Can Anal Abscesses Heal on Their Own? Risks and Recovery Insights

Can an anal abscess resolve on its own?

From February to now, it is already April.
During this time, I consulted a colorectal surgeon regarding my symptoms, which include a hard lump located inside the left side of the anal area, approximately 1 to 2 centimeters in an oval shape.
Since the end of February, I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine for two weeks and noticed that it has shrunk, possibly because I accidentally pressed on it and ruptured it.
In mid-March, I caught a cold and had to switch from traditional Chinese medicine to cold medication.
Now, in the past two weeks, it has swollen again, feeling like it has reached an oval size of 2 centimeters.
Sitting causes discomfort, and there is slight pain when I gently press on it with my fingers.

I would like to ask the doctor: Is it possible for the abscess to self-absorb after I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine for four days? My second question is: Is it advisable to intentionally rupture it? Would it drain out through the anus? Could rupturing it lead to sepsis or infections of the penis or prostate? Lastly, I would like to know if there are indeed cases where an abscess has resolved on its own, or instances where it was ruptured but resulted in infections of other organs or sepsis?

Chen Bo-Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/11

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

If the abscess is small and has already ruptured, it may heal with the use of oral medications.
It is not advisable to attempt to drain it yourself, as this may require antibiotic treatment to prevent worsening of the infection.
It is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment at a surgical outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2024/04/11

More Info

Anal abscesses, which are localized collections of pus near the anus, can sometimes resolve on their own, but this is not common and can be risky. The body may be able to absorb the pus if the abscess is small and the immune system is strong. However, in many cases, abscesses require medical intervention to prevent complications.

From your description, it seems that you have been experiencing discomfort due to a hard lump near your anus, which has fluctuated in size. The fact that it initially shrank after treatment with traditional Chinese medicine suggests that there may have been some inflammation or infection that responded to treatment. However, the recurrence and increase in size indicate that the abscess may not have fully resolved.

1. Can anal abscesses heal on their own?
While some small abscesses can be absorbed by the body, many require drainage to fully heal. If an abscess is left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, such as the formation of a fistula (an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin) or systemic infections, including sepsis. Therefore, while there are cases where an abscess may resolve spontaneously, it is not advisable to rely on this outcome, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

2. Is it safe to intentionally rupture the abscess?
Attempting to rupture an abscess on your own is not recommended. This can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream or surrounding tissues, leading to severe infections, including sepsis. If the abscess ruptures, it may not drain properly, and the pus could spread to other areas, potentially leading to infections in the penis or prostate. It is crucial to seek professional medical help for proper drainage and treatment.

3. Are there cases of spontaneous absorption or complications from self-draining?
There are anecdotal cases where small anal abscesses have been absorbed by the body without intervention. However, these cases are not the norm, and many patients who attempt to drain their abscesses themselves end up with complications, such as infections or the development of fistulas. Medical literature supports that proper drainage by a healthcare professional is the safest and most effective way to treat an anal abscess.

In conclusion, while there is a possibility for an anal abscess to heal on its own, it is not a reliable or safe option. Given your symptoms, including pain and discomfort, it is highly advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a colorectal surgeon, who can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment. They may suggest drainage of the abscess, which can provide immediate relief and prevent further complications. Avoid self-treatment, as this can lead to more significant health issues.

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