How and when to use lidocaine for piles and itchy bottom - Brand names: Anusol, Boots Haemorrhoid, Germaloids, Perinal, Xylopract

Dosage

You'll usually use most treatments for piles and itchy bottom several times a day – first thing in the morning, last thing at night and every time you poo. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine.

How to use it

Some piles and itchy bottom treatments are only for use on the skin near your bottom (anus), including sprays. These are for itching and piles on the outside (called external piles).

Some piles treatments come with an applicator so you can use the medicine inside your bottom, including suppositories. These are for piles on the inside (called internal piles).

Check the instructions that come with your medicine first.

Wash your hands before and after using lidocaine.

Cream or ointment for external piles and itchy bottom

1. Squeeze the tube and put a small amount of cream or ointment on your finger.
2. Gently put it around the outside of your anus with your finger.
3. Replace the cap on the tube.

Spray for external piles and itchy bottom

1. Before using your spray for the first time you need to get it ready – push the pump down once or twice to do this.
2. Separate your buttocks.
3. Spray the area around the outside of your anus once.

Cream or ointment for internal piles

1. Clean around your anus with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry.
2. Gently insert the applicator into your anus.
3. Squeeze a small amount of the medicine into your anus.
4. Remove the applicator, take it apart and wash it with soap and water.

Suppositories for internal piles

1. Go to the toilet beforehand if you need to.
2. Clean around your anus with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry.
3. Unwrap the suppository, which is a small plug of medicine.
4. It may help to stand with one leg up on a chair or lie on your side with one leg bent and the other straight.
5. Gently push the suppository into your anus with the pointed end first. It needs to go in about 2cm to 3cm.
6. Sit or lie still for about 15 minutes. The suppository will melt inside your bottom. This is normal.

How long to use it for

Piles usually heal within a week.

Talk to your doctor if the pain and itching are not better after using lidocaine for 7 days, or if you keep getting piles.

If you forget to use it

If you forget a treatment, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's within a few hours of your next treatment. In this case, just skip the missed treatment and use it again at the usual time.

If you use too much

Using more than the recommended dose of lidocaine for piles and itchy bottom is unlikely to harm you. You may be more likely to get a burning feeling where you put it on, but this does not usually last long.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're worried.