A perianal abscess is an infection beside the anus. It occurs when a small gland in the anal canal becomes blocked, allowing pus to collect and form a painful, swollen lump that requires medical attention.
Symptoms often develop rapidly and will worsen without treatment. Look for:
A perianal abscess usually forms when bacteria infect a blocked anal gland. Common contributing factors include:
If a perianal abscess is causing you pain or disrupting your daily life, don't wait. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our skilled physicians offer same-day appointments, in-office drainage, and personalized follow-up to get you back on your feet fast. Call us now at 832-632-4070 or schedule your visit online for prompt, compassionate care.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A perianal abscess is a painful pus-filled infection that requires drainage and often causes fever, whereas a hemorrhoid is a swollen vein in the anal area that typically responds to conservative measures and does not involve pus or systemic infection.
No. Perianal abscesses almost always require professional drainage to remove the infection. Without treatment, the abscess can enlarge, cause more pain, and lead to complications such as fistula formation or systemic infection.
Most patients experience significant pain relief within one to two days after drainage, but full healing generally takes one to two weeks, depending on the abscess size and individual healing factors.
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Mild soreness afterward is normal and can be controlled with prescribed pain medications.
Yes. We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the drainage procedure, ensuring you feel minimal to no discomfort while we address the infection.
Home remedies like sitz baths may ease discomfort but cannot replace medical drainage. Leaving an abscess untreated can allow the infection to worsen and potentially spread.
Untreated perianal abscesses can grow larger, lead to fistula formation (a tunnel under the skin), or spread infection into the bloodstream, posing serious health risks.
Most patients can drive home if they feel alert and have not been given sedation that impairs judgment. To be safe, consider arranging for someone to accompany you.
No referral is necessary. You can call GastroDoxs directly to schedule an appointment with our perianal abscess specialists.
Maintain good perianal hygiene, manage chronic conditions like diabetes or Crohn's disease, attend regular medical follow-ups, and follow your provider's care recommendations to reduce the risk of recurrence.
