Call 911 if:
- You have significant bleeding or bleeding won't stop.
- Pain gets much worse.
- There is discharge, fever, or chills.
1. When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor if:
- Pain is persistent.
- You have bloody stools or a small amount of persistent bleeding from anus or rectum.
2. Relieve Pain
- Soak in warm baths.
- After bowel movements, gently pat area with moist toilet paper or pads.
- Take acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) for pain.
- If you know you have hemorrhoids, use over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream.
- If you have fissures (cracks or splits in anal opening), use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
3. Follow Up
If you see a doctor, the next steps depend on the cause of pain.
- The doctor will do an exam and may prescribe creams or suppositories.
- The doctor may recommend lifestyle or dietary changes.
- In some cases, surgery or other treatment may be necessary.
