Anusol HC Ointment

What is Anusol HC Ointment?

Anusol HC Ointment is a topical medicine used for the treatment of internal and external piles (haemorrhoids) and itching around the anus. It helps sooth itching, inflammation, and discomfort. It contains 6 active ingredients: hydrocortisone acetate, zinc oxide, bismuth salts, balsam of Peru, and benzyl benzoate. These ingredients work together to reduce the symptoms of piles and help protect the area in and around the anus.

Anusol is a well-known brand with a variety of treatments for piles. You can also get suppositories which you insert inside your anus and hygiene wipes for after you’ve gone to the toilet. Whilst they don’t cure piles, they can shrink them and reduce symptoms quickly.

How does Anusol HC Ointment work?

Piles (or haemorrhoids) are swollen blood vessels that appear inside or outside of your anus. You may also suffer from bleeding, and the piles may feel like a lump that causes pain, itching and irritation. At least 40% of people suffer from piles at some point in their lives and may be too embarrassed to seek treatment, which can prolong the time it takes for them to heal.^[1] Piles can occur from over-straining when going to the toilet, during pregnancy as the baby increases pressure on the anal tissues or if you have a family history of haemorrhoids.

Anusol HC Ointment uses a combination of ingredients to help with the treatment of piles. Its main two active ingredients are hydrocortisone and zinc oxide. Hydrocortisone acetate is a mild steroid (corticosteroid) which helps to reduce inflammation and itching. Corticosteroids work by inhibiting chemicals in your immune system that cause inflammation. Whereas zinc oxide is mildly astringent and antiseptic, meaning it soothes and protects raw areas. It also provides a barrier against moisture to further protect the skin.^[2]

The other ingredients in Anusol HC Ointment are:

• bismuth salts, which also do a similar job to zinc oxide;
• balsam of Peru, which is a mild antiseptic that promotes healing whilst also protecting sore areas;
• benzyl benzoate, which also has mild antiseptic properties.^[1]

What are the ingredients in Anusol HC Ointment?

Here are the total ingredients used in Anusol HC Ointment:

• 0.25 g of hydrocortisone acetate;
• 10.75 g zinc oxide;
• 2.25 g of bismuth subgallate;
• 0.875 g of bismuth oxide;
• 1.875 g of balsam Peru;
• 1.25 g of benzyl benzoate.

How to use Anusol HC Ointment

To use Anusol HC Ointment:

• Wash the anal area first and dry gently with a towel;
• There is a nozzle applicator that can be used to apply the ointment;
• For external piles: you should use a gauze dressing to apply;
• For internal piles: screw the nozzle onto the tube then remove the cap and insert the nozzle into the anus and squeeze gently. You should clean the nozzle after each use;
• Wash your hands before and after using Anusol;
• Apply morning and night and after a bowel movement;
• Don’t use it more than 4 times a day;
• Don’t use it for longer than 7-days.

How long does Anusol HC Ointment take to work?

Anusol HC Ointment can start to work within a few days. With consistent use, it usually takes between one to two weeks for your condition to fully improve. You may feel relief from your symptoms after you apply the ointment, but you should keep using it as you’ve been advised. You typically apply the ointment in the morning and night and after each bowel movement.^[1]

What happens if I make a mistake whilst using Anusol HC Ointment?

If you think you’ve made a mistake whilst using Anusol HC Cream, let your clinician know as soon as possible. You shouldn’t use Anusol HC Ointment longer than seven days as overuse of hydrocortisone can make your skin sensitive and long-term use can thin your skin out. Don’t use this ointment orally, if you get it in your mouth seek urgent medical attention.