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Effective OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments You Can Trust

Hemorrhoid.com By Hemorrhoid.com | July 15, 2024

Did you know that nearly 10% of adults experience hemorrhoids at some point1? This uncomfortable condition can greatly affect someone’s day-to-day life. Luckily, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are available to help. These products, along with certain lifestyle changes, can reduce irritation and discomfort. There are many treatment options available, including creams for relief and ointments for external hemorrhoids.

Eating a high-fiber diet is crucial. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests about 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed2. This can make a big difference in your symptoms. Also, drinking 12-16 cups of water a day keeps you hydrated and prevents hard stools2. For minor symptoms, products like Preparation H and Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads can provide fast relief3. Knowing and using these options correctly can significantly help manage symptoms.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes and Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are a common issue with swollen veins in the rectum and anus, often from increased pressure. Knowing what causes them and the symptoms is key for finding the right treatment. This includes treatments for thrombosed and prolapsed hemorrhoids.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids have swollen veins that can be inside or outside the anus. Pressure from things like straining or carrying extra weight, such as during pregnancy, can cause them. They affect 1 in 20 Americans and more than half of those over 504. If your family has a history, you might be more likely to get them4.

Common Causes of Hemorrhoids

Things like not eating enough fiber can lead to constipation and straining. This is a big reason people get hemorrhoids4. Sitting too long, especially on the toilet, can make blood pool in the anal area5. Not moving much can cause similar problems4. If you’re overweight, you’re also at risk because of more pressure on the rectum5. Pregnancy makes getting hemorrhoids more likely because of the extra weight and chance of constipation4.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Noticing symptoms early helps in getting the right treatment, like making changes to your lifestyle or getting medicine. Common signs are itching, pain, and swelling around the anus. There might also be bleeding when you go to the bathroom. These can point to having hemorrhoids that could get better with creams or more fiber. Trying home treatments like staying hydrated and eating right can reduce pain and swelling in a week6. If things don’t get better in a week, or if you keep getting new hemorrhoids, it’s time to see a doctor5.

Top Over the Counter Hemorrhoid Treatments

Dealing with hemorrhoids can be tough. Thankfully, there are many over-the-counter products to help. Options like creams, suppositories, and more can ease the pain and make life better.

Hemorrhoid Relief Creams: What to Look For

Searching for a good hemorrhoid cream? Key things to find include lidocaine for pain relief, hydrocortisone to lessen swelling, and witch hazel to calm the skin. Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel is a good pick7. It has phenylephrine, witch hazel, and aloe to offer quick comfort8. You can use it up to four times daily. Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment is another strong choice7. It blends lidocaine and phenylephrine, easing pain and reducing swelling.

Suppositories for Hemorrhoids: Types and Uses

What about internal hemorrhoids? Suppositories are the answer. They send medicine straight to the problem area. Look for ingredients like hydrocortisone or astringents, which help with swelling and healing.

Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads are great for this8. Use them up to six times a day for thorough internal hemorrhoid care. Anusol Suppositories, with zinc oxide, also provide relief for internal symptoms7.

Numbing and Anti-Inflammatory Options

For the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids, numbing and anti-inflammatory treatments are key. Many products contain lidocaine for numbing. Try Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream for maximum strength lidocaine and phenylephrine HCl7.

If your hemorrhoids are stubborn, consider combining different treatments for best results8. Don’t forget about stool softeners and fiber. They make bowel movements easier and help heal hemorrhoids9.

