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By Hemorrhoid.com | August 12, 2024
Did you know about 4.4% of the world’s population struggles with hemorrhoids? That’s around 10 million people in the United States alone1. Many seek relief by exploring various over-the-counter (OTC) options. These range from well-known brands like Preparation H to natural choices like witch hazel pads. Choosing the best OTC hemorrhoid cream can be a daunting task.
Our in-depth review highlights the top OTC hemorrhoid treatments. It aims to guide you to an informed choice. By combining expert opinions with real user experiences, we’ve crafted a list. This list features only the top OTC hemorrhoid remedies out there.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins found in the rectum and anus, known as piles4. They are a common issue, with 1 in 20 U.S. people having them at any time4. Over half of individuals over 50 also struggle with this condition4.
Hemorrhoids come in two kinds: internal and external. Internal ones are inside the rectum and often less painful4. External hemorrhoids are visible outside and can be identified by doctors during an exam5.
Many things can lead to hemorrhoids. A lack of movement, sitting for long periods, and pregnancy increase rectal vein pressure4. Having a family history of the issue means you might be more likely to get them4. Symptoms vary from discomfort and itching to serious bleeding and pain. Eating plenty of fiber, taking warm baths, and certain creams can offer relief5.
If home care or OTC items from Hemorrhoid.com don’t help, see a doctor. Bad pain or bleeding means it’s time to get checked for other serious issues5. Rubber band ligation or surgery might be needed for tough cases5.
Getting the right treatment is key to feeling better. Always listen to a doctor’s advice on managing hemorrhoids effectively.
Finding the right parts for over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid treatments is key. Doctors like Dr. Matthew Bechtold point to certain ingredients for relief. Witch hazel is known for its protection and is often in creams6. For reducing swelling and itch, hydrocortisone is a top pick. It’s in creams to ease discomfort7. A mix of 5% lidocaine and hydrocortisone works well for rectal issues7.
Let’s examine a table showing key OTC hemorrhoid treatment ingredients and what they do:
| Ingredient | Function | Common Products |
|---|---|---|
| Witch Hazel | Protective and astringent | Revivol-XR, Hemorrhoid.com products |
| Hydrocortisone | Anti-inflammatory | Various hemorrhoid creams |
| Phenylephrine HCl | Vasoconstrictor | Lidocaine wipes |
| Glycerin | Hyperosmotic laxative | Hemorrhoid wipes |
| Mineral Oil & Petrolatum | Protect and soothe | Hemorrhoid ointments |
Adding these ingredients to your care routine can bring a lot of relief. Witch hazel, lidocaine, and hydrocortisone are popular in OTC products. They can help with hemorrhoid symptoms in 1 to 2 weeks7.
Dealing with hemorrhoids is tough. Effective over-the-counter treatments can really help. We’ll look at some of the best options out there.
Experts suggest ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment for external hemorrhoids. It’s known for quick relief3. Preparation H Soothing Relief Anti Itch Cream also comes highly recommended. It can be used up to four times a day and includes 1% hydrocortisone3. Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment is another great choice. It’s made with Lidocaine 4.0% and phenylephrine HCl 0.25% for pain and inflammation8.
| Product | Main Ingredient | Price | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment | Hydrocortisone | $15 | Apply as needed |
| Preparation H Soothing Relief Anti Itch Cream | Hydrocortisone 1% | $8 | Up to 4 times per day |
| Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment | Lidocaine USP 4.0%, Phenylephrine HCl 0.25% | $30 | Apply as directed |
There are many forms of OTC hemorrhoid medications. These include creams, gels, and more. Preparation H Hemorrhoid Symptom Treatment Ointment is a popular choice9. It’s backed by six gastroenterologists. Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads offer quick comfort for pain and irritation8. They cost around $8. For itch relief, try Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine. It’s priced at about $298.
If you prefer natural solutions, Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm is great. Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak is also recommended, especially during pregnancy3. Use the sitz bath 2 to 3 times daily for 10 to 15 minutes3. It helps with blood flow and relaxing muscles.
TUCKS cooling pads are another home remedy worth trying8. They contain witch hazel for soothing effects. The frequency of using these products varies. Some need regular application, while others do not8. A good mix of natural and OTC treatments can quickly ease symptoms3.
We took a detailed approach to rank and review OTC hemorrhoid treatments. Our team did in-depth research, talked to experts, and tested products. We explain our process below.
We looked at the quality of ingredients, what effects they promised, how to apply them, and if they were easy to use. Treatments with hydrocortisone got high marks for easing swelling and itchiness10. Likewise, creams with lidocaine or pramoxine were praised for numbing pain quickly10.
We also liked natural options like witch hazel for shrinking swollen areas10. We preferred products with these key ingredients.
Learning how users felt about treatments was key. We used surveys to get anonymous feedback. The feedback showed what worked fast and well. For example, Walgreens Hemorrhoidal Pain Relief Cream was highlighted for its good price and effectiveness11.
We checked with medical experts to be sure of our findings. They gave us useful info on what treatments worked best.
We saw how each product helped with burning, itching, and pain. Preparation H, with lidocaine, was known for its quick relief and strong action12. Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Cream also stood out for its results, using ingredients like phenylephrine and pramoxine12.
By considering ease of use, cost, and repeat purchase potential, we evaluated the true worth of each product.
Our team has carefully put together a detailed guide on OTC hemorrhoid treatments. We based it on extensive research and real feedback. This ensures you get safe and effective solutions.
It’s important to know how common hemorrhoids are. About 39%13 of people getting checked for colorectal cancer have them. Even more, 55%13 of those with hemorrhoids might not see symptoms. So, it’s best to act early in treatment and prevention.
Look for treatments with specific key ingredients. Protectants, local anesthetics, and hydrocortisone are great for daily relief14. A diet rich in fiber, about 25 to 35 grams a day, can also help. It may cut bleeding by half13. For lasting relief, rubber band ligation works well for certain types of hemorrhoids, with a good chance of success and few risks1315.
For products like Revivol-XR, they offer quick relief but see a doctor if things are severe. Our guide mixes professional advice with feedback from users. Our goal is to help you deal with hemorrhoids in a confident and comfortable way.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower body’s end. They happen when there’s too much pressure in the rectum and anus. This can cause pain, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding. The severity of these symptoms can vary.
Things like pregnancy, often being constipated, and sitting too long can cause hemorrhoids. These actions make the pressure in the rectum and anus area go up. This leads to the swelling of veins.
See a healthcare provider if your symptoms are bad. This means if you have a lot of pain or if there’s bleeding. Also, if treatments you try don’t help, or if you’re worried about your symptoms.
Good hemorrhoid treatments usually have witch hazel, hydrocortisone, and zinc oxide. Witch hazel helps protect, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation, and zinc oxide soothes. Pramoxine helps with pain. Phenylephrine HCl is also useful for shrinking swollen areas.
Good choices are ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment and Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream with lidocaine. They’re known for making symptoms like itching, pain, and swelling better.
Yes, there are natural options. Examples include Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm and Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak. They use natural ingredients to help soothe and treat hemorrhoid symptoms.
Rankings are based on surveys from users and advice from gastroenterologists. User feedback shows how quick and long-lasting treatments are. Experts make sure the info is medically correct. This makes the recommendations trustworthy.
Look at the ingredients and how easy it is to apply. Check out what other users say about its effectiveness. Also, see if experts recommend it. Make sure it’s suited for your specific symptoms like pain or itching.
