If you experience anal pain, you should know what to do for a short-lived case. If you’ve been suffering from it for a few days, you should seek medical advice rather than trying home remedies. This is because a hemorrhoid may contain a blood clot and be painful. Only a doctor can provide effective treatment for hemorrhoids that are thrombosed.
Treatment
There are several types of treatment for anal pain, including lateral sphincterotomy, surgery that cuts a section of the anal sphincter muscle. The surgery helps the patient relieve pain and spasms, while allowing the fissure to heal. In addition to pain relief, this operation can improve bowel control. The procedure is relatively painless, and the patient usually recovers within two to four weeks.
Non-surgical therapy for anal pain may include the use of a moist towelette instead of dry toilet tissue. This prevents skin irritation, but it is important not to use alcohol-based towels. In addition, a numbing agent may be prescribed for hemorrhoids. Additionally, a topical ointment, such as hydrocortisone or witch hazel, can relieve pain. However, patients should consult a physician before using any cream on their anal area.
Symptoms
Anal pain is a common symptom of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are blood-filled sacs that develop in the anus. These masses cause bleeding and discomfort, and are easily managed with dietary changes and topical treatments. More severe hemorrhoids, however, may require surgery. Although many patients attribute anal pain to hemorrhoids, there are other causes of this discomfort. A physician must conduct a detailed history of your symptoms to rule out other potential causes.
Some causes of anal pain are asymptomatic, including piles, levator ani syndrome, and rectal bleeding. Fortunately, the majority of these conditions are easily treatable. Symptoms can also be indicative of underlying health conditions. Some men experience pain during their menstrual cycle in correlation with their natural hormone levels. Proctitis is one common cause of anal pain, although you should consult a physician if the pain persists for more than 20 minutes.
Causes
Common causes of anal pain include constipation, infection, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Symptoms of anal pain can be mild or severe, and it is best to consult a medical professional if it persists for more than two days or is accompanied by unusual bleeding or blood in the stool. Also, a fistula is a tear in the anal lining that can develop due to a number of factors, including pregnancy or physical activity.
A small tear in the skin at the anus is called an anal fissure. It occurs when anal tissue stretches during bowel movements, and it can be mistaken for a hemorrhoid. Treatment for anal pain usually involves following a diet high in fibre, applying topical anesthetics for pain, and taking warm sitz baths to relax the anal muscles. If conservative measures don’t relieve the pain, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Precautions
You can treat anal pain yourself with some simple home remedies, but if you experience excessive discomfort or a bleed from the bottom of your anus, it’s wise to seek medical advice. Cleansing the anal area daily with water is important, but you should avoid soaps, as they can strip the natural oils that protect the anal area and make it dry. Instead, use a soap-free cleanser. Avoid vigorous wiping with toilet paper, which can lead to chafing and irritation of the skin.
The underlying cause of anal pain can vary from infection to hemorrhoids. However, anal pain usually occurs during bowel movements. It may also be associated with anal itching and bright red blood on the toilet paper. If it’s chronic, surgical treatment may be necessary. However, surgery comes with considerable risks. Some people may be able to find a nonsurgical treatment for their anal pain, such as Botox injections.