Can perianal abscess be treated conservatively?

Conservative treatment is generally not recommended for perianal abscesses.

An anal abscess is an infection of the tissues beneath the skin or around the anus that causes a pus-filled cavity, usually causing severe pain and swelling. The most common cause is an infection of the anal glands, which is usually caused by intestinal bacteria. If not treated promptly, this infection can spread quickly and form more serious complications, such as anal fistulas.

Early symptoms of perianal abscess include pain, redness and swelling around the anus, which may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue. Because the abscess is filled with pus, simple topical medications and oral antibiotics are usually difficult to reach the infected area and cannot completely remove the pus.

Generally, the treatment of perianal abscess requires professional surgical intervention, which means draining the pus through a small incision. This surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, with less pain and a shorter recovery time. Appropriate antibiotics may be required after surgery to prevent further infection. Conservative treatment alone may further worsen the infection and increase the complexity and risk of surgery.

Maintain good daily hygiene habits, clean the anal area, eat a healthy diet, and avoid constipation to reduce the risk of perianal abscesses. If you experience perianal pain or swelling, seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying the best treatment time.