Painful small bumps at the anal opening are usually one of three things - an external haemorrhoid or a small clotted pile, an infected hair follicle or boil, or perianal skin tags with a fissure. Since they are painful like acne, an infected follicle or a thrombosed pile is most likely. For now, take a sitz bath twice a day, that is sitting in a tub of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, it relieves pain remarkably well. Keep the area clean and dry, wash with plain water after passing stool instead of rubbing with dry paper. Avoid straining and constipation - plenty of water, fibre in the diet, and a mild stool softener like isabgol husk at night helps. You may apply a soothing local ointment such as lignocaine with hydrocortisone for a few days, and take paracetamol for pain. Please do not squeeze or prick the bumps. If there is fever, spreading swelling, pus discharge, bleeding, or the pain is worsening after 3 to 4 days, get examined without delay, as an abscess needs drainage. A quick look by a doctor is all it takes for an exact diagnosis - you can consult me on Practo or at Synergy Multispeciality Hospital, Miraj.
Answered2026-08-31 19:33:14
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