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Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
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Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.
Fill in a quick online consultation for our licensed pharmacists to review.
Our pharmacists will review your treatment to ensure it’s suitable.
Your treatment will be delivered to your door quickly & discreetly.
| Medication Name | Anusol Cream |
| Medication Form | Cream |
| Used for | Relief of internal and external piles (haemorrhoids) and minor ano-rectal conditions |
| Who can use | Adults aged 18 and over |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, balsam Peru |
| Usual Dose | Apply sparingly at night, in the morning and after each bowel movement |
| Common Side Effects | Burning, redness, irritation, itching or pain at the application site |
| Prescription Required | No |
| Patient Information Leaflet | Anusol Cream Patient Information Leaflet |
Anusol Cream is a piles treatment that relieves the swelling, itching and irritation caused by internal and external piles (haemorrhoids). It also soothes other minor conditions around the back passage, including itching and anal fissures (small tears in the skin around the anus). It can be used after anorectal surgery too.
Piles are swollen blood vessels that develop inside or around the back passage. They’re very common, and typical symptoms of piles include:
If you have rectal bleeding that hasn’t been diagnosed as piles, speak to your doctor before using Anusol Cream.
Anusol Cream contains three active ingredients that work together to soothe and protect the affected area.
Zinc oxide is an astringent that soothes and protects raw areas, helping reduce itching and swelling. It also acts as an antiseptic.
Bismuth oxide is an astringent and antiseptic that protects raw, irritated skin around the anus and helps limit the growth of bacteria.
Balsam Peru is mildly antiseptic, protects sore areas and may help promote healing.
The cream has a vanishing base, so it’s quickly absorbed once applied. It can also be used to lubricate Anusol suppositories before insertion.
Anusol Cream is suitable for most adults aged 18 and over. It isn’t recommended for children or young people under 18.
Don’t use Anusol Cream if you:
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Anusol Cream if you:
Wash the anal area and dry it gently with a soft towel before applying the cream. Wash your hands before and after use.
Apply Anusol Cream sparingly at night, in the morning and after each bowel movement. It’s for topical use only, so never take it by mouth.
Like all medicines, Anusol Cream can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.
You may notice some burning, redness, irritation, itching or pain when you apply the cream. This isn’t usually serious and tends to settle quickly. If it lasts longer than a few days, tell your doctor.
Stop using Anusol Cream and talk to your doctor if you get a hypersensitivity reaction, such as a rash. This is rare and may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people.
If you notice any side effects, including any not listed here, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme.
Active ingredients (per 100g):
Other ingredients: glycerol monostearate, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, titanium dioxide (E171), methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216) and water.
Avoid Anusol Cream if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients, and don’t use it for children or anyone under 18. Get advice from a doctor or pharmacist first if you have rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, or if you aren’t certain your symptoms are down to piles. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, only use it when your doctor has advised you to.
Anusol Cream is designed to soothe and protect the affected area rather than remove piles. The astringent ingredients, zinc oxide and bismuth oxide, help reduce swelling and soothe itching and irritation, while the antiseptic action helps prevent bacterial growth as the area recovers. For many people, symptoms ease as things settle, particularly when combined with a high-fibre diet and other steps that prevent constipation.
Only use Anusol Cream during pregnancy or while breastfeeding if your doctor advises you to. Piles are common in pregnancy, as the growing baby puts extra pressure on the blood vessels around the back passage, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the safest way to manage your symptoms.
Anusol Cream is used as needed to relieve symptoms as they happen. If your symptoms don’t improve, get worse, or keep coming back, speak to your doctor or pharmacist rather than using the cream over a long period. It’s always worth getting persistent symptoms checked, as rectal bleeding in particular can sometimes point to something that needs further investigation.
The Anusol range comes in a few formats, all made to relieve piles. The cream, ointment and suppositories share the same active ingredients (zinc oxide, bismuth oxide and balsam Peru):
If you’re not sure which format is right for you, ask your pharmacist.
Because Anusol Cream has a vanishing base, it’s absorbed quickly once you apply it. How soon your symptoms settle overall depends on how severe your piles are and how well you’re able to avoid constipation. If you don’t notice any improvement, or your symptoms get worse, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Page content authored by Mr Mohammed, last reviewed by Dr Hussain Ahmad on 9th July 2026.
