How To Apply Hemorrhoid Cream
Hemorrhoids are common. So common, in fact, that they affect about half of all American adults over 50. Thats a lot of people looking for relief. This frustrating condition is embarrassing, but it is treatable, and relief is possible.
As a board-certified proctologic surgeon , Dr. Robert Cutler knows which treatments quickly alleviate the discomfort of hemorrhoids. In this resource page, well share his advice on how to get that relief from over-the-counter products so that you can go back to living your life without pain, protrusion, itching, and swelling.
When Should I See My Doctor
Hemorrhoids are typically easy to treat and clear up on their own. In very rare cases, a hemorrhoid can cause complications.
Chronic blood loss from a hemorrhoid can cause anemia, a shortage of red blood cells. Internal hemorrhoids can also have their blood supply cut off, resulting in strangulated hemorrhoids that can cause extreme pain.
See a doctor if home treatments havent been effective after more than 2 weeks. Your primary care physician can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids. They can write prescriptions for medicated creams, ointments, and suppositories.
If these treatments dont work, a doctor may recommend treatments like rubber band ligation or surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.
Make an appointment to see a doctor right away if you notice rectal bleeding for the first time or if your rectal bleeding increases.
Are Hemorrhoid Creams Effective
OTC hemorrhoid creams and ointments can be effective for temporarily relieving symptoms, but creams do not make hemorrhoids go away permanently. The effectiveness of hemorrhoid cream can vary with the product used and the individual. Most home remedies and OTC hemorrhoid creams have not been studied for safety or effectiveness for prolonged use, but if used too often or for more than a week, hemorrhoid creams could cause side effects.
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Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids dont go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
Doctors office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:
Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoids blood supply.
The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.
Sclerotherapy In this quick, often painless procedure, the doctor injects a chemical into the hemorrhoidal blood vessel, causing scar tissue to form in order to shrink the hemorrhoid. The principle behind this is the same as rubber band ligation, though its not always as effective. This procedure can be used in patients taking blood thinners, for whom rubber band ligation may not be recommended.
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Anesthetizing Creams From Hemorrhoids
Another type of cream is an anesthetic cream for bleeding with hemorrhoids, which should relieve pain. Analgesic ingredients block receptors that can send pain signals to the brain, so you get rid of the pain after using the cream. Anesthetic cream should be used with other creams, as this only relieves pain, but does not directly treat hemorrhoids. It may contain lidocaine or other pain medications.
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Most Effective Anti Itch Cream
Itching is one of the biggest nuisances of suffering from hemorrhoids. Which creams are great for reducing itching? Heres a couple that will work really well to reduce itching:
Recticare Anorectal Cream is mostly intended as an anesthetic, but the anti-itching properties in it are terrific for reducing the effects of itching.
Another cream that has good anti-itching properties is Preparation H. Users report that Preparation H goes a long way in reducing the degree to which they itch while they suffer from hemorrhoids.
But lets look at a cream we can highly recommend for its ability to relieve itching.
One cream that provides particularly strong relief for itching is Equate Maximum Strength Pain Relief Hemorrhoidal Cream.
Equate works so well in part due to the inclusion of aloe. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe are very potent when it comes to relieving itching.
The fact that Equate is so smooth and easy to apply is one of its most liked benefits. If you are already itching a lot you dont want to worsen your suffering by applying a rough cream. Equate is very easy to apply.
What are the pros and cons of Equate? Its simple really:
Which Works Best To Treat Hemorrhoids: Recticare Or Preparation H Or Lidocaine Cream
Preparation H®, Recticare, and lidocaine creams do not cure the underlying condition of hemorrhoids but they can help manage symptoms and provide relief. Preparation H® shrinks current swollen hemorrhoids, which soothes itching and stops discomfort for a few hours. Recticare and lidocaine cream numb the affected area, which helps with the itching and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Preparation H, Recticare and lidocaine are all considered popular over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids. Preparation H® can provide relief as quickly as just a few hours. Generally, Recticare and other lidocaine creams take around 30-60 minutes to start working and may last for 1-3 hours depending on how long the cream stays on the skin. These products are recommended for relieving the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids but only for short term treatment of 7 days or less.
The best hemorrhoid cream with lidocaine that we carry is Curist Lidocaine Hemorrhoid Relief with 5% Lidocaine.
