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By Hemorrhoid.com | July 30, 2024
Did you know 10% of adults are affected by hemorrhoids1? These common issues can lower your comfort and happiness. Symptoms like itching, swelling, and discomfort appear, but they usually go away on their own.
For those dealing with these symptoms, over-the-counter options offer real relief. Products with lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel are helpful. Specifically, hydrocortisone cream can ease swelling and itching1. Meanwhile, witch hazel shrinks blood vessels and calms irritation2.
To keep hemorrhoids at bay, changing your lifestyle is key. Aim for 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories you eat3. Also, drinking 12-16 cups of water a day is advised3.
These steps, along with the right OTC treatment, can make a big difference. Yet, if issues persist or get worse, more advanced treatments might be needed. Still, it’s rare to need surgery for hemorrhoids3.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your bottom that can hurt and bleed. They’re pretty common, affecting many, especially over age 504. Knowing what they are and what causes them is key.
There are two types: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids hide inside and might not bother you4. But they can bleed without pain during a bowel movement. External ones live under the skin around your bottom. They can hurt, itch, swell, and bleed4. Worse, thrombosed hemorrhoids can cause very bad pain and bleeding4.
Genetics can make you more likely to get hemorrhoids. Getting older plays a role too, as tissues weaken around the anus4. Pregnancy increases the chance of hemorrhoids because of extra weight and constipation5.
Sitting too much or doing heavy lifting can also cause them. So can being overweight and straining too much in the bathroom. Eating lots of fiber and drinking water helps. And over-the-counter creams offer some relief4.
Many options are available for those suffering from the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Creams, ointments, suppositories, and witch hazel products can help. They provide relief and improve symptoms effectively.
Hemorrhoid cream from the drugstore is a go-to for reducing both pain and swelling. Among the top treatments are Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream with Lidocaine and Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment. These contain lidocaine and natural ingredients like aloe vera6. Another good choice is Boiron HemCalm Ointment, which uses horse chestnut for its benefits6. Active ingredients like phenylephrine HCL and zinc oxide are common in these products.
For internal hemorrhoids, suppositories are effective. Products like Tucks are used to protect and heal the area. They are best for minor discomfort and can be used several times a day7. With ingredients like cocoa butter, they provide targeted relief from the inside67.
Witch hazel is known for its ability to lessen swelling and irritation. Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm offers immediate relief with natural components6. Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel combines witch hazel with aloe for a soothing effect6. Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray, great for pregnant women, includes peppermint and witch hazel6.
| Product | Type | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream | Cream | Lidocaine, Phenylephrine HCl |
| Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment | Ointment | Lidocaine, Aloe Vera |
| Boiron HemCalm Ointment | Ointment | Horse Chestnut |
| Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm | Balm | Witch Hazel, Yarrow Herb |
| Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray | Spray | Peppermint, Witch Hazel |
When you’re looking for relief, knowing what to pick is key. It’s all about the ingredients and how you use them. These can really help ease your symptoms.
Searching for hemorrhoid medicine over the counter? Focus on ingredients like witch hazel and lidocaine. They’re known to calm pain and itching with few side effects8. Zinc oxide and hydrocortisone help too. But don’t use hydrocortisone for over a week without a doctor’s okay8. Phenylephrine and pramoxine also help in reducing swelling and easing discomfort.
Different OTC hemorrhoid treatment types are available, depending on what you prefer. Ointments and creams are great for outside hemorrhoids. Products like ANUSOL Plus and Preparation H can offer relief quickly8. If the problem is inside, suppositories help with the pain and swelling8. Sitz baths are great for soothing pain and speeding up healing. Adding warm baths and more fiber to your routine can cut bleeding by half and make you feel much better9.
Adding home remedies to over-the-counter treatments can offer a more complete approach to handling hemorrhoids. These simple, effective methods can make your treatment more comprehensive.
Eating more fiber can cut bleeding by 50%10. Include foods and supplements like psyllium husk (Metamucil) and wheat dextrin (Benefiber) in your diet. They soften your stool and ease pressure on hemorrhoids. You should aim for 20–35 grams of fiber daily10.
Drinking eight to ten glasses of water or other non-caffeinated drinks each day is also key. It helps prevent constipation10. For additional details, check out over the counter hemorrhoid remedies.
Warm sitz baths can lessen the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids. Sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day boosts blood flow and relaxes muscles. Applying warm compresses can likewise ease pain and encourage healing.
A 2020 research found that using witch hazel with warm compresses greatly lowers pain, itching, and swelling11.
Cold compresses can give quick relief. Simply apply a wrapped ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. This method eases pain and can lessen swelling, especially for external hemorrhoids that are more sensitive.
For faster options, consider hemorrhoid treatment over the counter options. Always talk to a healthcare professional before trying new treatments10.
Trying self-care with items like Preparation H often helps. But, see a doctor if discomfort, pain, or itching doesn’t stop after a week12. Bleeding during bowel movements needs a doctor’s look too. It might point to something more serious12. For more, check out 5 signs it’s time to get help.
By 50, half of Americans deal with hemorrhoid symptoms. Yet, only a small fraction actually seeks help13. Chronic pain or trouble during bathroom visits suggests simple remedies might not be enough13. If sitz baths or ice packs don’t cut it, it’s time to see a specialist.
Certain tough cases might need procedures like rubber band ligation or even surgery. These can work well but have risks like bleeding14. Surgery involves removing hemorrhoids and takes weeks to heal14. For more advice, visit Temple Health or Houston Methodist.
Top OTC remedies for hemorrhoids are creams and ointments that have lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel. Popular options like Preparation H and ANUSOL Plus are known for effectively easing symptoms.
Look for zinc oxide, witch hazel, hydrocortisone, pramoxine, lidocaine, and phenylephrine in OTC products. These ingredients help with swelling, pain relief, and stopping itch.
Hemorrhoids often stem from increased pressure in the anal area. Causes include straining during bowel movements, extended sitting, being overweight, pregnancy, or lifting heavy items.
Witch hazel’s astringent properties can shrink swelling and ease irritation. It’s a common treatment that can be applied for soothing relief.
Eat more fiber and stay hydrated. Use sitz baths, warm compresses, and cold packs on swollen areas. These help relieve symptoms and improve healing.
See a doctor if you have a lot of bleeding, severe pain, or no improvement after a week of home treatment. They can provide a diagnosis and suggest medical treatments if needed.
Increase your fiber intake and drink plenty of water. This prevents constipation and makes it less likely for hemorrhoids to form. Soft stools mean less straining.
Yes. There are creams, ointments, and suppositories for treating hemorrhoids. Creams and ointments are for external use. Suppositories help inside.
Sitz baths mean soaking the anal area in warm water for 15-20 minutes. This eases pain, improves blood flow, and relaxes muscles. It’s a comforting way to relieve discomfort.
Yes, you can get creams, ointments, and suppositories for hemorrhoids without a prescription. Always use as directed. Talk to a healthcare provider with any concerns.
