What's the Best Cream to Combat Anal Itching?
speciality medications
The best creams for anal itching, from Anusol HC to Calmoseptine Ointment, solve a very simple yet extremely timely problem.
When you’re experiencing rectal itching, after all, it’s hard to think of much else. You need the path between you and the best cream for your itchy anus to be as short and easy as possible.
We understand, and we’re here to give you the answers you need as quickly as possible.
In this comprehensive guide to the best anal itching creams, you’ll find product recommendations, FAQs, and general strategies for finding the effective relief you deserve.
When You Need Relief from Anal Itching, You Need It Now
Anal itching can happen to anyone. It’s a common condition, and it’s estimated that up to 5% of the population may deal with this frustrating situation at some point in their lives.
The number may be even higher, since many don’t seek medical attention for their itching. Since anal itching can be a symptom of skin conditions or infections, though, it’s essential to find proper treatment.
More than that: If you’re having a severe, painful itching sensation, especially in a sensitive area, for any reason, you should be able to find the relief you need.
Fast Relief for Rectal Itching: User’s Guide for Anal Itching Creams
If you need results fast, consider the following easy-to-implement options to alleviate anal itching:
- Keep the area extremely clean. Flush the anal area with unscented soap and warm water. Pat dry gently – do not rub the area, as your skin is already going through a lot, and you don’t want it to tear.
- When selecting soothing, anti-itching products, opt for fragrance-free formulas. Avoid using anything with harsh chemicals in the area, including scented toilet paper or even undergarments with scents or dyes.
- Purchase loose, breathable cotton underwear. This will help you minimize unwanted moisture (e.g., sweat) and promote air circulation in the area.
- Moisturize the area intentionally. Once the skin is clean, dry, and irritant-free, apply a gentle cream or moisturizer to keep the area hydrated and protected from further irritation.
However, not all anal itching or sensitive area moisture creams are made the same.
Some have fragrances or strong chemicals.
Others may err on the side of being too simple, foregoing gentle active ingredients that help speed up healing.
When you’re selecting an anal itching cream, you want it to work hard for you without irritating you further. There are some specific factors to watch for that should lead you to the best cream to combat anal itching.
Over-the-Counter Anal Itching Creams: What to Look For
Patients selecting anal itching creams should take a quick look at the ingredients list before purchasing. Here’s what we’d recommend:
Key Ingredients to Relieve Anal Itching
Common active ingredients you’ll find in anal itching creams include:
- Hydrocortisone, or a mild steroid that helps reduce itching and inflammation
- Pramoxine, or a local anesthetic that can provide immediate, temporary relief from discomfort
- Calamine, a lotion that relieves itching and irritation
- Witch hazel, a natural astringent ingredient that can provide a sense of cooling and relief
The ingredients in your chosen anal itching cream will depend on the severity of your irritation, whether you want a prescription-strength product, and whether you have any existing allergies or aversions to certain classes of ingredients (e.g., steroids).
Considerations When Choosing an Anal Itching Cream
If we move past the ingredients list, there are a few other things you’ll want to see in a high-quality, low-irritation anal itching cream.
- Select a cream that’s specifically formulated for anal itching. Other moisturizing creams may not be gentle enough – or provide the healing support you need.
- Work with a healthcare professional, if at all possible, to gauge what type of cream you may need. That way, if you need a prescription option, you’re already where you need to be (and you won’t waste time and money on lower-grade options that may not work for your symptoms).
- Check for hypoallergenic formulas. Hypoallergenic products should minimize the risk of irritation and allergic reactions, which is the last thing you want when treating anal itching.
The Best Creams for Anal Itching On the Market
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, we sell reliable healthcare products for affordable prices. That includes anti-itching anal moisturizing creams. In our experience, these five options are worth considering for most patients.
Anusol HC Ointment
Anusol HC Ointment (hydrocortisone/zinc sulfate) is a product specifically designed to shrink hemorrhoids – a frequent cause of anal itching.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, an active ingredient doctors often prescribe to relieve inflammation and itching. Zinc sulfate is an astringent. Astringents reduce the swelling associated with hemorrhoids, soothe any irritation you may feel, and promote efficient healing.
Your doctor may recommend Anusol HC Ointment if you deal with hemorrhoids after consistently heavy lifting, sitting for long periods of time, pregnancy, or bouts of constipation.
How much does Anusol HC Ointment cost?
Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy 30g of Anusol HC Ointment for $47.00.
Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cream
Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cream (Live Yeast Cell Derivative 1%) is a non-prescription soothing ointment that helps cases of anal itching if the sensation is due to hemorrhoids.
When applied as directed, Preparation H provides topical vasoconstriction and anesthetic properties. It’ll reduce swelling, tamp down the pain and itchiness you may be feeling, and protect your skin from further discomfort.
How much does Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cream cost?
Here, you can pick up a 25g supply of Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cream for around $15.00.
Calmoseptine Ointment
Calmoseptine Ointment (menthol, zinc oxide) contains a cooling active ingredient popular in cough drops – menthol – and zinc oxide, which protects and heals red, irritated skin.
