Anal Fistula and Abscess – Managing Perianal Infections
Q: I am a 16 year old girl. I was recently put on antibiotics by my doctor for a lump under the skin, next to my anus. It started small and it was incredibly itchy, so I thought it was a mosquito bite, but it quickly grew to the size of a strawberry. It was round in shape and under the skin; only a faint redness was visible. It was incredibly painful, and I found it difficult to sit, lie down and walk. I had two more similar lumps before this one, one on my right elbow and one on my left hip, though these were not as big or painful as the one near my anus. All three of these had to be squeezed and huge amount of pus came from them, but they’re now gone.
I was taking antibiotics for a week for the most painful of the lumps. As soon as I finished the antibiotics, four more lumps came up, only small, but all of them around my anus. One is particularly painful. I am worried about how painful it could become having four in the same place. I’m also worried about scars they could leave. Is there something that can stop these lumps from appearing in the first place?
Let’s discuss in detail. Painful pus containing lump around the anus is called an anal abscess.
Anal Abscess
An anal abscess is basically an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum. There are small glands just underneath the skin of the anus. Sometimes, they get infected by some bacteria, foreign matter or clogging of their small ducts. This leads to the development of an abscess.
Abscess is always treated by draining it. Usually no additional treatment it required.
Predisposing Conditions
If fistula-in-ano are recurrent, they need to be investigated. There are certain conditions which make these infections more likely. They are:
- Colitis or other inflammatory conditions of the intestine
- Diarrhea
- Physical trauma such as a hard stool or foreign body
- Injury such as a crack (fissure) in the anal tissue
- Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- An immune system that is not functioning well (immunocompromised condition)
- Tuberculosis
- Pelvic infections such as diverticulitis or appendicitis
- Being the receptive partner in anal sex
- Use of medications such as prednisone
- Alcoholism
- Any genitourinary infection
- An anal fistula
Presence of an anal fistula is the commonest cause of having recurrent perirectal or perianal abscesses in the anal region.
What is an Anal Fistula?
Bowel fistula is the result of a previous abscess. It is a small tunnel that forms under the skin and connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks outside the anus. After an abscess has been drained, the drainage tunnel may persist connecting the anal gland from which the abscess arose to the skin. Persistent drainage from the outside opening may indicate the persistence of this tunnel. If the outside opening of the tunnel heals, recurrent abscess
may develop.
All abscesses do not become fistula-in-ano. There is no way to predict if this will occur.
Management
Get the abscess treated first. Antibiotics are a poor alternative as treatment, because they do not completely penetrate the fluid within an abscess. Proper treatment is always draining the abscess surgically.
An opening is made in the skin near the anus to drain the pus from the infected cavity and thereby relieve the pressure. Often, this can be done in the doctor’s office using a local anesthetic.
Then you need to get investigated for the recurrence of these abscesses.
Presence of any anal fistulas is the first cause to be ruled out.
What About Treatment for a Fistula?
Surgery is done. Although fistula surgery is usually relatively straightforward, the potential for complication exists. So it is preferably performed by a specialist in colon and rectal surgery. It may be performed at the same time as the abscess surgery, although fistulas often develop four to six weeks after an abscess is drained, sometimes even months or years later.
This surgery involves opening up the fistula tunnel. This may require cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter, the muscle that helps to control bowel movements. The external and internal openings of the tunnel are joined. Healing begins from the inside out. Most of the time, fistula surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, unless it is a deep or extensive fistula.
Treatment of an abscess or fistula is followed by a period of time at home, when soaking the affected area in warm water (sitz bath) is recommended three or four times a day. Stool softeners or a bulk fiber laxative may also be recommended. It may be necessary to wear a gauze pad or mini-pad to prevent the drainage from soiling clothes. Bowel movements will not affect healing.
Measures to Prevent Anal Abscess and Fistula
- Using stool softeners if constipated. Very hard stools traumatize the anal opening leading to abscess formation.
