A patient complains about swelling, itching, redness, soreness, and pus in the anal area. He then decides he has hemorrhoids. However, even though the symptoms may be similar, it can actually be some other kind of infection.
Anal abscess mistaken as piles
Because of the similarity in their characteristics, they are often interchanged. However, in most cases, those infections that involve pus are actually an anal abscess.
What is an anal abscess?
An anal abscess is basically a hole deep inside the anus or close to its opening, which has pus in it. When people first notice the symptoms, most of them may initially think they have piles and not anal abscess. However, when the pain worsens and the body temperature increases, they finally realize what it really is.
In every ten thousand people, a minimum or eight or nine will suffer from an anal abscess at least once in their lives. If the infection left with no treatment, it may lead to severe problems that could end in death. It is always ideal to consult with a medical professional.
What brings about anal abscess?
The anal area of the body is made up of glands that typically function to provide lubrication in the region. When they get infected by foreign matters or harmful bacteria, they may induce destruction and obstruction to the gland. This micro-organism gets stuck in the gland and blends with the present liquid substance. This will then produce pus. Because of this, an anal abscess occurs. As time passes, the pus gets swollen and the indications come to be more serious which makes it agonizing and extremely hard to sleep.
What are hemorrhoids?
Unlike anal abscess, piles do not usually bring about pain. However, there are times when the blood vessels in a minor infection at the tip of the anal hole clot off. This is called thrombosis. This could be induced by bowel obstruction problems. When this situation occurs, the external part of the infection gets to be inflamed, hard, and sore. In rare cases, it produces pus or bloody discharge.
What are some over the counter treatments?
1. Local anesthetics
Local anesthetics alleviate pain, itching and burning for a short period by numbing and weakening the nerve endings. Using these medications must be restricted to the perineal and lower anal regions only. This is because local anesthetics can trigger adverse effects with itching and burning. If these sensations maximize with the use of the product, it is recommended to cease using them.
2. Vasoconstrictors
These are chemicals that mimic epinephrine. When this medication is applied to the rectum, the veins become smaller and the inflammation is reduced. When it is applied to taint or perineum, it lowers the risk of causing severe negative effects, like nervousness, high blood pressure, tremor, sleeplessness, aggravation of diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
3. Protectants
Protectants protect against irritation and discomfort of the taint area. It works by building a physical barrier that inhibits contact of the infected skin with irritating liquid or feces from the anus. This screen decreases itchiness, pain, and soreness on the hemorrhoids.
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