Can a hot towel be used to treat anal abscess?

Perianal abscesses can be treated with hot towels to relieve pain and promote local blood circulation, but this is only an auxiliary measure and cannot replace professional medical treatment. If you find a perianal abscess, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that the condition is treated in time to avoid abscess deterioration or other complications. The following introduces the causes, care methods and treatment plans of perianal abscesses to help you better understand and deal with them.

Causes of Perianal Abscess

1. Pathological infection

Perianal abscess is mainly caused by infection of the tissues around the rectum. It is often caused by infection after anal gland obstruction and bacteria invading local tissues to cause inflammation. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, anal fistulas and other related diseases. Long-term constipation or diarrhea may also lead to infection. When symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning and pain occur, you should be alert to the possible manifestations of abscesses.

2. Physiological and immune factors

Decreased immune function increases the risk of infection. For example, patients with diabetes, chronic diseases, malnutrition or those who stay up too late have weakened body resistance and are more likely to have perianal infections. You need to pay attention to your body's immune maintenance and prevent infectious diseases on a daily basis.

3. Environmental and health issues

Sitting for long periods of time, wearing tight clothing, and not paying attention to perianal hygiene can also increase the risk of infection. Failure to clean properly after defecation, excessive moisture, or spicy food can all induce perianal discomfort, which can lead to the formation of an abscess.

Nursing of perianal abscess and the effect of hot compress

1. Hot compress as a local auxiliary measure

Applying a warm towel to the perianal area can promote local blood circulation, improve swelling, and relieve tightness and pain. However, hot compress is only suitable for early inflammation that has not completely spread. Do not squeeze the affected area or continue to apply high-temperature hot compresses to avoid causing the infection to spread. The correct way to use hot compresses: soak a clean towel in 40-50℃ warm water, wring it dry, and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

2. Keep the affected area clean and dry

Patients with perianal abscesses should wash the perianal area with warm water every day and gently dry it to avoid bacterial growth. Choose ventilated and moisture-absorbent cotton underwear to reduce the impact of a humid environment. Pay attention to a light diet and eat less spicy and irritating foods to avoid aggravating inflammation.

3. Pay attention to pain management

If the pain is severe, you can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen in moderation, but you should consult a doctor to determine the dosage. Avoid taking antibiotics on your own to avoid masking symptoms and delaying treatment.

Professional treatment methods

1. Incision and drainage

If an abscess has formed, hot compresses alone will not cure it. Doctors usually perform incisions and drainage after local anesthesia to remove the pus from the body. After the pus is drained, the wound needs to be changed daily and antibiotic bandages or treatments should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

2. Anal fistula risk screening and repair

Abscesses that are not treated for a long time or are treated improperly may develop into anal fistulas. After surgery, we must be vigilant about fistula formation and perform fistulectomy if necessary to prevent recurrent infection.

3. Control the primary disease

For diabetic patients, they should first stabilize their blood sugar levels, while paying attention to intestinal health to prevent constipation or frequent diarrhea.

Patients with perianal abscesses can use hot compresses appropriately, but hot compresses are only used as an auxiliary relief method and cannot replace doctor's treatment. If the affected area is obviously red and swollen or the pain continues to worsen, you must go to the hospital for professional diagnosis and treatment in time. Keeping the perianal area clean, paying attention to diet conditioning, and improving living habits can effectively prevent the occurrence of perianal abscesses. In addition to dealing with the disease, pay more attention to body signals and seek medical treatment in time to better maintain your health.