- Adding fiber to your diet
- Drinking plenty of water, up to eight-ounce glasses a day
- Using clean, moist pads to wipe the area around the anus, to remove any irritating particle or fluid
- For adults, using condoms during sexual intercourse, including anal intercourse, can help prevent anal abscesses.
Guidelines to keep the lower gastrointestinal tract healthy, hence preventing the occurrence of abscesses:
- Eat food high in fiber.
- Drink plenty of water each day (up to 8-ounce glasses).
- Have regular physical exams to look for underlying diseases of
the rectum. - Have an active lifestyle, with exercises.
Take care
Buddy M.D.
About six months ago, I had a perineal abscess that had to be surgically drained after it grew to the size of a golf ball in spite of antibiotics. The incision took a long time to heal and even now it feels like sometimes it is leaking air, and is still quite sore. A new abscess seems to have appeared on the opposite side now, and it is a small lump. Yet, it is already quite painful and is located close to the mouth of my vagina. I have been advised to go on a course of Ciplox TZ immediately to see if it helps. The doctors say that if there is a collection of pus it will need to be drained and that recovery may be long and slow. Right now, I have discomfort sitting or clenching and there is a constant pain that travels from my lower back to my legs. I have Crohn’s disease and I usually suffer from alternating diarrhea and constipation and nausea/lack of appetite. What should I do?
It is a rule that collected pus anywhere in the body has to be drained. You may read above about perianal abscess in details.
Crohn’s disease can be a reason for the recurrence of your problem. You need to take care.
I have Crohn’s disease. I am quite irregular with my medication but I do not have any recurring diarrhea. In fact, I alternate between constipation and diarrhea and it is never severe. I have occasional pain just below the umbilicus but that is rare. What stays is the nausea. I feel very nauseated and pukish all the time, especially at night. I have low appetite and that has reduced the amount of food I eat. That has in turn led to weight loss. I also have an elevated pulse rate (110 per minute) even when I am at rest, but that regularizes if I do breathing exercises. I also feel very fatigued all day and sometimes I feel faint if I am standing. I HAVE to sit down. I also have a lot of joint pain and muscle fatigue all the time. I am a smoker. Could you tell me if I need to make a doctor’s appointment and what could be wrong?
Your question has been answered here.
I had a surgery last year, and abscess was drained. It was detected quite early and I healed in the two weeks. This year, however, my previous surgery wound had a bit of swelling. Since I was out of city, I had to meet another surgeon. She said I didn’t have to worry. However, after a week the swelling increased. I had to go to another surgeon and they could not even wait for half an hour because my abscess would have burst. I had my second surgery about 6 weeks ago. When I came back home, my wound was healing nicely. Then there was this pimple sized area that wouldn’t heal and would discharge something white and sticky. It was not puss. Upon the doctor’s visit, I got more medicines. However, right under my wound I had this area that has hardened and hurts when you press on to it. My doctor gave me more medicines but he suspects that a fistula might be there. I have to meet the doctor in a week, but is it possible that I have a fistula without any discharge or constant pain? I donot even have the other symptoms of the fistula. I might go for a pelvic MRI after my doctor’s visit.
Where is the lesion located exactly?
Yes, you may have a fistula without symptoms. Since it’s recurring, there has to be a source that’s filling it again and again.
The wound area is just on the crack of the left butt cheek. 80% of the wound is on the inside and slight on the buttcheek. The area that hurts is the wall of the butt cheek and the area on the left side of the anus. I have no problems with passing stool though.
Though this is unlikely to be a fistula, physical examination would reveal the diagnosis.
fluid discharge from my anus and there was itching around anus areas, I had visited the doctor, the doctor treat me for 7 weeks after the second weeks itching was solved and discharge of fluids happens once a week but in the seventh week again the discharge fluid frequently is seen.
Can you let us know his diagnosis after examining you, and what treatment he gave you.
