Understanding Anorectal Discomfort
Hemorrhoids are a common condition characterized by swollen veins in the anal area, leading to symptoms like pain, itching, bleeding, and general discomfort. These symptoms can be exacerbated by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, and other factors that increase pressure on the anorectal region. Similarly, anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause sharp pain and bleeding. Managing these conditions often involves protecting the sensitive skin and mucous membranes from further irritation. This is where products like Posterisan protect become relevant, as they are designed to provide a physical barrier and support the healing environment.
What is Posterisan Protect and How Does It Work?
Posterisan protect is a topical preparation, available as an ointment and suppositories, designed to protect the skin in the anal region and alleviate the mild symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease. Its primary function is not to treat the underlying cause of severe hemorrhoids but to provide symptomatic relief and prevent recurrence by creating a protective shield over the affected area.
The Mechanism of Action
The effectiveness of Posterisan protect comes from its unique skin protection complex. The key ingredients work together to form a water-repellent protective coat over the sensitive anal mucosa. This barrier serves two main purposes:
- Reduces Irritation: It shields the irritated skin from friction and moisture, particularly from hard or liquid stools, which can worsen pain and itching.
- Improves Lubrication: The protective film has a lubricating effect, making the anal canal smoother and thereby facilitating easier and less painful bowel movements.
Key Active Ingredients
The formulation contains a special skin protection complex that includes:
- Jojoba Oil: This ingredient nourishes the skin, regulates its moisture balance, and helps restore elasticity to the stressed anal area. It is also noted to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Yellow Beeswax: Beeswax is responsible for the water-repellent effect, forming a durable protective film on the skin.
- Cetylstearyl Isononanoate (Cetiol): This component helps make the skin supple and contributes to the overall protective and moisturizing effect.
By nourishing the skin and increasing its ability to retain moisture, these ingredients help to alleviate minor discomfort and support the skin's natural barrier function.
Primary Uses and Applications
Posterisan protect is specifically indicated for several related anorectal issues:
- Hemorrhoidal Disease: Its primary use is to alleviate the mild symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as itching, burning, and minor pain, and to help prevent the recurrence of acute flare-ups.
- Anal Fissures and Proctitis: The suppositories and ointment are also used for the treatment of fissures and general inflammation of the rectum (proctitis).
- Post-Operative Care: It can be used to care for the sensitive anal region after proctological surgeries to aid in healing and reduce discomfort.
- General Skin Protection: It provides a protective barrier against irritation from diarrhea or hard stools.
How to Use Posterisan Protect
Proper application is key to achieving the best results. The product comes in both ointment and suppository forms.
Ointment Application:
- External Use: Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected external anal area with a finger, gently rubbing it in.
- Internal Use: For use inside the anal canal, an applicator with side outlet openings is typically included in the package. The ointment is applied by screwing the applicator onto the tube and inserting it carefully into the anus. Squeezing the tube releases the ointment into the canal.
Suppository Application:
- Wash Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands before and after application.
- Position: Lie on your side with your lower leg straight and your upper leg bent towards your stomach.
- Insert: Gently insert one suppository, pointed end first, into the rectum. It should be pushed past the muscular sphincter (about 1 inch in adults) to prevent it from slipping out.
It is important to follow the recommended frequency of application as directed by a healthcare professional or the product packaging.
Comparison: Posterisan Protect vs. Posterisan Forte
It's important to distinguish Posterisan protect from other products in the same line, such as Posterisan forte or Posterisan akut.
| Feature | Posterisan protect | Posterisan forte / akut |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Skin protection, prevention of recurrence, relief of mild symptoms. | Treatment of acute, severe symptoms like intense itching and pain. |
| Active Ingredient | Skin protection complex (Jojoba Oil, Beeswax, Cetiol). | Typically contains hydrocortisone (in Forte) for inflammation or lidocaine (in Akut) for pain relief. |
| Mechanism | Forms a physical, water-repellent protective barrier; lubricates and soothes. | Actively reduces inflammation (hydrocortisone) or numbs pain (lidocaine). |
| Use Case | Long-term care, prevention, and management of minor discomfort. | Short-term treatment of acute flare-ups with significant pain or inflammation. |
Safety and Considerations
Posterisan protect is known for its good tolerability, making it suitable for longer-term use.
- Side Effects: Side effects are rare. However, some ingredients like butylated hydroxytoluene and wool wax can occasionally cause local skin irritation.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The product is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as its components are not absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts.
- Contraindications: Do not use it if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to any of its ingredients. It should also not be used at the same time as other preparations for acute symptoms, as the protective film might reduce the effectiveness of the other medication.
Conclusion
Posterisan protect is used as a supportive care product for individuals experiencing mild hemorrhoidal disease, anal fissures, and general anorectal irritation. Its primary role is to create a physical barrier that protects sensitive tissues, reduces irritation, lubricates the anal canal, and prevents the recurrence of symptoms. With its composition of Jojoba oil, beeswax, and Cetiol, it focuses on soothing, moisturizing, and protecting, making it a well-tolerated option for long-term management and care, including during pregnancy.
For more information on the management of hemorrhoids, you can refer to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids
