What Causes Swelling On Anus And Itching Sensation?

Posted on Sun, 29 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 29 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have swelling on my anus and some of the area itches.

Answered by Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
fomentation & antibiotics necessary

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

From the pictures you have shown it appears to be a case of early perianal sepsis.

I would advise the following
1. stop application of all creams.
2. sietz bath with magnesium sulphate powder and dettol solution.
3. short course of antibiotics and pain killers if required
4. keep the area absolutely dry.
5. get your blood sugars checked.

I hope this helps you getting cured.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (1 hour later)

Reading what perianal sepsis is I'm a little concerned. I will make an appointment to see my GP monday ASAP. Does it look like its to the point that I will need the surgery to drain things? Its painful and hurts like hell with i use the restroom.
Also, I uploaded a new image that show the whole area. It's really starting to itch bad. I took a good sietz bath but we do not have dettol in the US so I washed good with Dial antibacterial soap. I also purchased some antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner. I have not used it yet for I'm scared of the burning. The seitz soak stung pretty bad but i managed about 10 minutes. To keep it dry i bought some gauze pads it leave on the area its not an easy place to keep dry and the soars are secreting a liquid. The liquid has no smell to it.

Answered by Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Add magnesuium sulphate to the sietz bath

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
From your feedback it seems to be sepsis only.For the sietz bath you can magnesium sulphate powder to the warm water. This will reduce the edema locally as well as enhance localization of the septic process.
Since it is exuding fluid as you have described it is advisable to consult a general surgeon at the earliest. Till then continue with sietz baths.
Keep the area as dry as possible as soon as you are done with the sietz bath.
I hope this answers your query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (8 hours later)

my god man these baths are so freakin painful. I've had 3 back surgeries and this is nothing like those. it stings it burns i can only sit in it for about 1 minutes. i wash with the antibicreia and anitimicrobial soaps but damn man... this is killing me. tomorrow mornings movement is going to be horrible i might try not to wake up.

Answered by Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery the only option.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You require surgical opinion and treatment at the earliest.
Apply local anaesthetic jelly at the lower end before going to the toilet to pass stools. that will surely decrease the pain. This should be followed by a sietz bath. Supportive oral medication are necessary. They include pain killers and antibiotics.
Since you have undergone back surgery it must be really uncomfortable. In such circumstances surgery is the only option to relieve the spasm.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar