Anal abscesses rarely go away without treatment. The most common and simple treatment is for your doctor to drain the pus from the infected area. This can usually be done in the doctor’s office. Your doctor will use medicine to numb the area. Any uncomfortable pressure should be relieved, allowing the tissue to begin to heal properly.

If anal abscesses are left untreated, they turn into painful anal fistulas that may require more surgical treatment. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), about 50 percent of people who have an anal abscess will eventually develop an anal fistula. A fistula is an abnormal opening in the skin near the anus. A fistula generally requires surgery to fix the problem.

If there’s an extremely large anal abscess, surgery may be required. In some cases, a catheter may be used to make sure the abscess drains completely. Abscesses that have been drained are typically left open and don’t require stitches. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, your doctor may ask you to stay in the hospital for a few days to watch for any infection.

After surgery, it’s recommended you take warm (not hot) baths. Sitting in warm water will help reduce swelling and allow for more drainage the abscess.

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if you have a compromised immune system or if the infection has spread.