A painful abscess is not something you want to happen again.Many people suffer from abscesses returning.There is no way to be certain they won't come back.There are steps you can take to increase your odds.Make sure you follow all of your instructions, care for the wound, and keep it clean.If you think you have a returning abscess, visit your doctor.
Step 1: Ask a friend or family member to take you home.
Your best chance of preventing future abscesses is a smooth recovery from your current one.To drain the abscess, schedule a surgical procedure.This procedure is usually done the same day.It's a good idea to have someone close to you available to drive you home.It's necessary that you ride because you might be sleepy from anesthesia or pain medication.When you know when your procedure will take place, find an available person to give you a ride home.If you want to get comfortable at home, ask them to pick up your prescriptions.
Step 2: You can check your wound in 6 weeks with a follow-up appointment.
You can schedule an appointment with your doctor.Typically, they will want to see you in about 6 weeks, but in some cases they might need to check you out in 2 or 3 weeks.It is a good idea to schedule the follow up as soon as possible so that your doctor's schedule doesn't fill up.Your doctor will check your wound at the follow-up appointment.They will check to make sure there is no anal fistula.A fistula is a small tunnel that goes from the anus to the skin.There is a previous abscess that can cause these.Almost 50% of people will have a fistula after the surgery.You can decrease the likelihood of a fistula by following your post-op instructions.
Step 3: The incision area should be padded.
The area should be washed at least twice a day with a mild soap and warm water.You can collect any discharge from the healing abscess by wearing a soft maxi pad or sterile gauze in your underwear.The padding will make you feel more comfortable.To keep the area clean and free of discharge, you should change your pads at least twice a day.
Step 4: Heavy lifting or exercise should be avoided for a week after surgery.
You will be able to move around, but you should not exert yourself for a while after your procedure.Don't do any exercise and lift anything that is too heavy.Walk around during the day to keep your circulation going.You can return to work in 1-2 days depending on your job.If your job involves a lot of physical activity, talk to your doctor.Don't swim until your wound is completely healed.You should not ride a bike for 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery.It's possible to have sex as soon as you feel comfortable.
Step 5: Ask your doctor if you can use a laxative.
Regular bowel movements are normal after surgery.Don't push or strain.If you don't have normal bowel movements in 1-2 days after the surgery, ask your doctor if a laxative is right for you.It might be possible to use a mild laxative.Dosage instructions can be found on the packaging.To make it easier to have a bowel movement, place a stool under your feet.When you're in a squatting position, this helps you flex your hips and pelvis.Taking a sitz bath can help you keep the area clean after you have a bowel movement.
Step 6: The antibiotics should be taken as directed.
Post-op antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor if there is an illness.Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take your medicine.Even if you don't feel sick, finish the medication.
Step 7: Ask your doctor if you need pain medication.
It is normal to feel pain in your anal region.If the pain is manageable, ask your doctor if you should take an over the counter pain relief.Follow the instructions.Ask your doctor if you need a prescription for pain medication.Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions.
Step 8: Take a warm sitz bath.
A sitz bath can be used to treat your anal and genital area.If you want to take a sitz bath in your bathtub, you can either sit in 3 to 4 inches of warm water or buy a small bath bowl that fits over your toilet seat.Sit in the sitz bath for 15-20 minutes after adding sea salt to the water.The area should be dry.It's a good idea to use a warm temperature that isn't too hot.After your sitz bath, you can apply a soothing cream.
Step 9: To keep the wound clean, wash your anal area daily.
To clean the area, use warm soapy water and pat it dry with a clean towel.If it feels good, sit in a shallow bath for 20 minutes.After a bowel movement, use a baby wipe to keep the area clean and dry.Mild soap and warm water is what you should use.Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can slow healing.
Step 10: Dressing the wound is up to your doctor.
The doctor might have put something on your wound.Ask when to remove it.If your wound is leaking or weeping, you can place more gauze over it.After you clean the area, change your bandage.If you have to, put a maxi pad in your underwear.
Step 11: It's a good idea to apply ice several times a day.
Ice is placed on your wound for 20 minutes at a time.If you place a thin cloth between the ice and your skin, it will be more comfortable.Use a ready-made ice pack or put ice cubes in a baggie.You can use a cooling gel pack.
Step 12: It's a good idea to know when to call your doctor.
During the healing process, you won't have anything to worry about.It is important to know the warning signs that something is not right.If you experience increased redness, swelling, or severe pain, call your doctor right away.
Step 13: Understand what causes abscesses.
Abscesses can happen to anyone.The glands near your anus can become blocked.This could be the result of feces entering the glands.The risk of abscesses is increased by cancer, Crohn's disease, and trauma.Frequent cycling can cause a perianal abscess.3% of patients will have a recurrence of their abscess even with the proper medical treatment and after-care.There wasn't anything you could have done to prevent it.
Step 14: Common symptoms should be paid attention to.
There are signs of an anus abscess.A general sense of feeling unwell is what you might experience.These are some of the common symptoms of other ailments.
Step 15: You should visit your doctor for a diagnosis.
You should make an appointment to see your doctor.Ask for an exam and explain your symptoms.A simple clinical exam is what your doctor can do to diagnose an abscess.If they suspect a deep fistula, they might use an x-ray.Surgery is the only way to get rid of an injured body part, but it is a very simple procedure.