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Is Persistent Rectal Burning After Defecation For 2 Years A Sign Of Permanent Damage?
Posted on
Sun, 31 Dec 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 30 Dec 2017
Answered on
Tue, 29 May 2018
Last reviewed on
Question : I am concerned. I have had a persistent rectal burning after going to the bathroom for years. I got it checked out by a colonoscopy and they didn’t find anything except gastritis. The only way I have found relief is by applying hemmerhoid cream after using the bathroom. I’ve been doing that every day for at least two years. And I’ve just now been informed that I’m not supposed to use it for an extended period of time, and I am super scared that I’ve done permanent damage. How likely is that? Please help. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Questions for you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Can you please tell me the ingredients in the hemorrhoid cream you have been using and the potency for each medication?
Also, are you able to pass stool without straining?
Questions for you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Can you please tell me the ingredients in the hemorrhoid cream you have been using and the potency for each medication?
Also, are you able to pass stool without straining?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
14.4% Glycerine, 0.25% Phenylephrine HCI, 1% Pramoxibe HCI, 15% White patrolatum. And I sometimes need to strain. Though I try not to.
Sometimes, I end up with very loose stool as well.
Sometimes, I end up with very loose stool as well.
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
You didn't list any steroids but pramoxine is sometimes combined with steroids such as hydrocortisone. If the preparation that you use is purchased over the counter, without a prescription, then it doesn't contain a steroid cream, which is the main concern with long term use.
So unless you have developed additional problems, the cream you are using shouldn't pose significant problems from long term use.
Glycerine and petrolatum are lubricating.
Phenylephrine constricts blood vessels (taken orally it is a nasal decongestant by the same mechanism).
Pramoxine is a local anesthetic.
I'm wondering if you might have equal success if you just use glycerine, Vaseline, or a bit of zinc oxide.
Zinc oxide is my go-to ointment for many purposes as it is soothing and healing. It contains zinc, which helps skin and wounds, and petrolatum (Vaseline). You might try that for awhile instead and skip some of the medications that way. It is sold over the counter.
Increasing fiber (you've probably been told this already) and water can help regulate BMs so that they are neither loose nor need to strain. You can do this by gradually increasing vegetables in your diet. Fruit is ok too but sometimes then you run more risk of loose stools.
Thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
You didn't list any steroids but pramoxine is sometimes combined with steroids such as hydrocortisone. If the preparation that you use is purchased over the counter, without a prescription, then it doesn't contain a steroid cream, which is the main concern with long term use.
So unless you have developed additional problems, the cream you are using shouldn't pose significant problems from long term use.
Glycerine and petrolatum are lubricating.
Phenylephrine constricts blood vessels (taken orally it is a nasal decongestant by the same mechanism).
Pramoxine is a local anesthetic.
I'm wondering if you might have equal success if you just use glycerine, Vaseline, or a bit of zinc oxide.
Zinc oxide is my go-to ointment for many purposes as it is soothing and healing. It contains zinc, which helps skin and wounds, and petrolatum (Vaseline). You might try that for awhile instead and skip some of the medications that way. It is sold over the counter.
Increasing fiber (you've probably been told this already) and water can help regulate BMs so that they are neither loose nor need to strain. You can do this by gradually increasing vegetables in your diet. Fruit is ok too but sometimes then you run more risk of loose stools.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks very much. Yes. It’s an OTC medication. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
One more bit of clarification:
While it does not sound like you have done damage, it would be better to use something without medication (i.e. avoiding the anesthetic and decongestant). So give the zinc oxide a try.
Your welcome and best wishes for your new year,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
One more bit of clarification:
While it does not sound like you have done damage, it would be better to use something without medication (i.e. avoiding the anesthetic and decongestant). So give the zinc oxide a try.
Your welcome and best wishes for your new year,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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