What Is The Difference Between Otc And Prescribed Hydrocortisone Cream
With so many options in the drug store, its not easy to pick the best hemorrhoid cream. In case you have mild symptoms and no medical prescription, youll have to get an over the counter solution. The OTC hydrocortisone ointments contain from 0.25% to 1% active ingredient. As for their price, the products available without prescription cost from $50 to $80. On the other hand, the prescribed treatment can contain up to 2.5% hydrocortisone acetate, and the price ranges from $30 to $300. You can buy Proctozone HC 2.5% cream for $37 or Procort 1.15% for $290.
The side effects differ, as well. A smaller concentration will cause milder negative results. Moreover, the stronger product can be more effective than the hydrocortisone ointments with 0.25-1% active compound. After alleviating the unpleasant hemorrhoid symptoms with the OTC or prescribed drug, make sure your habits do not cause the reoccurrence of piles.
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How To Treat Hemorrhoids Symptoms Safely & Quickly
People searching for a hemorrhoids treatment are left with very few options for relief. Most remedies for hemorrhoids contain harsh chemicals and additives and many home remedies simply dont work.*
H-Hemorrhoids Formula is a safe, cost effective alternative. Our breakthrough, all natural topical application ensures that the established homeopathic ingredients in the formulas work quickly and effectively, providing instant relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids and bleeding hemorrhoids.*
What Role Do Toilet Habits Play
Straining during a bowel movement can be painful and make hemorrhoid problems worse. But you can avoid straining by
- preventing constipation, because hard stools automatically make you push harder
- paying attention to your bodys signals, such as the urge to go to the toilet waiting too long before you go can lead to constipation
- being relaxed and taking your time when you go to the toilet.
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Don’t Make Things Worse
Bump up the fiber. It softens your stools and makes them move through your body more easily. You’ll find it in beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. You may also want to try a supplement if you can’t get enough from foods. Add fiber slowly to help avoid gas and bloating.
Drink lots of fluids. Stay well hydrated to keep stools soft so they’re easier to pass. Water is the best choice. Drink plenty throughout the day. Prune juice is a natural laxative and can help you go.
Exercise regularly. Even brisk walking 20-30 minutes every day can help keep you from getting stopped up.
Breathe! Keep the air moving in and out when you’re working hard. It’s common to hold your breath as you’re pushing, pulling, or making an effort — and that can lead to hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.
Use a pillow. Sit on a cushion instead of a hard surface. It will ease swelling for any hemorrhoids you have. It may also help prevent new ones from forming.
Take breaks. If you must sit for a long time, get up every hour and move around for at least 5 minutes.
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Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Rectal hydrocortisone is used along with other medications to treat proctitis and ulcerative colitis . It is also used to relieve itching and swelling from hemorrhoids and other rectal problems. Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
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How To Use Hemorrhoid Cream
Below is a detailed explanation of how to apply or use the cream on hemorrhoids.
For Internal Application:
- Before internal application of hemorrhoid cream, we recommend trying to have a bowel movement.
- Now, attach the application to the hemorrhoidal cream tube.
- Gently squeeze the hemorrhoidal cream tube so that it fills the applicator.
- Using petroleum jelly or other lubricant, lubricate the tip of the applicator.
- Now, gently insert the hemorrhoid applicator into the rectum.
- Squeeze the tube so that the cream moves into the rectum.
- Gently remove the applicator from the rectum.
- Wash the applicator with warm water and soap. And also wash your hands too.
Note: Make sure you dont have a bowel movement for a couple of hours.
For External Application:
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When Is The Hydrocortisone Cream Recommended
Hydrocortisone an anti-inflammatory medication is frequently used to reduce the minor pain, swelling, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. If some ointments contain a small concentration of the topical steroid and are available over the counter, others are more powerful and can be acquired only with a medical prescription. The medicine works by reducing the action of the chemicals that cause redness and inflammation.
Do you know what the hydrocortisone cream uses are? Apart from alleviating hemorrhoids, the ointment is used topically to reduce the inflammation of the skin caused by skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, or allergies. Your pharmacologist will recommend it for insect bites, dermatitis, and even nappy rash. You should always ask the advice of your doctor before using hydrocortisone ointments because it eliminates the redness thus, it can hide symptoms that would otherwise help in establishing the correct diagnose.
Your doctor will put into balance the pros and cons of using hydrocortisone cream. In case the benefits are more significant than the adverse effects, you might be able to apply it on your skin. According to , several side effects of the chemical include irritation, itching, redness, burning, changes in skin color, unwanted hair growth, skin rash, etc. When the discomfort caused by piles gets worse, its time to pay a visit to your physician.
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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.
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
When To Ask A Doctor About Your Hemorrhoids
Rectal bleeding is often associated with external hemorrhoids. However, it should go away within maximum 3 days, with or without treatment with hydrocortisone ointment. When the bleeding becomes heavy, or the blood changes its color, you must call your doctor immediately. After a thorough investigation, they will determine whether your symptoms were caused by hemorrhoids or more serious health problems.
Without proper treatment, the rectal pain can last for more than 7 days. When other symptoms accompany the aching a lump at the canal opening, dark red blood from down-there, narrow stools that look like a pencil these complications require more than hydrocortisone cream. Furthermore, if the over the counter treatment has offered less significant improvements, you might have to take prescription drugs or even be a candidate for surgery.
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How To Use Hydrocortisone Antipruritic Cream
Use this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 2-4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
After applying the medication, wash your hands. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water.
Use this medication only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 2 weeks.
Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
The composition of this ointment includes active ingredients like Phenylphrine, aloe vera, vitamin E, horse chestnut extract, ginseng extract, calendula, algae extract and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients are well known for treating and preventing hemorrhoids and fissures.
The product can resolve symptoms as effective as prescribed by the doctor. Though it has amazing ingredients and provides maximum effective, this ointment is sold at a very affordable price. This cream is helpful in soothing both internal and external hemorrhoid and fissure tissues.
This product is manufactured in USA in an FDA approved facility. The product batch is dispersed from the manufacturer only after it undergoes strict and rigorous quality control testing.
Pros:
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How Do You Use Hemorrhoid Cream
Regardless of the cream you choose, make sure to carefully read its directions to prevent harmful side effects and get the most relief from the product. And remember to speak with your doctor before choosing a cream option to select one thats right for you.
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How Long Do Hemorrhoid Symptoms Last
If your hemorrhoids are small, your symptoms may clear up in a few days without treatment. You may also need to make simple diet and lifestyle changes.
Pregnancy hormones may also make it more likely for your veins to swell. If you develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, your symptoms may last until you give birth.
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Few Words Before Leaving
Suffering with the pain, irritation and other discomfort caused by hemorrhoids can be very frustrating. Using a hemorrhoid cream is helpful for dealing with these issues.
Off all the products available, 1. Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment is our top pick from the list because of its effectiveness, fast results and reasonable price. It contains 5% lidocaine, a powerful anaesthetic which numbs the affected area to relieve the pain and irritation. The perfect consistency of the cream ensures it does not cause excessive stickiness or oiliness or stain the clothes.
We hope the article is informative and helpful for you. If you still have any queries, write to us in the comment section below. Our experts will reply to them as soon as possible.
Dibucaine Ointment 1% Usp Anesthetic Hemorrhoids Ointment
Dibucaine is a brand of medical creams that makes all kinds of ointments and solutions. You can also find a cream for hemorrhoids and piles from Dibucaine that is quite effective.
The Dibucaine Ointment for hemorrhoids is present in the 1st position in this article as it is highly effective. It is a 1% ointment or cream that is made for hemorrhoidal and topical analgesics. You can use this cream for the relief of local discomfort that includes things like burning, itching, dermatitis, and others.
As per its name, it is a 2 pack cream for piles where each cream tube contains 28 grams of cream or ointment. In other words, you get a total of 56 grams of 1% ointment cream with this Dibucaine option. This cream has a high user rating as it is highly effective against any issues that are associated with inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues.
Pros:
- Highly effective 1% ointment cream
- Works against any issues related to inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues
- Relief for burning, itching, dermatitis, and other issues
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
Final Verdict:
You can go with the Dibucaine Oint 1% cream for hemorrhoids if you are looking for a highly effective option out there. It works against issues related to inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues, including burning, itching, dermatitis, and others. This offers 2 cream packs that provide a total of 56 grams of ointment.
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Best Hydrocortisone Suppository For Hemorrhoids
Suppositories are an effective way to treat internal hemorrhoids by delivering medication directly to the site of your problem.
Suppositories come in many different brands and combine different ingredients to meet your needs.
