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Top OTC Hemorrhoid Remedies: Best Treatments Reviewed

Hemorrhoid.com By Hemorrhoid.com | July 19, 2024

Did you know about 10% of adults get hemorrhoids at some time1? These swollen veins can be pretty uncomfortable. But, you can find quick relief in over-the-counter treatments. We’ve looked into the best ones based on how well they work, usage ease, and customer feedback.

Several ingredients like witch hazel and zinc oxide are top choices for relief. Take Preparation H Soothing Relief Anti Itch Cream, for example. You can use it four times daily for itching. There’s also ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment for external discomfort12. If you prefer something organic, there’s the Thenna Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak1.

We’ve put together a top list of OTC hemorrhoid treatments. This list has TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads and Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm12. A gastroenterologist checked it for medical truth, so you know you’re getting solid advice for relief.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes and Symptoms

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus. They’re like varicose veins. Many adults will deal with them at some point. Knowing what causes them and spotting the symptoms are key to getting the right treatment.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins either inside your rectum or under the skin around your anus. They are very common. In fact, 1 in 20 people in the U.S. has them3. And, after age 50, more than half of people experience them3.

Common Causes of Hemorrhoids

Lots of things can lead to hemorrhoids. Often, they come from constipation and pushing too hard during bowel movements3. Being pregnant can also make you more likely to get hemorrhoids, affecting up to 35% of pregnant folks4. Sitting too much, or having a job that keeps you on your seat, can up your risk3. If your family members had them, you might get them too3.

Symptoms to Look Out For

If you catch hemorrhoid symptoms early, you can get relief fast. Look out for itching, discomfort, and visible swollen veins. Sometimes, symptoms get worse, leading to more swelling, bleeding, and pain. Even though symptoms can get better within a week with home care5, noticing them quickly is important for proper treatment.

Symptoms Treatment Options
Itching and discomfort Over-the-counter creams and ointments
Swelling and pain Hydrocortisone-based products
Bleeding Consult healthcare provider, potential rubber band ligation

Types of Over the Counter Hemorrhoid Treatments

Various OTC hemorrhoid treatments are designed to meet different needs. Options include creams, suppositories, wipes, and natural solutions. Studies show that by age 50, about 50% of adults will experience hemorrhoids. This highlights the need for various effective treatment methods6.

Hemorrhoid Creams and Ointments

Hemroid creams and ointments are popular for treating hemorrhoids. They contain ingredients like hydrocortisone and witch hazel. These components help ease inflammation6. Products such as Preparation H are well-known in this category6.

Anti-Inflammatory Suppositories

Suppositories offer internal relief by targeting swelling and discomfort directly. They are an effective way to reduce inside swelling. Healthcare providers often recommend using them for a week7.

Hemorrhoid Wipes and Pads

Hemorrhoid wipes and pads are convenient for applying relief directly. They contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera. This makes them effective and easy to use for quick comfort8.

Soothing Ointments and Gels

Ointments and gels provide cooling and soothing effects. They contain ingredients like lidocaine for fast relief6. These are good for immediate and ongoing symptom management.

Natural Hemorrhoid Treatments

Natural options are available for those preferring a holistic approach. These include products with aloe vera and essential oils6. For example, Motherlove Rhoid Balm offers a gentle yet effective solution for discomfort6.

Best Over the Counter Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

There are good options for over the counter (OTC) treatments to ease hemorrhoid pain and symptoms. We’ll go over the best OTC treatments for hemorrhoids that you can find today.

Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream

Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream is a top pick because it works well. It has lidocaine and phenylephrine HCl. These ingredients numb pain and lower swelling. Lidocaine quickly relieves pain, and phenylephrine tackles itching and swelling9. This makes it a quick solution for relief.

TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads

TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads are great for cooling relief, especially for external hemorrhoids. They use witch hazel to ease pain and swelling. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and astringent qualities. TUCKS pads are simple and clean to use for regular relief10.

Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment

Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment offers powerful relief, combining pain and swelling reducers. It has phenylephrine and lidocaine. These quickly ease discomfort and inflammation. Many users feel better after just one use9.

Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm

Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm is a natural choice that’s still very effective. It uses witch hazel, yarrow, and calendula known for healing and calming. It’s perfect for new moms, treating hemorrhoid symptoms naturally10.

Revivol-XR by Hemorrhoid.com

Revivol-XR from Hemorrhoid.com combines unique ingredients for full symptom relief. It’s made to be easy to use while being very effective. Revivol-XR includes natural parts for a balanced way to handle symptoms11.

Tips for Choosing the Right OTC Hemorrhoid Treatment

When choosing hemorrhoid treatment, you must pick the right product for your symptoms. Phenylephrine HCL can shrink swollen veins. Lidocaine helps with pain relief12. Witch hazel is a calming, natural option in many treatments13.

Knowing what’s in over the counter hemorrhoid treatments is key for symptom relief. Ingredients like hydrocortisone reduce itching and redness. Glycerin, aloe, and vitamin E soothe the area13. Wipes or creams with lidocaine or witch hazel ease pain and itching safely12.

For effective hemorrhoid relief, adding lifestyle changes is helpful. Fiber supplements, like psyllium husk powder, soften stools. Aiming for 20-35 grams of fiber daily helps12. Drink a lot of water and exercise, like brisk walking, to avoid constipation and boost treatment results12. Learn more about it here.

