How is anal pain treated?

How is anal pain treated?

Treatment for anal pain depends on the cause, and includes:

• Medicines such as pain relievers, stool softeners and antibiotics (if there is an infection)
• A high-fiber diet to help ensure soft bowel movements
• Sitz baths with warm water to clean the anal area and relieve pain
• Surgery for muscle spasms and to repair fistulas

Other methods that may help manage the pain include the following:

• To protect the skin, avoid wiping too vigorously after a bowel movement.
• Don’t use perfumed soaps or scented detergents. These may irritate the skin.
• Don’t wear tight clothing so that the anal area can “breathe.”
• To help prevent hemorrhoids, try not to sit for too long.