Top Hemorrhoid Creams for Quick Relief

Are you among the 50% of adults who, by age 50, suffer from the discomfort and pain of hemorrhoids¹? Searching for the best hemorrhoid cream for fast relief can be a daunting task, but understanding the options available can make a world of difference. Hemorrhoids, often caused by factors like pregnancy, chronic constipation, and straining during bowel movements, can lead to significant discomfort. Fortunately, over-the-counter creams offer quick hemorrhoid treatment without the need for a prescription.

Drawing insights from our editors' experiences and thorough consultations with board-certified physicians, we've identified effective hemorrhoid relief options that stand out in terms of efficacy and ease of use. Keep in mind, this content does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Key Takeaways

• Hemorrhoids affect about half of all adults by age 50¹.
• Choosing the best hemorrhoid cream is essential for quick and effective relief.
• Consultations with board-certified physicians guide our recommendations.
• Over-the-counter options can often alleviate symptoms without the need for a prescription.
• This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Understanding Hemorrhoid Creams

Hemorrhoid creams are specially formulated to provide relief from the discomfort, pain, and irritation associated with hemorrhoids. These products are a significant part of hemorrhoid treatment due to their array of active ingredients designed to achieve varying effects.

Commonly found components in hemorrhoid ointments include phenylephrine HCL, which helps to reduce swelling, and soothing agents such as lidocaine, witch hazel, pramoxine hydrochloride, and zinc oxide. Moisturizing additives like aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, and glycerin are also included to lessen irritation and promote comfort.

When selecting hemorrhoid creams, the frequency of application is an important factor. Some products necessitate multiple applications per day, while others may require less frequent use. Adhering to the specified instructions is crucial to minimize the risk of side effects.

In mild cases of hemorrhoids, integrating treatments such as over-the-counter remedies and making dietary modifications can be beneficial. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend an intake of 14 grams of fiber per day for every 1,000 calories consumed². Moreover, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest that adults should drink 12-16 cups of water daily². These measures, along with topical medications, can provide temporary relief.

For more severe cases, procedural treatments may be necessary. Techniques such as sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation, and infrared photocoagulation are common for treating internal hemorrhoids². Surgery might be recommended for larger hemorrhoids, with options like hemorrhoidectomy or hemorrhoidopexy³. These treatments involve specific risks and recovery times, which should be discussed thoroughly with a healthcare provider.

It is essential to note that this content does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read from this site’s content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Top Over-the-Counter Hemorrhoid Remedies

When it comes to the best over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, it's essential to choose a product that provides effective and fast relief while being convenient to use. This section highlights some of the top remedies available, including Revivol-XR Hemorrhoid & Fissure Cream, Preparation H, and RectiCare creams.

Revivol-XR Hemorrhoid & Fissure Cream

Revivol-XR hemorrhoid relief cream is praised for its efficacy and affordability, making it a popular choice among consumers. Designed to provide relief from discomfort and pain, this cream is ideal for those dealing with mild to moderate hemorrhoid symptoms. Its soothing ingredients help reduce swelling and irritation, offering quick and effective relief. It's a convenient and accessible option available at any Walgreens store.

Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream

Preparation H Rapid Relief with Lidocaine is renowned for its fast-acting and long-lasting formula. This cream is particularly recommended for severe flare-ups due to its maximum-strength lidocaine and phenylephrine HCl content. Preparation H can be used up to four times a day, ensuring continuous comfort throughout the day⁴. Its rapid relief properties help to soothe itching and pain temporarily, providing significant relief for those suffering from hemorrhoids⁴.

RectiCare Advanced Hemorrhoidal Cream

Another choice is RectiCare Advanced Hemorrhoidal Cream. This product is specially formulated with lidocaine and phenylephrine HCl, making it highly effective for those suffering from both hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Approximately 4.4% of the world's population and around 10 million people in the United States suffer from hemorrhoids, highlighting the importance of effective treatments like these⁵. These over-the-counter remedies offer a convenient means to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected.

This content does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read from this site’s content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Creams Specifically for External Hemorrhoids

Creams designed for external hemorrhoids primarily aim to provide targeted hemorrhoid relief by reducing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and itching. These external hemorrhoid creams often contain active ingredients that address the discomfort associated with external hemorrhoids, which are hemorrhoids that form around the anus⁶.

The Revivol-XR Hemorrhoid Cream is a noteworthy option in this category. Its formulation effectively aids in healing and numbing the affected area. Many users find Revivol-XR highly effective for external hemorrhoids, although it may not alleviate itching as effectively as some other products⁶. For targeted hemorrhoid relief, following the application guidelines is crucial to avoid complications such as skin irritation or incomplete symptom management.

Another topical treatment is the Preparation H Soothing Relief Anti Itch Cream, which includes hydrocortisone to address both inflammation and itching. This cream is particularly beneficial during severe hemorrhoid flare-ups, providing necessary relief quickly and efficiently⁶. Additionally, combining these external hemorrhoid creams with lifestyle changes—such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting—can enhance their effectiveness and promote faster recovery.

Remember, while these topical treatments can significantly improve symptoms, they are not a cure-all. Chronic issues may require additional medical interventions, and it's always essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment⁶. If you experience severe symptoms or complications such as excessive bleeding, urinary retention, or thrombosed hemorrhoids, seek immediate medical attention⁶⁷.

This content does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read from this site's content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

The Best Hemorrhoid Cream for Fast Relief

Identifying the best hemorrhoid cream for quick hemorrhoid relief involves assessing specific criteria essential for effectiveness. Typically, these criteria include the presence of active ingredients capable of reducing swelling, numbing pain, and soothing irritation. High-demand products, like Revivol-XR Lidocaine Cream, often sell out swiftly due to their effectiveness⁸. Popular choices such as Preparation H® and RectiCare® embody these criteria, promising quick relief through their potent formulations.

Criteria for Quick Relief

For a hemorrhoid cream to provide fast relief, it must contain proven active ingredients. Effective compounds include phenylephrine HCl, which acts as a vasoconstrictor, and lidocaine, a local anesthetic. For instance, Preparation H® uses phenylephrine HCl for reducing inflammation, while RectiCare® employs lidocaine 5% to numb pain⁹. The cream's ability to deliver prompt hemorrhoid pain relief directly corresponds to these ingredients’ effectiveness in tackling symptoms.

Top Recommendations

Our top hemorrhoid cream recommendations are anchored in both user reviews and product efficacy. Revivol-XR Hemorrhoid cream with Lidocaine, is highly regarded for its combined action of pain relief and reduced swelling⁸. RectiCare Advanced Hemorrhoidal Cream is also favored for its rapid pain-numbing properties, although it comes with fewer reviews compared to Preparation H®⁸. Top creams like these, which feature robust formulations of active ingredients, are essential for achieving quick hemorrhoid relief, offering a balance of immediate comfort and long-term efficacy.

This content does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read from this site’s content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.