If you suspect you have a perirectal or perianal abscess, see a doctor. The diagnosis is not always easy to make, and your doctor may need to do tests or consult with specialists.

Go to an emergency Department when you have any of the following symptoms:

1. High fever or shaking chills 
2. Significant pain
3. Inability to have a bowel movement, or a painful bowel movement
4. Persistent vomiting
5. Any other unusual signs or symptoms that may indicate an emergency condition

Both perirectal and perianal abscesses should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not delay seeing a doctor if you suspect you have a perirectal or a perianal abscess.

• A warm bath may help your symptoms.
• Nonprescription pain medicine, such as paracetamol, may help control the pain and fever.
• If the abscess opens by itself, there will be a release of pus and, possibly, some relief of pain and fever.
• Even if the symptoms improve with home care, you should seek medical attention. Abscesses need to be evaluated and treated by a doctor. They rarely go away on their own. Many people need further special treatment to avoid complications or a return of the abscess.

You may have pain for several days following surgery, but you should improve over time.

• You may not have stitches. Infected wounds such as abscesses are left open to drain. If they were stitched shut, they would just fill with pus again. There may be packing left in your wound, which will be removed by your doctor after a few days.
• You may need to take an antibiotic for several days, depending on your condition. You should be given strong pain medication if you need it.
• Using stool softeners and adhering to good hygiene, such as sitz baths after every bowel movement, decreases your discomfort and helps your recovery.

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