Anal Abscess
An anal abscess (also known as an anal/rectal abscess,
peri-rectal/peri-anal abscess, or ano-rectal abscess) is an abscess (a
large pocket of infection) adjacent to the anus.
Symptoms:
The condition invariably becomes extremely painful, and usually
worsens over the course of just a few days. The pain may be limited and
sporadic at first, but invariably worsens to a constant pain which can
become very severe when body position is changed (e.g., when standing
up, rolling over, and so forth). Depending upon the exact location of
the abscess, there can also be excruciating pain during bowel movements,
though this is not always the case. This condition may occur in
isolation, but is frequently indicative of another underlying disorder,
such as Crohn's disease.
Causes:
Abscesses are caused by a high density infection of (usually)
common bacteria which collect in one place or another for any variety of
reasons. All abscesses can progress to serious generalized infections
requiring lengthy hospitalizations if not treated.
Historically, many rectal abscesses are caused by bacteria common in the digestive system, such as E. coli.
Treatment:
Anal abscesses, unfortunately, cannot be treated by a simple course of antibiotics or other medications.
Generally speaking, a fairly small but deep incision is performed
close to the root of the abscess, and Kshar-varti is applied to the
wound which curates the internal wall of abscess and heals the wound in
the course of time. The incision is not closed (stitched), as the
damaged tissues must heal from the inside toward the skin over a period
of time.
The patient is instructed to perform several 'sitz baths' per
day, whereby a small basin (which usually fits over a toilet) is filled
with warm water (and possibly, salts) and the affected area is soaked
for a period of time.