This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, contact routes and treatment arrangements may differ in other countries.
Common causes of anal pain
Anal pain has many different causes including constipation and piles but there are lots of possible causes.
Do not try to diagnose the cause of pain yourself.
How you can ease or prevent anal pain
Do
drink lots of fluid and get more fibre into your diet to keep your poo soft
exercise regularly
wipe your bottom with damp toilet paper
take paracetamol
take a warm bath to ease itching and pain
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
Don't
do not scratch around your anus
do not ignore the urge to poo
do not push too hard when pooing
do not use fragranced products, such as shower gels or soaps around your anus
do not eat spicy food or drink alcohol and caffeine
do not lift or carry anything heavy
A pharmacist can help with anal pain
A pharmacist can recommend medicines to reduce constipation and anal pain such as:
- painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
- creams or suppositories (medicines you put into your bottom) to ease itching, pain and swelling
- medicines that help make it easier to poo (laxatives)
Many pharmacies have private areas if you do not want to be overheard.
See a GP if:
- your anal pain is severe
- the pain does not improve after a few days
- you have blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
Do not feel embarrassed to see a GP. Anal pain is a common problem that they're used to treating.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have severe anal pain and you have a high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
- your poo is black or dark red
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .
Go to A&E or call 999 if:
- you're bleeding non-stop from your bottom
- there is a lot of blood coming from your bottom – for example, the toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots
Treatment for anal pain
Treatment for anal pain depends on what's causing it.
A GP will examine you and may prescribe:
- a cream or ointment to ease your pain
- laxatives to help you poo more easily
- antibiotics if you have an infection
The GP may also recommend changes to your diet or arrange for tests to look for a cause of the anal pain.
Sometimes surgery or other treatments may be needed if the pain is caused by severe anal fissures, piles or fistulas.
Anal pain
Anal pain
Anal pain
Lots of things can cause anal pain. Common causes include constipation, piles, and anal fissures.
To ease anal pain, it can help to eat plenty of fibre, take paracetamol and exercise regularly. Ask a pharmacist about medicines you can buy.
Treatment for anal pain depends on the cause. The main treatments are medicines, creams, or laxatives that help ease the pain.
Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗
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