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About Abscess Consultations offered in Merrifield and Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Alexandria, Gainesville and Lansdowne, VA
You can develop an abscess anywhere on the body, including the anus and rectum. An anal abscess is uncomfortable. At Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, the board-certified proctologists and colon and rectal surgeons provide comprehensive care for this type of abscess, clearing up the infection and easing the discomfort. For high-quality care, call the office in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, or Lansdowne, Virginia, or schedule an appointment online today.
Abscess Q & A
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a pocket filled with pus. When you have an infection in a specific area, your body sends over white blood cells to clear out the germs. These white blood cells collect in the space, causing inflammation and pus formation.
You can develop an abscess anywhere on the body, inside and out. An abscess under the skin creates a red, painful bump.
Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, specializes in conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, including anal abscesses.
What is an anal abscess?
An anal abscess is an infection that develops in or around the anus or rectum. Most anal abscesses are short-term infections that occur in the anal glands.
Bacteria or fecal matter may clog anal glands and tunnel into the tissue, creating the infection that leads to an anal abscess. The specialists at FCRS classify anal abscesses based on their location, which includes:
- Perianal abscess
- Ischioanal abscess
- Intersphincteric abscess
- Supralevator abscess
If you have a history of an anal abscess or recurring abscesses, you may develop an anal fistula, a tunnel that runs from the anal gland to the outer skin, creating an open wound.
What are the symptoms of an anal abscess?
Pain near the anus or buttocks is the most common symptom of an anal abscess. You may also have redness, swelling, and a fever. Rectal bleeding or trouble urinating are also symptoms of an anal abscess.
If you have anal pain or rectal bleeding, schedule an appointment with the experts at FCRS. They can diagnose an anal abscess during a history and physical exam. In some cases, the experts may request imaging tests to determine the type of anal abscess you have and confirm or rule out an anal fistula.
What are the treatments for an anal abscess?
Surgical drainage is the primary treatment for an anal fistula. During this procedure, your colorectal surgeon at FCRS makes an incision near the abscess and drains the pus.
Providers only recommend antibiotics under certain circumstances. Your provider at FCRS gives you specific guidelines for post-drainage treatment, which might include sitz baths and stool softeners to prevent constipation.
Early treatment for an anal fistula may prevent complications like an anal fistula. Call Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, or schedule an appointment at the office nearest you online today.