When to see a doctor over buttocks after man's bum 'exploded' due to incorrect diagnosis
A man who was diagnosed incorrectly says he was forced to have surgery after an abscess on his left bum cheek exploded.
Owen Williams, from Warwickshire, says he was wrongly told by doctors that he was suffering from an anal fissure.
An anal fissure is ‘a small tear in your anus that causes pain when you poo’, according to the NHS.
As explained on his TikTok page (@owenreacts4), the 25-year-old said after six months of discomfort, the abscess on his ‘left bum cheek’ went undetected.
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The Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS) explain that buttock abscess is a painful, pus-filled lump caused by a bacterial infection.
It can develop on the skin of the buttocks, around the anus, or in the crease between the buttocks, often making sitting, walking or passing stools particularly painful.
Buttock abscess can be caused by blocked anal glands, infected hair follicles, poor hygiene, prolonged sitting, ingrown hairs, Crohn's disease, smoking, obesity or weakened immunity.
Symptoms of buttock abscess
- Painful, swollen, red lump filled with pus
- Tenderness and discomfort
- Pus or discharge from the anus
- Bleeding from the anus
- Painful bowel movements or constipation
- Irritated skin around the anus
When to see a doctor
The CRCS say that you should go and see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Pain and discomfort on the buttock
- Bleeding from the anus
- Fever and chills (may indicate an infection)
- A bump in your rectal area
Buttock abscesses are usually removed with a simple incision and drainage procedure.
“Treating buttock abscess requires medical intervention. Popping abscesses yourself can be painful and may lead to complications such as the abscess forming again, or further infections,” the CRCS warns.
“However, depending on the location of the abscess, some may be more complicated that others to treat. When consulting your doctor, they will inform you on the course of treatment that you may need to undergo.”
‘Months of agony and stress’
Owen wrote on GoFundMe that he ‘had a medical nightmare after many many visits to the doctors, A&E, paramedics, SAU and still left me undiagnosed’.
“Eventually an abscess on my left bum cheek exploded and requiring surgery. While recovering I shared my story onto TikTok and have received some amazing support on the and have had a few people asked me to do a GoFundMe to try and help with my bills while I recover,” he explained.
“After months of agony and stress and pain I finally had my surgery and I’m just trying to make ends meet while I recover things have not been easy but we do what we can to see the positive in things all I want to do is to be able to get on with my life go on holidays see the world and look forward to the next chapter of my life,” Owen added.
Anish Vij