Treatment of perianal abscess in a two-year-old child

A two-year-old child with an anal abscess needs to be treated promptly, otherwise it may develop into anal fistula or cause infection. Common treatments include medication, surgical drainage, and auxiliary care. Parents should combine the doctor's advice to choose a treatment method suitable for the child to promote recovery.

Perianal abscess refers to the formation of abscess cavity in the soft tissue around the anus due to bacterial infection, which is more common in children whose immune function is not yet perfect. Redness, swelling, tenderness, subcutaneous lumps and local heat sensation in the perianal skin are typical symptoms, accompanied by fever and crying in severe cases. The occurrence of perianal abscess is mainly related to the following factors: first, the skin barrier of children is thin and the resistance is weak, which is easy to be invaded by bacteria; second, due to bad bowel habits or constipation, fecal residues irritate the perianal skin; third, skin damage caused by poor local hygiene or frequent friction. For early mild infections, oral broad-spectrum antibiotics (such as amoxicillin or cephalosporins) can be used for antibacterial treatment, and topical antibiotic ointment can be used to reduce swelling. Children with abscess cavity formation or severe infection require surgical treatment, generally through incision and drainage or excision of the primary site of the abscess to remove the source of infection and reduce recurrence. After surgery, it is necessary to change the dressing regularly and keep the wound dry to prevent secondary infection.

When caring for the child, parents need to keep the child's perianal area clean and hygienic. Clean the perianal area with warm water and dry it after each bowel movement. Appropriately increase dietary fiber and water intake to relieve constipation and avoid irritation of the perianal area. Be sure to use soft infant-specific paper towels to reduce discomfort or friction caused by wiping. During treatment, medication should be adjusted strictly according to the doctor's advice, and antibiotics should not be discontinued at will. If the child has a fever, worsening redness and swelling, or recurrence of abscesses, the child should be reexamined and treated immediately. Correct treatment and care can effectively reduce the recurrence rate of perianal abscesses in children. At the same time, parents should also pay attention to the child's psychological feelings, comfort and encourage in time, and help the child smoothly through the recovery period.