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module menu icon Recommending AnuSol for anorectal conditions

Recommending AnuSol for anorectal conditions

Andrew is in his early 30’s and is in discomfort. You ask him to describe his symptoms. He says he has been feeling a sharp pain when passing stools for the past couple of days, and has a burning pain that lasts for a couple of hours after he has been to the toilet. He has noticed there is some bright red blood on the toilet paper afterwards too. He confirms that he doesn’t have any itching around the anus. He isn’t taking any regular medicines; however, he says that he does get constipated sometimes.

AFTER CONSIDERING HIS SYMPTOMS, YOU SUSPECT HE HAS AN ANAL FISSURE.

What would you recommend to Andrew?

See his GP as soon as possible
Offer an appropriate product and self-care advice to help relieve his symptoms
Do nothing as his symptoms should go away on their own
NOT QUITE

Recommending an appropriate product such as AnuSol can help relieve Andrew’s symptoms and ease his discomfort. Providing self-care advice will also be helpful. At this stage, there is no indication of any red flag symptoms. However, Andrew should be advised to see his GP or contact NHS 111 if his symptoms get worse, or if there is no improvement after 7 days.4

CORRECT

Recommending an appropriate product such as AnuSol can help relieve Andrew’s symptoms and ease his discomfort. Providing self-care advice will also be helpful. Andrew should be advised to see his GP or contact NHS 111 if his symptoms get worse, or if there is no improvement after 7 days.4

NOT QUITE

While an anal fissure may heal on its own,4 if Andrew is experiencing a lot of discomfort, recommending an appropriate product and providing self-care advice can help relieve his symptoms.

Self-care advice for Andrew4

  • TAKE PARACETAMOL OR IBUPROFEN TO HELP WITH PAIN

  • DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS AND EAT PLENTY OF FIBRE TO KEEP STOOLS SOFT

  • HAVE A WARM, SHALLOW BATH AFTER GOING TO THE TOILET TO HELP EASE THE PAIN

  • KEEP THE AREA AROUND HIS ANUS CLEAN AND DRY

  • DO NOT IGNORE THE URGE TO PASS STOOLS

REFERENCES

1. NHS. Piles (haemorrhoids). 2026. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/

2. Song SG, et al. Pruritus ani. J Korean Soc Coloproctol. 2011. doi: 10.3393/jksc.2011.27.2.54.

3. Mayo Clinic. Proctitis. 2025. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/proctitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376933

4. NHS. Anal fissure. 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/

Online references last accessed June 2026.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

AnuSol Cream (GSL): Each 100g contains Bismuth oxide 2.14g, Balsam Peru 1.8g, Zinc oxide 10.75g. Indication: for the symptomatic relief of uncomplicated internal and external haemorrhoids, pruritus ani, proctitis and fissures. Also indicated post-operatively in anorectal surgical procedures and after incision of thrombosed or sclerosed ano-rectal veins. Posology and method of administration: Topical. Adults: apply to the affected area at night, in the morning and after each evacuation until the condition is controlled. Thoroughly cleanse the affected area, dry and apply cream. AnuSol cream is prepared in a vanishing cream base and may be gently smoothed on to the affected area without the need to apply a gauze dressing. For internal conditions, use the rectal nozzle provided. Remove the nozzle cap. Clean the nozzle after each use. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. If symptoms persist or worsen, patients should be instructed to stop use and consult a physician. Pregnancy and lactation: Whilst formal studies on the effect of this product during human pregnancy have not been conducted, there is no epidemiological evidence of adverse effect, either to the pregnant mother or foetus. This product should not be used during pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefit of treatment to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the developing foetus or nursing infant. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1486/smpc RRP: 23g £4.99, 43g £7.99. Legal category: GSL. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0231. Date of revision: March 2026.

AnuSol Ointment (GSL): Each 100g contains Bismuth subgallate 2.25g, Bismuth oxide 0.875g, Balsam Peru 1.875g, Zinc oxide 10.75g. Indication: for the symptomatic relief of uncomplicated internal and external haemorrhoids, pruritus ani, proctitis and fissures. Also indicated post operatively in ano- rectal surgical procedures and after incision of thrombosed or sclerosed ano- rectal veins. Posology and method of administration: Topical. Adults: apply to the affected area at night, in the morning and after each evacuation until the condition is controlled. Thoroughly cleanse the affected area, dry and apply ointment. Anusol Ointment should be applied on a gauze dressing. For internal conditions use rectal nozzle provided. Remove the nozzle cap. Clean the nozzle after each use. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. If symptoms persist or worsen, patients should be instructed to stop use and consult a physician. Pregnancy and lactation: Whilst formal studies on the effect of this product during human pregnancy have not been conducted, there is no epidemiological evidence of adverse effect, either to the pregnant mother or foetus. This product should not be used during pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefit of treatment to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the developing foetus or nursing infant. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1487/smpc RRP: 25g £4.99 Legal category: GSL. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0232. Date of revision: March 2026.

AnuSol Suppositories (GSL) Suppositories: Each suppository contains: Bismuth subgallate 59mg, Bismuth oxide 24mg, Balsam Peru 49mg, Zinc oxide 296mg. Indication: for the relief of internal haemorrhoids and other related ano-rectal conditions. Posology and method of administration: Anal insertion. Adults: Remove wrapper and insert one suppository into the anus at night, in the morning and after each evacuation. Not to be taken orally. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. If symptoms persist or worsen, patients should be instructed to stop use and consult a physician. Pregnancy and lactation: Whilst formal studies on the effect of this product during human pregnancy have not been conducted, there is no epidemiological evidence of adverse effect, either to the pregnant mother or foetus. This product should not be used during pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefit of treatment to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the developing foetus or nursing infant. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1488/smpc RRP: 12s £5.49, 24s £8.49. Legal category: GSL. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0233. Date of revision: March 2026.

AnuSol Soothing Relief Ointment (GSL): Each 100g contains: Hydrocortisone acetate 0.25g, Benzyl benzoate 1.25g, Bismuth subgallate 2.25g, Bismuth oxide 0.875g, Balsam Peru 1.875g, Zinc oxide 10.75g. Indication: for the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated internal and external haemorrhoids and pruritus ani. Posology and method of administration: Adults (over18 years): to be applied sparingly to the affected area at night, in the morning and after each evacuation up to a maximum of 4 applications a day. Thoroughly cleanse the affected area, dry and apply ointment on a gauze dressing. For internal conditions use rectal nozzle provided. Remove the nozzle cap. Clean the nozzle after each use. Use for a maximum period of one week. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: tubercular, fungal and most viral lesions including herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella.Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: Patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. As with all products containing topical steroids, the possibility of systemic absorption should be borne in mind. Prolonged or excessive use may produce systemic corticosteroid effects and use for periods longer than seven days is not recommended. Do not use for more than 7 days unless under the direction of a doctor. Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5389/smpc RRP: 15g £6.99. Legal category: GSL. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0234. Date of revision: March 2026.

AnuSol Soothing Relief Suppositories: (GSL): each suppository contains: Hydrocortisone acetate 10mg, Benzyl benzoate 33mg, Bismuth subgallate 59mg, Bismuth oxide 24mg, Balsam Peru 49mg, Zinc oxide 296mg. Indication: for the symptomatic relief of uncomplicated internal haemorrhoids and pruritus ani. Posology and method of administration: Anal insertion. Adults (over 18 years): Remove wrapper and insert one suppository into the anus at night, in the morning and after each evacuation up to a maximum of three per day for a maximum period of one week. Not to be taken orally. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: tubercular, fungal and most viral lesions including herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella.Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: Patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. As with all products containing topical steroids, the possibility of systemic absorption should be borne in mind. Prolonged or excessive use may produce systemic corticosteroid effects and use for periods longer than seven days is not recommended. Do not use for more than 7 days unless under the direction of a doctor. Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5406/smpc RRP: 12s £7.99. Legal category: GSL. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0235. Date of revision: March 2026.

AnuSol Plus HC Ointment (P): Each 100g contains: Hydrocortisone acetate 0.25g, Benzyl benzoate 1.25g, Bismuth subgallate 2.25g, Bismuth oxide 0.875g, Balsam Peru 1.875g, Zinc oxide 10.75g. Indication: for the symptomatic treatment of internal and external haemorrhoids and pruritus ani. Posology and method of administration: Adults: to be applied sparingly to the affected area at night, in the morning and after each evacuation up to a maximum of 4 applications a day. Thoroughly cleanse the affected area, dry and apply ointment on a gauze dressing. For internal conditions use rectal nozzle provided. Remove the nozzle cap. Clean the nozzle after each use. Use for a maximum period of one week. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: tubercular, fungal and most viral lesions including herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella. Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: Patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. As with all products containing topical steroids, the possibility of systemic absorption should be borne in mind. Prolonged or excessive use may produce systemic corticosteroid effects and use for periods longer than seven days is not recommended. Do not use for more than 7 days unless under the direction of a doctor. Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1470/smpc RRP: £6.99. Legal category: P. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0236. Date of revision: March 2026.

AnuSol Plus HC Suppositories (P): Each suppository contains: Hydrocortisone acetate 10mg, Benzyl benzoate 33mg, Bismuth subgallate 59mg, Bismuth oxide 24mg, Balsam Peru 49mg, Zinc oxide 296mg. Indication: for the symptomatic treatment of internal haemorrhoids and pruritus ani. Posology and method of administration: Anal insertion. Adults: Remove wrapper and insert one suppository into the anus at night, in the morning and after each evacuation up to a maximum of three per day for a maximum period of one week.. Not to be taken orally. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: tubercular, fungal and most viral lesions including herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella. Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: Patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. As with all products containing topical steroids, the possibility of systemic absorption should be borne in mind. Prolonged or excessive use may produce systemic corticosteroid effects and use for periods longer than seven days is not recommended. Do not use for more than 7 days unless under the direction of a doctor. Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1471/smpc RRP: £7.99. Legal category: GSL. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0237. Date of revision: March 2026.

Anusol HC Ointment (POM): each 100g contains Hydrocortisone acetate 0.25g, Benzyl benzoate 1.25g, Bismuth subgallate 2.25g, Bismuth oxide 0.875g, Balsam Peru 1.875g, Zinc oxide 10.75g. Indication: For the comprehensive symptomatic treatment of internal and external haemorrhoids and pruritus ani. Posology and method of administration: Topical. Adults: Apply ointment to the affected area at night, in the morning and after each evacuation up to a maximum of 4 applications a day. Thoroughly cleanse the affected area, dry and apply ointment on a gauze dressing. For internal conditions use rectal nozzle provided. Remove the nozzle cap. Clean the nozzle after each use. Use for a maximum period of one week. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: tubercular, fungal and most viral lesions including herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella.Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: Patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. As with all products containing topical steroids, the possibility of systemic absorption should be borne in mind. Prolonged or excessive use may produce systemic corticosteroid effects and use for periods longer than seven days is not recommended. Do not use for more than 7 days unless under the direction of a doctor. Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1719/smpc RRP: N/A. Legal category: POM. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0238. Date of revision: March 2026.

AnuSol HC Suppositories: (POM): each suppository contains: Hydrocortisone acetate 10mg, Benzyl benzoate 33mg, Bismuth subgallate 59mg, Bismuth oxide 24mg, Balsam Peru 49mg, Zinc oxide 296mg. Indication: for the symptomatic relief of internal haemorrhoids and pruritus ani. Posology and method of administration: Anal insertion. Adults: Remove wrapper and insert one suppository into the anus at night, in the morning and after each evacuation up to a maximum of three per day for a maximum period of one week.. Not to be taken orally. Children: not recommended. Contraindications: tubercular, fungal and most viral lesions including herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella.Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Precautions: Patients with rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor before using this product as these conditions may be the symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. As with all products containing topical steroids, the possibility of systemic absorption should be borne in mind. Prolonged or excessive use may produce systemic corticosteroid effects and use for periods longer than seven days is not recommended. Do not use for more than 7 days unless under the direction of a doctor. Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Undesirable effects: No Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been identified from the analysis of post-marketing data for fixed combinations of Balsam Peru, bismuth oxide and zinc oxide. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1720/smpc RRP: N/A. Legal category: POM. PL Holder: Church & Dwight UK Ltd., Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ, UK. PL number 00203/0239. Date of revision: March 2026.

If users experience any side effects, they should discontinue use and seek professional medical advice. To report any potential side effects, contact us or use the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme available at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

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