Swollen Anus

What is a swollen anus?

Swelling in or around your anus (butthole) makes it look and feel puffy. If it’s swollen on the inside, it might make the hole smaller. Your anus may also be sore or itchy. Swelling in your soft tissues is often a sign of inflammation. It means something is irritating them, or you have an injury that’s trying to heal.

What causes anal swelling?

The most common causes of anal swelling are:

• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen blood vessels inside your anus or rectum. When they’re in your anus, they typically appear as swollen lumps. They may bleed when you wipe.
• Infections: Bacterial infections, yeast infections and sexually transmitted diseases can all affect your anus. They can cause pain, itching and swelling. Pooping or scratching can make it worse.
• Perianal abscess: A perianal abscess is an infected wound that produces a painful, pus-filled bump in or around your anus. It usually happens when an anal gland gets clogged and infected.
• Trauma: Trauma to your anal lining may cause it to swell. For example, passing very hard stools or having sex with anal penetration might cause trauma from friction against your anal lining.

Other possible causes include:

• Anal fissure: An anal fissure is a tear in your anal lining. It usually happens with chronic constipation and passing hard stools. Sometimes, there’s a swelling or bump near the tear.
• Anal fistula: A fistula can happen when an infected anal abscess erodes through the tissues around it, creating a tunnel. It spreads infection and swelling to the deeper layers of your skin.
• Anusitis: Anusitis is a general term meaning inflammation in your anal lining. It could be from an inflammatory bowel disease affecting your anus. Sometimes, highly acidic diarrhea causes it.
• Anal cancer: It’s very rare, but anal cancer can cause swelling or a lump. It may also cause pain, bleeding or itching. It may resemble a hemorrhoid, but it doesn’t go away with home care.

How do you treat a swollen or inflamed anus?

Many causes of anal swelling will get better on their own with home care. But some might need a prescription or other treatment. If you’re not sure what’s causing your swollen anus, you should see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. In the meantime, you can help treat your symptoms with:

• A sitz bath two to three times a day
• Witch hazel wipes to calm inflammation
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams
• Stool softeners if hard stools irritate your anus

What are the possible complications or risks of not treating it?

Some anorectal disorders can become more serious or complicated if they go untreated. For example, a wound might continue to bleed or get infected. An infection might spread or produce an abscess. Long-lasting anal swelling might interfere with blood flow to your tissues, making it harder for them to heal.

When should I consult a healthcare provider about my swollen anus?

You should always consult a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your symptoms or don’t know what’s causing them. If you want to try home care first, make sure to see a provider if your symptoms don’t improve after a few days, or if you have severe or worsening pain or bleeding.