How long does Anusol cream take to work?

Haemorrhoids, more commonly referred to as piles, are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause pain, discomfort and sometimes bleeding. While internal haemorrhoids can be difficult to see, external haemorrhoids often appear as a lump of tissue protruding from the anus which can be soft or firm to touch. For some people, a haemorrhoid will clear up naturally within a few days, while for others an over-the-counter treatment may need to be administered.

The most common symptoms of both internal and external piles according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) include:

• Bright red, painless rectal bleeding, typically occurring after bowel movements
• Anal itching or irritation
• A feeling of rectal fullness, discomfort, or of incomplete evacuation when passing stools

While you may find experiencing piles embarrassing, it is important to note that it is in fact a very common condition. According to the makers of Anusol, the UK’s number one haemorrhoid treatment, as many as one in two people in the UK will deal with piles at some point in their lives.

• Straining while passing stools
• Heavy lifting
• Ageing
• Pregnancy and childbirth (due to raised intra-abdominal pressure)
• Chronic cough
• A low-fibre diet

Hereditary factors can also contribute to the occurrence of piles, due to possible genetic weaknesses in the anal cavity.

Haemorrhoids are not a serious condition and can be treated easily with a topical cream. One particular treatment for piles is Anusol Cream.

When afflicted with haemorrhoids, you want a treatment which works fast and wants to know how long it will take to clear the condition and bring relief, so that you can get on with your life. We'll look at how long Anusol take to work, including how long you may be required to take it and how the cream works.

How Long Does it Take for Anusol Cream to Work?

Anusol Cream usually takes between 5 and 7 days to work. However, variables such as the size of the haemorrhoid and the individual application process can affect results, therefore healing time can deviate from this time frame.

Within a week of using Anusol Cream, you should notice the haemorrhoids shrink. Any pain you are experiencing should subside too.

If you miss an application of Anusol Cream, do not counter this by applying more Anusol as this can increase the chance of irritation and possible side effects.

How often can I use Anusol Cream?

You should apply a small amount of Anusol Cream to the affected area in the morning, evening, and after every bowel movement.

Using Anusol Cream for longer than 7 days may result in irritation.

What Should You Do if Your Haemorrhoids Persist After Using Anusol Cream?

If, after a week of using Anusol Cream, there has been no noticeable change in the size or appearance of the haemorrhoid, or if your symptoms have worsened, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

For more serious cases of piles, your doctor may be able to prescribe banding or a haemorrhoidectomy, both of which involve the physical removal of the haemorrhoid.

During banding, blood flow to the haemorrhoid is restricted with a band, leaving it to ‘slough off’ and allowing the underlying tissue to heal. If physical treatment is required, banding is the most common option.

Haemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of piles, though this is reserved for more serious cases of piles.

Although it is possible for a haemorrhoid to burst, this is rare and will only result in mild bleeding and discomfort. If a haemorrhoid does burst and causes you concern, speak to your doctor for advice.

Do not apply Anusol Cream to broken skin.

How to Ease Piles Symptoms and Prevent them from Reoccurring

To aid the treatment of piles and prevent them from reoccurring, dietary and lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water, eating high-fibre foods, avoiding perfumed personal cleaning products and using soft toilet paper are highly recommended. Make sure that you avoid straining when passing stools and do not withhold bowel movements for prolonged periods of time.

Although tempting, do not scratch the affected area during the healing process and make sure to use gentle dabbing motions when drying yourself to avoid any further irritation and soreness.

If your piles are particularly painful, using a cushion to sit on can help ease this discomfort. However, it is also advisable to take regular standing or walking breaks at work, as sitting for prolonged periods can weaken muscles around the anus and result in increased discomfort.

What is Anusol Cream and How Does it Work?

Anusol is a medicinal brand specialising in the treatment of haemorrhoids (piles). The cream is just one of three options from the brand, with an ointment available for those suffering with dry and irritated skin, and a suppository option for the treatment of internal piles.

Anusol Cream works by applying a thin layer to the affected area at night, in the morning, and after each bowel movement.

The cream contains three active ingredients which work in the following ways:

• Zinc Oxide – A mild antiseptic which helps shrink and tighten the affected tissue while simultaneously helping with moisture absorption. This is particularly useful if anal suppositories are being used in conjunction with the cream. Zinc oxide also discourages the growth of certain bacteria.
• Bismuth Oxide – Contains further antiseptic and tissue-shrinking properties, as well as the ability to form a protective membrane over raw surfaces.
• Balsam Peru – A mild antiseptic believed to promote the growth of epithelial cells, helping to re-heal the affected area.

Can I buy Anusol online?

If you can't get to your local pharmacy, you can buy Anusol cream online from Prescription Doctor.

Anusol

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• Treats internal and external haemorrhoids
• Available as ointment or suppositories
• Dispensed from UK registered pharmacy

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• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

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We offer a fast, next-day delivery service on orders approved by our doctor before 3pm.

When you buy Anusol from us, you can rest assured your item will be dispatched from a GPhC registered pharmacy based in England.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 06/08/2019 Reviewed on: 18/05/2023