What to do if a child has an anal abscess?

Perianal abscesses require special attention in children, and going to the hospital for professional treatment as soon as possible is the key to solving the problem. If the symptoms are mild and do not rupture on their own, some auxiliary measures can be taken to relieve discomfort, but they cannot replace medical intervention.

Perianal abscess is a disease caused by infection of the soft tissue around the anus, which is more common in infants and young children. This infection is usually caused by bacterial invasion and may be accompanied by redness, swelling and pain. Breastfed babies may also be more susceptible to it because their immune systems are not fully developed.

Parents can observe whether the baby's perianal skin is red, swollen, hardened, or even pus oozing out. If the baby keeps crying or feels obvious pain during defecation, it indicates that there may be an abscess. If the abscess is not treated, it will further develop into anal fistula, which will have a greater impact on the child's health. Therefore, early medical treatment is very important.

When caring for the child at home, wash the affected area with warm water, keep the anus clean and dry, and avoid using irritating detergents. Use soft baby wipes after defecation to reduce irritation. It is also recommended to add more fiber to the diet to prevent constipation in children, but if you find that the symptoms are getting worse or there is a suspected infection, please seek medical treatment as soon as possible.