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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 22 No. 5 1999

Topical anal preparations

Many people have symptoms around their bottoms. These symptoms might be pain, itching or bleeding. Although the symptoms often have an obvious cause, they can sometimes be a sign of a serious disease. The doctor should be told about these symptoms especially if they are troublesome or keep coming back.

If no serious cause is found, the symptoms will often get better with simple treatments. These include avoiding constipation and washing the bottom rather than using toilet paper. The skin around the bottom can be protected with barrier creams. Many creams for treating symptoms such as itch are available, but they should not be used continuously as side effects can occur.