Hydrocortisone suppositories contain the corticosteroid used medicinally to treat minor pain, itching, swelling and discomfort.
Below are three brands of hydrocortisone suppositories:
Anucort-HC uses hydrocortisone rectally to treat itching and swelling from hemorrhoidal inflammation. Each suppository contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone acetate in a specially blended, hydrogenated vegetable oil base.
Local adverse reactions that were reported for Anucort-HC are:
Positive reviews and comments say that Anucort-HC:
- Worked within the hour with 90% relief
- Gave Immediate improvement
- Symptoms disappeared
- Removed the pain, bleeding, and itching
They work by relieving rectal pain, itching, and bleeding by reducing swelling.
WebMD reviews of the product give it a 3.4 out of five-star review for effectiveness. It also has a 3.6 out of five-star review for ease of use and 2.8 out of five-star review for satisfaction, but only nine reviewers weighed in.
Positive reviews of Anusol-HC said it:
- Took away pain in a short time
- Reduced swelling to a great extent
- Takes the sting out within an hour
Negative reviews of Anusol-HC said the product:
Dissatisfactory reviews of Generic Hydrocortisone Acetate reported that the product:
Is Hydrocortisone Good For Hemorrhoids
Hydrocortisone is a strong anti-inflammatory that can greatly relieve symptoms. It not only reduces swelling, it can also relieve the symptoms of itching.
Since this can be one of the most bothersome symptoms of hemorrhoids, it is often used to treat hemorrhoids.
Because of its potency, however, prolonged use is not recommended. Extended use of the steroid can weaken the skin and cause other symptoms.
Thats why higher concentration is offered only through prescription medication.
Under the guidance of your medical provider, prescription strength hydrocortisone can greatly relieve your symptoms to treat hemorrhoids.
However, as a substitute, you and your doctor may consider a hydrocortisone topical cream that you can apply for long time without the risk of side effects.
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Best Ice Treatment: Hilph Perineal Ice Packs For Postpartum
Courtesy of Amazon
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Doubles as a heat pack
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Can be hard to keep in place
Don’t let the marketing for these ice packs fool you. While they work wonders for postpartum women, the elongated shape and size make them perfect for instantly cooling and soothing irritated hemorrhoids. It’s no secret that ice is a powerful pain reliever for your rear end, but it’s not exactly a breeze to fit an ice pack into the tight, highly-sensitive area known as your perineum.
These ice packs, which include soft, skin-friendly covers, are made to stay flexible even when frozen, so they don’t cause further irritation. Plus, the fact that you get two ice packs means you can constantly rotate and switch them out, if needed, rather than waiting for the same one to freeze all the time. Another bonus? They can double as heat packs.
Active Ingredients: Gel beads | Dose: Place on the sensitive area for up to 10 minutes at a time | Uses: Provides cooling relief for hemorrhoids
A Pharmacists Tips For Self Treating Hemorrhoids
What are hemorrhoids?
Are there any OTC products that provide relief from hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoid flare-ups are very normal, especially with increased stress. Luckily, there are many OTC products available at your local pharmacy. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist to help direct you to the appropriate product, provide education, and answer any questions regarding the following products.
- Soothing agents: Soothing agents relieve discomfort by directly numbing the nerve signals located in the irritated area. OTC products include lidocaine or pramoxine .
- Steroid rectal cream/suppositories: Steroid products prevent chemicals that cause inflammation throughout the entire body. This is a good option if symptoms continue with soothing agents. Soothing agents and steroid creams should only be used on external hemorrhoids. OTC products include hydrocortisone cream or suppositories .
- Softening stools: A balanced, healthy diet focusing on plenty of liquids and fiber can prevent constipation. Examples of fiber include whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, or nuts. Talk to your pharmacist about OTC fiber supplements or OTC products that can soften stools. Be careful not to overuse these products because diarrhea can worsen hemorrhoids.
How can I treat hemorrhoids without medication?
The following lifestyle DOs and DONTs are helpful tips that can provide relief of hemorrhoid symptoms and may be used in combination with medication therapy.
Summary
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How Should I Use This Medicine
This medicine is for rectal use only. Do not take by mouth. Do not apply to your eye. Follow directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film to the affected area. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. If you are to cover the area, follow the instructions carefully. Covering the area can increase the amount that passes through the skin and increases the risk of side effects. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. If applying this medicine to the diaper area of a child, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.