Introduction:

Perianal ulcers resulting from the use of hemorrhoidal ointments have been rarely reported to date. Nevertheless, there has been a surge in the number of cases reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Case report:

An independent 82-year-old male experienced a 35,80 cm² perianal ulcer, with no underlying condition or concomitant disease that could explain the cause of the ulcer. The application of thorough exclusion criteria, including a biopsy to rule out pyoderma gangrenosum, led to the identification of a hemorrhoidal rectal ointment as the cause.

Action plan:

The ulcer healed completely when a multidisciplinary intervention and an autologous growth factors advanced therapy were applied.

Discussion and conclusions:

This case has been scarcely reported in the literature, although this hemorrhoidal ointment has been on the market for over 40 years. Medical assessment before prescription and patients’ follow-up is recommended.

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