Product Ingredients Price Uses
Motherlove Rhoid Balm Aloe vera, witch hazel $13 External hemorrhoids
Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream Lidocaine, phenylephrine HCl $29 Pain relief, swelling reduction
Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment Lidocaine, phenylephrine $35 Pain relief, fissure treatment
Boiron HemCalm Ointment Aesculus hippocastanum $11 Soothe inflamed veins
Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel Phenylephrine, witch hazel, aloe $8 Immediate relief
Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray Peppermint, witch hazel $14 Pregnant women
Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads Medicated formula $13 Internal hemorrhoids
Preparation H Flushable Wipes Witch hazel, aloe $12 Hygiene maintenance
Fleet Laxative Glycerin Suppositories Glycerin $10 Internal use
Anusol Suppositories Zinc oxide $15 Internal hemorrhoids

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

There are ways to treat hemorrhoids at home using natural methods. These can greatly ease symptoms and offer relief.

Effective Home Treatments

Eating more fiber is key. Aim for 25 to 35 grams daily to ease your bowel movements. Add beans, fruits, veggies, and whole grains to your diet. Stool softeners are helpful too. They make going to the bathroom easier10. For quick relief, sitz baths work wonders. Use them often, especially after bathroom visits, to feel better and heal faster11.

The Benefits of a High-Fiber Diet

A high-fiber diet does more than ease hemorrhoid trouble. It keeps your bowel movements regular, stopping constipation in its tracks11. By eating 20-35 grams of fiber daily, you’ll keep things soft and avoid straining. This not only helps with hemorrhoids but also keeps your digestive system running smoothly.

To discover all-natural hemorrhoid relief methods, check out natural remedies for hemorrhoids.

Using Sitz Baths for Relief

Sitz baths are a top remedy. They use warm water, and sometimes salts or baking soda, to calm the area. Bathe two to three times a day for 15 minutes to help blood flow and relax muscles11. Ice packs reduce swelling and are good for temporary relief11.

Drinking water is vital for soft stool, which prevents hemorrhoids. Stay hydrated. Regular exercise, like walking 20-30 minutes a day, also helps11.

Find more tips and advice on managing digestive health at high-fiber diet benefits.

Postpartum Hemorrhoid Treatment: Safe Methods

After having a baby, many women deal with hemorrhoids due to pregnancy and childbirth. Up to 40% get them, showing a need for safe, gentle treatments. The Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm is one great option. It’s made with natural ingredients like witch hazel and calendula to help reduce swelling12.

Sitz baths are great for easing pain and discomfort. They work well for both hemorrhoids and the effects of giving birth. Filling a Sitz bath with things like Epsom salts, aloe, or witch hazel and soaking for 15 minutes does wonders13. A study in 2018 showed that Sitz baths with Epsom salt water three times daily helped clear up hemorrhoids in all participants14.

Having a baby can lead to constipation, which can cause hemorrhoids. Changes in the body, less activity, and hormones all play a part13. Keeping active and eating healthy helps with regular bowel movements and less straining13. Also, giving birth to larger babies can increase the risk of getting hemorrhoids12.

Healthcare providers usually suggest waiting 8 to 12 weeks after giving birth before thinking about surgery for hemorrhoids13. Often, changing your diet and lifestyle is enough to get rid of or lessen the symptoms13. Almost half of all new moms will have to deal with hemorrhoids, but they usually go away on their own12.

Conclusion

Many people find relief from hemorrhoids through various methods. These include over-the-counter treatments, natural remedies, and changes in diet. Hemorrhoids affect lots of Americans. In fact, over half may experience symptoms at some time15. Knowing how to treat hemorrhoids is key to ease symptoms and stop them from coming back.

Over-the-counter treatments such as creams and suppositories offer quick relief. It’s crucial to choose products wisely. Look for ones with ingredients that reduce inflammation and numb the area. On the other hand, eating more fiber is important for long-term control of hemorrhoids15. Most people need to eat 30-35 grams of fiber daily, rather than the usual 10-15 grams. For more information, check out this guide on hemorrhoid treatment.

Sometimes, hemorrhoids are so severe that they require medical treatment. However, surgery is needed in fewer than 10 percent of these cases16. Surgery, like a hemorrhoidectomy, has a 95 percent success rate16. But, it’s important to know that treatments like sclerotherapy can cause pain and bleeding17. Looking at all the treatment options can help control the symptoms effectively. For tips on quick pain relief, visit this resource.

