Related articles: Perianal abscess
Definition
A perianal abscess is a collection of pus, located near the anus or rectum on the surface. It is formed as a consequence of an inflammatory process, followed by an acute infection, affecting some glands located in the anal canal and in the terminal portion of the rectum, deputed to produce mucus to facilitate the passage of the feces. Certain conditions, such as diverticulitis, colitis or other inflammatory bowel diseases, may make this process more likely.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Asthenia
- Anal burning
- Coccyx pain
- Anal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Temperature
- Pus formation
- Swelling in the anal area
- Stomach ache
- Anal itching
- Blood in the stool
- Mood swings
Further indications
Perianal abscesses can be very painful. In addition to pain, which is acute and progressively increases, characteristic symptoms are also the swelling (swelling) in the vicinity of the anus and the redness of the area. In some cases, it is possible that there are no obvious signs, but digital exploration can reveal a hard and very painful swelling of the rectal wall.
A perianal abscess tends to suppurate the skin around the anus, ie the pus looks for a way out to the outside. For this reason, the step from the abscess to the perianal fistula is short. The fistula, in fact, consists in the formation (spontaneous or by incision) of a small tunnel that connects the skin around the anus with the inside of the anal canal. If the external opening of the canal closes, a recurrent abscess may develop.
Anal fistulas cause skin irritation around the anus and itching; these symptoms tend to be accentuated during defecation and are typically accompanied by pus, blood or serous material leaking from a small hole near the anus. In some cases, fatigue, fever and pelvic pain may be present.
The abscess, if it is not yet open to the outside, must be incised and surgically drained. Sometimes, it is necessary to resort to antibiotic therapy.
