Like all medicines, lidocaine treatments for piles and itchy bottom can cause side effects although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
If you use lidocaine for piles and itchy bottom for a short time, it's very unlikely to cause side effects.
You may get a burning feeling when you first use the treatment but this only lasts a few minutes. After using it for a few days, this usually stops happening.
If this bothers you, stop using the lidocaine treatment and ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Serious side effects
If your treatment for piles contains lidocaine only (and it is not combined with a steroid) then you're unlikely to have any serious side effects.
Serious allergic reaction
It's extremely rare to have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a lidocaine treatment for piles and itchy bottom.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of lidocaine treatments for piles and itchy bottom. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.