To sum up, tackling hemorrhoids effectively involves a mix of products, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly medical advice. For more guidance and information, places like Revivol-XR and Hemorrhoid.com can offer comprehensive help in managing this condition.

FAQ

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

Some top over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids include creams, suppositories, and ointments. Look for items with hydrocortisone, witch hazel, and pramoxine. These help with pain, itching, and swelling. ANUSOL and Preparation H are popular choices.

What natural remedies can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms?

For natural relief, increase your fiber through fruits, vegetables, and grains. Also, take fiber supplements. Drink lots of water and consider using special wipes. Applying cold packs helps too.

Try sitz baths with Epsom salts, aloe, or witch hazel. They reduce pain and swelling effectively.

How can I manage internal hemorrhoids?

Manage internal hemorrhoids with suppositories. They deliver medicine like hydrocortisone right where it’s needed. Also, drink plenty of water and eat more fiber.

This helps make bowel movements easier and puts less strain on your hemorrhoids.

What are the common causes of hemorrhoids?

Straining during bowel movements and sitting for long periods can cause hemorrhoids. A diet low in fiber plays a role, as does pregnancy.

Obesity and ongoing constipation or diarrhea also contribute.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Symptoms include itching, pain, swelling, and bleeding during bowel movements. If a blood clot forms, known as thrombosed hemorrhoids, it can hurt a lot and needs quick treatment.

Are there specific treatments for postpartum hemorrhoids?

Yes, for postpartum hemorrhoids, gentle and safe solutions are best. Choose products with natural ingredients like witch hazel and calendula.

Sitz baths with Epsom salts or aloe bring relief and aid healing.

What ingredients should I look for in hemorrhoid relief creams?

Good hemorrhoid creams have hydrocortisone for inflammation, witch hazel for astringent effects, and zinc oxide to protect the skin. They may also have pain relievers like lidocaine.

Can a high-fiber diet prevent hemorrhoids?

Definitely, a diet rich in fiber keeps stools soft and aids regular movements. This reduces straining. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are great fiber sources.

What is a sitz bath and how does it help with hemorrhoid relief?

A sitz bath means soaking in warm water to ease hemorrhoid discomfort. Adding Epsom salts, aloe, or witch hazel adds more relief.

This bath boosts blood flow and relaxes the anal muscles, offering relief.

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. How To Treat Hemorrhoids – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-treatment-medref
  3. Hemorrhoid Care – https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/hemorrhoid-care/ID=361463-tier3
  4. Hemorrhoids – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics
  5. Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, causes, and treatments – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/73938
  6. Hemorrhoids – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  7. What’s the Best Way to Treat Hemorrhoids? Experts & Our Editors Recommend These Treatments – https://www.health.com/best-hemorrhoid-creams-treatments-7091860
  8. Your OTC Hemorrhoid Treatment Options: What Works? — Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay – https://www.tampacolorectal.com/blog/your-otc-hemorrhoid-treatment-options-what-works
  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. Home Treatment and Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/hemorrrhoid-home-care
  12. Postpartum Hemorrhoids: How to Find Relief – https://www.thebump.com/a/postpartum-hemorrhoids
  13. How to Treat Postpartum Hemorrhoids – GoodRx – https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hemorrhoids/postpartum-hemorrhoids
  14. Postpartum Hemorrhoid Treatments & How to Deal With Them – https://itsbodily.com/blogs/birth-recovery-postpartum/postpartum-hemorrhoids-treatment-bleeding
  15. Hemorrhoids: Modern Remedies for an Ancient Disease – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057743/
  16. Treatment for Hemorrhoids – https://www.everydayhealth.com/hemorrhoids/guide/treatment/
  17. How to relieve hemorrhoid pain quickly and more – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-helps-hemorrhoid-pain-asap