Abstract: A topical preparation for the treatment of anorectal disorders comprises L arginine and a local anesthetic. The L arginine typically comprises 0.1-5% by weight of the composition, and the local anesthetic typically comprises, by weight, 1-15% of the composition. Lidocaine is particularly preferred local anesthetic. In some embodiments, the composition includes a liposomal carrier, and the local anesthetic is encapsulated within the liposomes.