

- moderate to severe discomfort during movement and sitting

- Local swelling and redness of the surrounding skin

- severe pain during defecation

- General malaise up to fever and chills

Question 2

Who can get anal abscess?

Accepted Answer

Men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 represent the majority of patients. However, anal abscess is found significantly more often in men than in women

Question 3

Anal abscess causes

Accepted Answer

An anal abscess usually develops due to inflammation of the so-called scent glands, which are located in the mucous membrane of the anal canal. If germs from the intestine get into the glands, they become inflamed. Due to the inflammation, the surrounding tissue swells and thus encloses the accumulation of pus. The anal abscess is predominantly hard and swollen. The pain is caused by pressure on the inflamed area.

Question 4

Anal abscess treatment

Accepted Answer

The best solution to cure an anal abscess depends on its size. Especially larger and large abscesses cause severe pain, so patients are operated on in the short term.

Question 5

Which doctor is responsible for an anal abscess?

Accepted Answer

In the case of an anal abscess, the proctologist as a specialist for rectal diseases is the right contact person. For smaller abscesses, the family doctor can also be consulted.

Question 6

How is an anal abscess treated?

Accepted Answer

In order to quickly provide relief for the patient, opening the abscess is often the best option. Generally, the following treatment procedures are performed:

- Smaller anal abscesses: A so-called traction cream is used to try to pull the purulent fluid out of the cavity. These creams contain tar products and are applied locally several times a day.

- Medium anal abscesses: Sterile cannulas are used to open the abscess slightly during a puncture. This allows the purulent fluid to drain out and the abscess becomes smaller. Pressure and pain are relieved.

- Large anal abscesses: In these cases, surgery becomes necessary. During this treatment, the tissue cavity is opened over a larger area. This allows the pus to drain well, causing the abscess to shrink.

Under no circumstances should patients try to open or squeeze out the wound themselves. If germs get into the surrounding tissue uncontrollably when the wound is opened, they will be scattered in the body. As a result, blood poisoning or pus accumulation in other parts of the body can become life-threatening.

Question 7

What happens during anal abscess surgery?

Accepted Answer

Anal abscess surgery takes place under partial or general anaesthesia. The doctor cuts a long opening in the abscess. The secretion drains out through the opening via a drain. Afterwards, inflamed tissue is removed and the abscess cavity is cleaned. The drainage and cleaning prevent the pathogens from the abscess from causing bacterial inflammation in the surrounding regions. After the operation, the abscess is not closed with a suture to prevent re-encapsulation of germs and thus a new anal abscess.

Question 8

What is the wound treatment after anal abscess surgery?

Accepted Answer

After surgery, proper wound care is crucial. First, the wound is covered with a compress or pad. The wound should be washed at least three times a day and additionally after each bowel movement. For this purpose, it is preferable to use a podouche with filtered water. However, a bidet is also suitable. A daily change of the wound covering by the doctor or the patient is mandatory. Light painkillers can be taken to relieve the pain.

Question 9

How can I support healing after an anal abscess?

Accepted Answer

The healing of an anal abscess after puncture or surgery can be strongly supported by the patient. Regular sitz baths with warm water or suitable home remedies help to relax and relieve the pain. The diet should be consciously changed to products that promote soft bowel movements. Psyllium husks can also be used as a swelling agent. Meat and dietary fibres should be avoided. Excessive hygiene with intimate sprays or strong cleansing lotions would harm the healing of the wound.

Question 10

What home remedies help with an anal abscess?

Accepted Answer

Home remedies alone cannot cure an anal abscess. They are very good for treatment after puncture or surgery. Chamomile and [witch h]() azel can be used as sitz baths or compresses. Their anti-inflammatory and healing properties reduce infections and relieve pain.

Question 11

Can an anal abscess heal on its own?

Accepted Answer

It occasionally happens that the abscess opens on its own. In this case, purulent fluid comes out of the wound, causing severe [itching]() and skin irritation in the anal area. Therefore, the skin and the wound should be thoroughly cleaned with water. Then use sitz baths and compresses to promote the drainage of the secretion and the healing of the wound. If the abscess closes again immediately, traction ointment can be used.

Question 12

How long does healing take after surgery?

Accepted Answer

The healing of the wound depends on the wound care and the size of the abscess. After six to eight weeks, however, the wound is largely swollen down. It can take several weeks to months until final healing.

Question 13

How is an anal abscess diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

A doctor can often diagnose an anal abscess through a physical examination. However, in some cases, an imaging examination, such as an ultrasound or a computed tomography (CT) scan, may be necessary.

Question 14

What does an anal abscess look like?

Accepted Answer

An anal abscess may appear as a painful, swollen mass near the anus. The skin around the abscess may be red and warm and the abscess may sometimes ooze pus.

Question 15

Can you prevent an anal abscess?

Accepted Answer

There is no absolute guarantee to prevent an anal abscess, but good hygiene can reduce the risk. People at higher risk, such as diabetics or those with a weakened immune system, should monitor their health carefully and seek medical advice early if they notice symptoms.

Question 16

How long does it take to recover from an abscess drainage?

Accepted Answer

The recovery time varies depending on the size and location of the abscess and the patient's general health. It can take several days to weeks for the abscess to heal completely.

Question 17

Can an anal abscess recur?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible for an anal abscess to recur, especially if the underlying cause, such as chronic bowel disease or a fistula, is not treated.

Question 18

What is the difference between an abscess and a fistula?

Accepted Answer

An abscess is a cavity filled with pus caused by an infection. A fistula is an abnormal channel or passage between two organs or between an organ and the surface of the skin. An anal abscess can lead to an anal fistula if a channel to the skin or anus is created to drain the pus.

Question 19

Are there certain foods I should avoid if I have anal abscess?

Accepted Answer

There are no specific foods you should avoid if you have an anal abscess. However, a balanced, nutritious diet can help keep your immune system strong and support healing.

Question 20

How common are anal abscesses?

Accepted Answer

Anal abscesses are quite common. They can affect people of any age, but are most common in young to middle-aged adults.

Anal abscess: symptoms, recognition, causes & treatment