Anal abscesses may sometimes first be treated with oral antibiotics. However, if the condition and abscess worsen, then surgical drainage of the abscess is required. Even if the abscess discharges spontaneously, surgical incision and debridement may be required for resolution of the abscess cavity.
Many anal abscesses are associated with and are caused by anal fistulae, which are “tunnels” or tracts connecting the inside of the anus with the skin around the anus. These fistulae need to be surgically treated since they will not heal or go away by themselves. The presence of fistulae may also cause recurrent anal abscesses.
It is also important to exclude other diseases such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer etc. if you have recurrent anal abscesses.