Talking to a doctor is wise if symptoms stick around or if OTC treatments don’t work in a week12. Revivol-XR, for instance, should be used as advised13.

Also, staying hydrated and avoiding scratching can really help control symptoms and prevent more issues12. For more tips on choosing treatments, look for reliable guides like this one.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are surely common and can cause much discomfort. By the time they reach 50, about half of adults have faced hemorrhoid symptoms14. Thus, choosing the right over-the-counter treatment is quite important. Knowing both the causes and symptoms, especially of external hemorrhoids14, helps in seeking effective treatment.

It’s important to look into various treatments since everyone’s needs differ. Treatments like Preparation H ointments and Revivol-XR gels from Hemorrhoid.com have shown great results. Moreover, feedback from users and experts can lead you to the best solutions that doctors often suggest.

A small number, fewer than 10 percent, of adults with symptoms end up needing surgery15. Many find relief through simple changes, like eating more fiber, which can cut the risk of ongoing issues by 53%16. Websites like Everyday Health and Healthline provide useful advice. If over-the-counter options don’t help, seeing a healthcare provider for other effective treatments is a smart decision.

FAQ

What are the most effective over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments?

Effective OTC treatments for hemorrhoids include Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream and TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads. Doctor Butler’s Ointment and Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm are also top picks. Their success comes from quality ingredients and great reviews from users.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids happen when there’s too much pressure in the lower rectum. This can come from being constipated, straining when you go to the bathroom, being pregnant, or lifting heavy things. It leads to swollen veins in your bottom area, much like varicose veins.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

If you have hemorrhoids, you might feel itching, discomfort, swelling, or even bleed. Spotting these signs early helps a lot in getting the right treatment quickly.

How do hemorrhoid creams and ointments work?

Creams and ointments for hemorrhoids often have hydrocortisone or witch hazel in them. These ingredients calm irritation, knock down swelling, and ease pain. They’re meant for treating hemorrhoids on the outside.

What are anti-inflammatory suppositories?

Suppositories for hemorrhoids are used inside the body. They have stuff in them that lowers inflammation, swelling, and pain right where the problem is.

What is the benefit of using hemorrhoid wipes and pads?

Wipes and pads for hemorrhoids are easy to use. They’re packed with calming stuff like aloe or witch hazel to ease irritation and pain. They also keep the area clean.

Are there natural treatments for hemorrhoids?

Yes, there are natural ways to treat hemorrhoids like aloe vera, essential oils, and sitz baths. They’re good for people looking for more natural solutions. You can use them with regular OTC meds for even better results.

What are the key ingredients to look for in an OTC hemorrhoid treatment?

Look for phenylephrine HCl in OTC treatments to lessen vein swelling and lidocaine for pain relief. Hydrocortisone lowers inflammation, while witch hazel soothes. Aloe vera is a soft, natural option for comfort.

Can lifestyle changes help in managing hemorrhoids?

Yes, changes in your way of living can help with hemorrhoids. Eat more fiber, drink lots of water, and don’t strain when going to the bathroom. Doing these things can keep hemorrhoids from starting or getting worse. These habits also make treatments work better.

When should I say a healthcare professional for hemorrhoids?

See a doctor if your hemorrhoid symptoms don’t go away with OTC treatments, you’re in a lot of pain, or you bleed a lot. A healthcare provider can give you the right treatment and prevent more serious problems.

Source Links

  1. Through Research and Testing, We Found the Best, Expert-Approved OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments – https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-over-the-counter-hemorrhoid-treatments-4172472
  2. Your OTC Hemorrhoid Treatment Options: What Works? — Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay – https://www.tampacolorectal.com/blog/your-otc-hemorrhoid-treatment-options-what-works
  3. Hemorrhoids – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics
  4. Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, causes, and treatments – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/73938
  5. Hemorrhoids – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  6. What’s the Best Way to Treat Hemorrhoids? Experts & Our Editors Recommend These Treatments – https://www.health.com/best-hemorrhoid-creams-treatments-7091860
  7. Treatment of Hemorrhoids – NIDDK – https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/treatment
  8. Best Hemorrhoid Pain Relief Products – https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Hemorrhoid-Pain-Relief-Products/zgbs/hpc/3763781
  9. Best over-the-counter treatment options for hemorrhoids – https://perks.optum.com/blog/best-hemorrhoid-treatment-over-the-counter
  10. Treating Hemorrhoids: From Home Remedies to Surgery – https://www.verywellhealth.com/hemorrhoid-treatments-and-home-remedies-89353
  11. Do Suppositories for Hemorrhoids Work? – https://www.healthline.com/health/suppositories-for-hemorrhoids
  12. Home Treatment and Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/hemorrrhoid-home-care
  13. Hemorrhoid Medicine 101 – https://www.preparationh.com/learn-more/hemorrhoid-medicine-101/
  14. Hemorrhoids – https://www.healthline.com/health/hemorrhoids
  15. Treatment for Hemorrhoids – https://www.everydayhealth.com/hemorrhoids/guide/treatment/
  16. Laxatives for the treatment of hemorrhoids. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9036624/