Can a painful swelling in perianal area be an abscess?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a painful lump on my perianal area. I shaved on Friday and at first, I thought it was only an ingrown hair but I am not sure anymore. For the last two days, I have been working sitting for many hours and it became very painful and swollen. I do not know if it is an abscess. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, I do not know the particulars of your case, it sounds as if you may have what is called a Bartholin’s cyst. This represents inflammation of the glandular structure in the perianal area in women. It is generally benign but can be very painful and uncomfortable. Try sitting in a warm tub with warm water several times a day or applying warm compresses to the area such as a warm cloth for about 15 minutes and as it may bring down the inflammation. If that does not work then you should probably see a local doctor who has other methods of bringing down the inflammation including the use of antibiotics.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.