In addition, this heavy ointment acts as a barrier to keep moisture in the skin (and to keep further irritating substances out). Calmosetpine also has antiseptic properties, which can help you avoid infection if your skin has broken in the anal area.
Calmoseptine Ointment has many uses. It can help patients with anything from minor burns to insect bites, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, rectal or anal itches, hemorrhoids, and fissures.
How much does Calmoseptine Ointment cost?
You can buy a 155g supply of Calmoseptine Ointment through NorthWestPharmacy.com for around $17.00.
Desitin Rash Ointment
Desitin Rash Ointment (zinc oxide) may seem like an odd choice, particularly if you have kids. This cream is primarily meant to help infants avoid diaper rash, but the Mayo Clinic recommends Desitin for anal itching, too.
Desitin has other helpful ingredients, including cod liver oil, petrolatum, and lanolin to support skin health and irritation relief. It’s also a widely-available, affordable option – which can make Desitin a good first-line option for anal itching relief, if you don’t yet feel the need to invest in higher-strength treatments.
How much does Desitin Rash Ointment cost?
If you’re looking for low-cost Desitin Rash Ointment, you’re in luck: Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can ship this product directly to your front door for around $30.00 for a 450g supply.
Cortate Cream
Cortate Cream (hydrocortisone) is, like Anusol HC, an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream. While these two products have similar ingredient lists, they’re usually recommended for slightly different reasons.
Anusol HC is used primarily to treat hemorrhoids, while Cortate Cream temporarily relieves itching and inflammation associated with various skin conditions (e.g., eczema, allergic reactions, and dermatitis).
The anal itching cream you select may depend on the reason you’re dealing with anal itching. It may also be a good idea to keep both stocked in your medicine cabinet, just in case one or the other works better for you. (You’ll want to have these solutions handy when you need them!)
How much does Cortate Cream cost?
Here, at NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can purchase a 15g supply of Cortate Cream for around $15.00.
Best Cream for Anal Itching FAQ
It can be hard to ask someone else for practical advice when it comes to relieving an itchy anus, yet it’s equally difficult to go without the direct answers you need when you’re in pain in a sensitive area.
These are the top questions we’ve seen about anal itching, followed by succinct, relevant, and helpful answers.
What is the Best Cream for Anal Itching?
Your best cream for anal itching will depend on the reason behind your itching. If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids, for example, it may be Anusol HC; if it’s skin irritation, a zinc oxide cream like Desitin may be a better choice.
If your anal itching persists after OTC treatment or worsens, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional before continuing with additional treatment.
How Do Anal Itching Creams Work?
Your anal itching cream will work by addressing why your skin is sensitive and irritated. If you have hemorrhoids, your anal itching cream will work to shrink them. If your skin is dry or inflamed, you may use a corticosteroid and a barrier cream to reduce inflammation and keep the area hydrated.
If these first-line treatments do not work, it may be time to try something stronger. Your doctor will be able to assist you if you find yourself in this situation.
How Should I Apply Anal Itching Creams?
Your anal itching cream will come with instructions – start with those, as instructions may vary with each specific product.
Generally, you should start by cleaning the affected area with an unscented soap, gently patting it dry, and applying a small amount of the anal itching cream with a clean fingertip or a clean applicator. Spread the cream evenly, and wash your hands afterward.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Anal Itching
The over-the-counter anal itching creams discussed above should provide relief in mild cases of irritation. There may be some situations – for example, if your anal itching is persistent or severe – where you should consider seeking a medical evaluation.
These situations include:
- If your symptoms get worse over time, instead of better (especially if you’re following the best care practices outlined above)
- If your symptoms persist over a long period of time – weeks with persistent itching, instead of a day or two of discomfort
- If your anal itching symptoms are accompanied by other worrisome conditions, ranging from bloody stool to headaches or fevers
Need to Buy the Best Anal Itching Creams for Less?
When you’re in the market for anal itching creams, you’re really looking for a few things: Fast relief and discretion, for starters. You need a product that relieves your itching and pain immediately, and it’d be nice if you didn’t have to go and talk to a pharmacy tech about your needs.
While you should always feel like you can speak with your healthcare providers about your symptoms, sometimes, being able to order your care products without human interaction is the way to go. At NorthWestPharmacy.com, we understand – and we’ve structured our site so you can click a few times and purchase your anal itching cream or consult with a pharmacist.
Either way, after buying anal itching cream through our site, your products will be delivered directly to your front door.
Interested in getting started? Scroll through our online aisles of OTC and prescription medications and healthcare products. When you’ve found the anal itching cream you need, simply click “add to cart,” provide your information through our secure checkout, and you’ll be ready to go.
If you require any help, our friendly, knowledgeable, seven-day-a-week customer service team will be there to help. And, if you’re wondering what it’s like to be a part of the NorthWestPharmacy.com community before you buy anything, check out our hundreds of thousands of satisfied customer reviews. We’re proud to have a consistent 4.8/5 star rating!
When you need relief fast, the team at NorthWestPharmacy.com is ready to support you. We look forward to helping you on your healthcare journey.
