Pain Relief Take the pain medicine every three to four hours as needed for pain. Apply ELA-MAX 5 percent cream to anus (inside and out) every two to four hours as needed. Take a hot bath in plain water and soak for at least 20 minutes three times a day. This is a minimum and there is no maximum limit. You can soak as long as you wish. It is the most effective method of controlling pain. Expect the pain to get better at about seven to 14 days after surgery. Caring for the Surgery Site Remove the dressing the morning after the surgery and then get in a warm tub. Apply Silvadene cream to anus after each hot bath for the first seven to 10 days. After bathing, pat dry or use a hair dryer. After each bowel movement, gently cleanse the area with water or bathe/shower to keep the area clean. If you have been told to place a moist gauze pad in the wound, do so several times a day. Tuck the gauze into the wound so that it covers all the surfaces. Bleeding Some bleeding with each bowel movement is expected. If the bleeding does not stop within an hour after a bowel movement, if the amount of bleeding is worse with time or if you are passing clots of blood, consult your surgeon.