Toothpicks are a common household item and most people underestimate the seriousness of injuries that can occur with accidental ingestion. We report a case of a perineal abscess caused by an ingested toothpick. A 55-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a 30-day history of perianal pain. Physical examination was unremarkable, except for a perineal abscess. Leucocytosis with 10% bands was present and pelvic tomography demonstrated a foreign body located in the perineal area. Surgical removal of the foreign body with adequate abscess drainage was performed revealing a toothpick. Perineal abscess may progress to Fournier's gangrene and as a consequence the management of a perineal abscess should be aggressive with adequate drainage and removal of the foreign body (if present).
abscess; foreign body; toothpick