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When To See A Doctor For Hemorrhoids
How long do hemorrhoids last? The answer to this is variable. Treatment for small hemorrhoids may work within a few days, while larger hemorrhoids may last much longer. Most hemorrhoids can be managed at home but if the or bleeding is severe you are soiling yourself with stool the hemorrhoids keep returning or you are experiencing pain, bleeding and itching from the hemorrhoids after a week, consider seeing your doctor for assessment and treatment.
Although not common, if you experience , , or large amounts of bleeding from your rectum, this is an emergency and you should seek medical help immediately.
Best For External Hemorrhoids: Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment
Walmart
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Contains zinc for maximum skin healing and protection
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Can be used longer than ointments with hydrocortisone
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Prescription needed for a formulation with hydrocortisone
Getting your hands on a tube of Anusol Plus is worth every penny. Sergey V. Kantsevoy, MD, director of The Center for Therapeutic Endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, says Anusol is the best treatment for external hemorrhoids and the one he recommends to his patients.
Zinc oxide is a powerful mineral often used to treat diaper rash on babies. Zinc goes a long way when it comes to healing and protecting sensitive, damaged skin. Anusol Plus also includes pramoxine, an analgesic, to numb the pain. If you want the version that contains hydrocortisone , your doctor can usually prescribe it.
Price at time of publication: $19
Active Ingredients: Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1%, Zinc Sulfate 0.5% | Dose: Apply to affected area up to 5 times per day | Uses: Preventing and treating hemorrhoids
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Preparation H Vs Recticare Vs Lidocaine 5% Cream: Dosage
Preparation H®, Recticare, and lidocaine 5% creams should be administered similarly. For hemorrhoids, Preparation H® and Recticare are for rectal use only. For these products, it is important to wash hands before and after use. Before applying either product, clean the affected area and make sure to dry the area well. Avoid application to open wounds, burns, or broken skin. Preparation H® should be applied to clean, dry areas up to 4 times daily. Recticare and other lidocaine 5% creams can be applied to affected areas up to 6 times daily. It is recommended specifically for lidocaine to only be used in small amounts and should be applied as a thin film on the affected area.
Sowhats Causing My Itchy Bottom
What patients often suffer from is the result of, ironically, being too clean.
What happens is a vicious circle. Filled with good intentions, you try to keep your bottom scrupulously clean by vigorous wiping using flushable wipes, Dr. Zutshi says. But the unexpected result is that this leads to soreness and itching and the feeling that you have abnormal down there, which in your dictionary is hemorrhoids.
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Best For Instant Relief: Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak
Another Epsom salt-enriched pick, this organic bath soak has the finest grain Epsom and Dead Sea salts that dissolve quickly to offer immediate relief, shrinking hemorrhoids, softening damaged skin, and neutralizing odor. The bath soak also uses magnesium oil to lubricate the perineum to repair damaged tissue to prevent infection. On average, Amazon shoppers give this product a respectable 4.6 stars.
“I would recommend this for postpartum care or hemorrhoid care,” one reviewer says. “It was much better , and all that is needed It helped heal my episiotomy complications within a week.”
Warm Bath With Epsom Salt
Warm baths can help soothe irritation from hemorrhoids. Try using a sitz bath a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat so you can just immerse the affected area or take a bath in a tub, if you can.
Try a warm bath or a sitz bath for 20 minutes after each bowel movement. Adding Epsom salt to the bath can provide further relief by reducing pain.
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Consume A Lot Of Fiber
Hemorrhoids are more likely to happen to you if you do not relieve yourself often. You can increase your regularity by consuming more fiber or by taking supplements.
It may increase the gas in your system, but it is still worth it. You should try to take in 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.
Foods that are rich in fiber include:
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How To Choose The Best Haemorrhoid Treatment For You
What type of haemorrhoid treatment should I buy?
Haemorrhoid creams should be your first port of call for treating piles. “Over-the-counter creams such as Anusol contain a combination of ingredients to relieve pain and itching, and to stop bacteria from growing around the affected area,” pharmacist Hussain Abdeh told Expert Reviews. “They provide fast, effective relief of symptoms such as burning, itching and mild pain.”
Haemorrhoid cream can help even if you’re suffering from internal piles. “Creams are typically more effective when treating external piles, but they can also relieve irritation caused by discharge from internal piles,” says Hussain. Creams also have the advantage of being lightweight, cooling, and fast to absorb.
Haemorrhoid ointments contain similar active ingredients as creams, but they’re thicker and more greasy. So you may need to put a gauze on top to stop the ointment transferring onto underwear and bed sheets, but the thick, gloopy texture is especially soothing for itchy, dry, sore skin. Most ointments come with applicators to help you apply them internally, too.
