What Is An Anal Abscess?

An anal abscess is an unpleasant and painful infection in the tissue surrounding the anus. Dr. Nsikak Umoh at Texas Colon & Pilonidal Clinic offers comprehensive colorectal services, including diagnosis and treatment of an anal abscess. He has two convenient office locations in Woodlands, and Cypress, TX.

What You Need To Know About an Anal Abscess

An anal abscess is an infection in or around the anus. An anal abscess can develop due to:

• Clogged anal glands
• An anal fissure, which is a tear in the anal canal with an accompanying infection
• Sexually transmitted infections

An anal abscess can cause unpleasant signs and symptoms like these:

• Throbbing pain around your anus, which gets worse while sitting
• Swelling, redness, irritation, and tenderness around the anus
• Constipation and pain while having a bowel movement

You may also experience generalized signs and symptoms including having a fever, experiencing chills, and feeling fatigued.

Other conditions which can be associated with a higher risk of anal abscess include:

• A sexually transmitted infection
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rectal cancer

Your colorectal specialist may recommend a surgical procedure to help drain the area of fluid. You may also need antibiotics.

After treatment, you should soak the area in a warm water bath three to four times each day. Stool softeners can help to prevent straining during bowel movements.

About half of patients with an anal abscess develop a fistula later on. A fistula is a tunnel-like opening, which can lead to chronic anal abscesses. Your colorectal specialist may recommend surgery to repair the fistula.

Want To Know More About an Anal Abscess?

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of an anal abscess, call Dr. Nsikak Umoh at Texas Colon & Pilonidal Clinic. You can reach him in either location in Woodlands, or Cypress, TX, by calling (832) 663-0037, so call today.