I have a bump or blister like pimple on or about my anus or mouth of my rectal it hurt when i sit or move about. I had my husband pop it. It still hurt something awful when i sit or move, what should i do.
Just using an antibiotic ointment over it. Mupirocin may be used thrice daily. Also, avoid friction or pressure over it.
If it doesn’t lessen in a day or two, you may need to take oral antibiotics.
Hi Doctor
What is the management of diverticulitis and diverticular disease?
In this condition, sagging outgrowths or pouches get formed from the walls of your intestine.
Treatment would depend upon the severity of the condition. For smaller pouches, some medicines are given and dietary control is suggested. Bigger pouches may require surgical correction.
I have a liquid smell I believe it’s coming from my rectum it is making the area between my rectum and my vagina sore
You age? Any underlying disease? Can you describe the liquid that comes out?
Every day, usually once or twice a day I have some kind of anal leakage. Its usually clear but occasionally may have a little color from stool I assume. I have bad acid reflux and take nexium every day or every other day. I also have gas sometimes it seems like for no reason which I seem to not have any control over and always makes a fart sound. I also think I had folliculitis on my lower legs which break out about once a year, usually in the summer, but has since turned into a severe itch. I’m having a biopsy on my thyroid tomorrow due to an enlarged lymph node in my neck. My mother has leukemia so they want to test it. I also have had a stiff neck for about 6 months or longer. I should mention I use meth daily but only to feel normal. I don’t get crazy. I just use it to have energy so I can go to work every day and not lay on the couch being lazy. I sleep every night. Are these all related to one thing or two different issues? I feel like it could be some kind of cancer but I hope not. My doctor does not know about the meth use nor does anyone else. If anything, I never get sick. I never have the flu, I think it prevents that and studies have proven it. I also think it has prevented me from catching corona virus. I work with the public every day. please advise, thanks.
yea thanks for answering my question.. whatever.
Your problems may not be related and need to be solved one by one.
Folliculitis can be controlled by keeping the area clean and dry. Avoid friction there. In case they still erupt, start applying an antibiotic cream over them over a regular basis.
If the area stays moist, fungal infection needs to be ruled out. It may be co existing with folliculitis and giving you that severe itch. For combat it, you’ll need to wear light airy garments. Any anti fungal cream or powder can be applied over the affected area on a daily basis.
Acid reflux for long duration is not good. Consider changes in dietary patterns to control it. Start your day with some alkaline food stuff, like banana, custard apple or cold sweet milk. Restrict your intake of tea, coffee, alcohol or excess spices.
Let us know your biopsy reports.
I have reddish black drainage on pads all the time I have all the symptoms of fistula and thought to have it an MRI he said didn’t show it this fluid is ot coming out of my rectum or vigina or urinary track is it seeping out the tissues around my valvula ai tired of this I need answers and who can fix it I had upper and lower GI and hemorrhoids removed 3 years that’s when the bleeding started I do have some frequent sharp pain in the valvula The Dr’s in this area are so incompant they all do the exact thing I really need help My life is in limbo weak and tired all the time and the persistent fluid leaking
I just explained all above in the box leakage all the time Dr’s can’t find where its coming from had an colonosocpy 3 years ago and then the nurse practioner removed memrmoids and this is when it started She told me I might see some bleeding go home ly down and take tylenol undaughterly she did not know who to do banning but I can’t prove it I just need for to stop so I can get my life back I have been sick ever since on occasion when it stops for a few days I feel good so I know this is whats making my life miserable
where is my leakage coming from is not out of the 3 obvious holes
A careful physical examination is required to be done by a surgeon for diagnosis. It’s difficult to comment on it remotely, without actually seeing.
If there’s nothing visible over the surface, type of fluid leaking out needs to be examined. Whether it is contaminated with feces or not. Urinary tract leaking is very very rare. If it’s not feces contaminated, it may be from vagina.