What ingredients should I look for in haemorrhoid creams?
All haemorrhoid treatments contain a combination of pain/itch-reliever and antiseptic. Here are some of the specific ingredients you’ll see.
Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic which soothes pain and itching.
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How And When To Use Hydrocortisone For Piles And Itchy Bottom
You’ll usually use most treatments for piles or itchy bottom several times a day first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after you’ve done a poo. Check the leaflet which comes with the product you are using.
Do not use hydrocortisone treatments for more than 7 days. Make an appointment to see your doctor if your symptoms:
- have not got better
- come back quickly after treatment
What Are Hemorrhoids And What Are The Symptoms
Internal hemorrhoids are often painless and difficult to detect, while external hemorrhoids may cause itching and discomfort. All types of piles usually go away within a few days without complications however, if they linger for more than two weeks, then it is considered chronic.
Chronic cases require medical attention as this could lead to anemia or thrombosis. There are many ways to stop hemorrhoid itch, such as eating foods that have high water content.
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Cream For External Hemorrhoids
Lots of the creams weve already reviewed will work just great for both internal and external hemorrhoids, but some people prefer a cream that is really intended for external piles.
Which creams are great for external application, and what is the best cream for bleeding hemorrhoids?
For this reason creams for external piles work very well if they contain some kind of anesthetic to provide pain relief.
One of the creams that provide a very effective numbing effect is Nupercainal Hemorrhoid Ointment.
Nupercainal does not contain lidocaine but contains a different ingredient that is excellent at introducing a numbing effect. This ingredient is called dibucaine.
Dibucaine provides an excellent level of topical relief when applied to external areas. It wont actually shrink your hemorrhoids, but if pain relief is what you are after the dibucaine-containing Nupercainal is your friend.
Nupercainal Hemorrhoid Ointment contains other helpful ingredients too, including mineral oils which as previously described can have a soothing effect. Theres petroleum in the ointment too which is useful if you are going to apply the cream internally.
All-in-all Nupercainal is a solid product that is great if you want fast-acting relief from hemorrhoid pain relief cream.
We think Nupercainal Hemorrhoid Ointment is a great option if you want fast relief for external hemorrhoids, but lets look at the pros and cons more closely:
Detailed Features And Comparison Of Experts Recommended Best Cream To Shrink Hemorrhoids Reviews
We understand how much of a hassle it can be to go through thousands of reviews when you have too many options. So, leave all your worries behind, check out this ultimate guide, and make a hassle-free purchase decision.
The internet is full of different companies offering a variety of products. It can be hard to know which ones are the best and which ones to avoid. Thats where the research team comes in. They use their experience to offer the most accurate and unbiased reviews of Cream To Shrink Hemorrhoids on the internet.
They conduct a thorough evaluation of each product, taking into account quality, features, price, and more. Based on their findings, they note which product excel and which fail. This helps you make an informed decision about which product to trust and which to avoid.
To offer the most accurate, unbiased reviews on the internet, we had used given below parameters,
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Anusol Haemorrhoids Treatment Ointment
Anusol is one of the trusted brands when it comes to high quality products. This hemorrhoid ointment helps to deal with the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and piles such as itching, pain, soreness, swelling and dryness.
Apart from that, it reduces the inflammation of the rectum, itching around the back passage, tears in the passage, and discomfort following the rectal surgery.
The active ingredients in this ointment are zinc oxide, Bismuth subgallate, Balsam Peru and Bismuth oxide which do not cause any side effects.
This particular ointment can be used for both internal and external hemorrhoids. However, they are not recommended for children under 18 years of age. And if you are experiencing blood stools then avoid using this product.
Pros:
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How Can Drhouse Help You
If you are looking for a second opinion or want to speak to a doctor about your hemorrhoids, or are looking for a prescription for hemorrhoid medication then DrHouse can connect you with a licensed physician within minutes.
We offer on-demand virtual visits with board-certified doctors via our telehealth app, so you can get the care and advice you need from the comfort of your own home. Simply download the DrHouse app, sign up, and start a visit!
At DrHouse, we believe that everyone should have access to quality healthcare, so we offer affordable membership plans with no hidden fees. And because we know that life is unpredictable, we also offer pay-as-you-go visits for when you need us the most.
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How To Choose Cream For Itchy Anus: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the cream for itchy anus? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right cream for itchy anus? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product: