Internal Anal Discomfort

Frequent and loose stools may cause uncomfortable internal burning and itching sensations.

Helpful measures include:

• Ensuring that your diet is not a contributing factor (such as spicy foods, high fibre foods). If a change in food choices does not improve the situation, then you may want to try some local ointments.

• Creams or suppositories may be helpful. If the burning or itching is severe, some people find that a suppository is difficult to insert, so a cream choice may be more helpful initially. Most products contain a topical anaesthetic as well as a barrier component.

• Most of these products contain a barrier as well as a topical steroid to decrease inflammation. Some products may contain a topical anaesthetic. Examples of such products include Anusol HC or Proctosed.