Perinal Spray

What is Perinal Spray?

Perinal is a spray treatment that relieves haemorrhoid symptoms. It contains the active ingredients hydrocortisone (a corticosteroid) and lidocaine (an anaesthetic), and can be applied directly to your anus to relieve the discomfort caused by piles.

Haemorrhoids (often called piles) are a common condition where lumps form inside and around your anus. Symptoms include itching and pain around the affected area, sometimes accompanied by discomfort after you’ve been to the toilet. Often, people with piles feel like they need to empty their bowels immediately after they’ve just been. Bleeding is another common symptom.^[1]

Applying a corticosteroid like Perinal several times a day won’t cure your piles, but it can soothe the uncomfortable symptoms you get throughout the day. If your haemorrhoids don’t clear up within 7 days, your clinician will advise you about the best ways of getting further treatment.

How does Perinal Spray work?

Perinal combines two active ingredients, a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) and an anaesthetic (lidocaine). Corticosteroids are steroids that tackle inflammation, and are different from the ones used to increase muscle mass (anabolic steroids).^[2] Lidocaine creates a numbing effect in the areas it’s applied to, which can reduce soreness and the urge to itch your bottom.

What doses does Perinal Spray come in?

Perinal comes in a 30ml tube, with a fitted spray pump attached to it.

The usual dose is one spray over the affected area, up to three times a day. You should avoid using the spray for longer than a week, as it can aggravate your skin and increase your chances of developing dermatitis or other complications.

How to use Perinal Spray

You should only spray Perinal around the affected area, to avoid causing any skin irritation on other parts of your body.

Prime the pump on the tube by pressing the top of it a couple of times. To use the spray:

1. Part your buttocks so you can reach the affected area
2. Spray once over the side of the haemorrhoids
3. Repeat this no more than three times each day

Your Perinal tube will work when held in any position, so don’t worry if you feel like you’re holding it upside down. Replace the cap whenever you use your spray, and wash your hands after each application.

What if I make a mistake while using Perinal Spray?

You can use your Perinal spray a maximum of three times a day. You should avoid overusing it and stick to applying the medication exactly as it’s been prescribed.

Always keep the spray away from your eyes, nose and mouth. If some spray accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse them out with water immediately.

If you forget to apply Perinal when you normally would, just pick up where you left off the next time you come to use it. You don’t need to apply more or try to double your usual dose.