Below Are Three Popular Hydrocortisone Creams To Treat Hemorrhoids:
- Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream Hydrocortisone 1%
- Proctozone-HC Cream
- Anusol-HC Cream
Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream Hydrocortisone 1% provides maximum strength itch relief for anal itch without a prescription medication.
The active ingredient in Preparation H with Hydrocortisone is the 1% hydrocortisone.
The inactive ingredients of Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream Hydrocortisone 1% are:
- Anhydrous citric acid
- Sodium hydroxide
- Purified water
Anusol-HC is listed as one of the best creams to treat hemorrhoids. Out of a five-star review, the product received 3.6 stars.
When over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams are not working, Anusol-HC prescription cream is a great option to treat bothersome itch of hemorrhoids.
When Should I See My Doctor
Haemorrhoids often go away without any treatment. However, if you notice blood when you have a bowel motion, it is important to get checked out by a doctor, to make sure your symptoms are not a sign of something more serious. The symptoms of haemorrhoids can be very similar to those of bowel cancer.
Tell your doctor if you have noticed:
- blood or mucus in your stools
- changes in your bowel habits or movements
- changes in the colour of your stools
- recent weight loss
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.
Recommended Reading: How Effective Is Rutin For Hemorrhoids
When To Seek Medical Help
How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:
- Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
- Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
- Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
- Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.
Read Also: Can Enlarged Prostate Cause Hemorrhoids
Avoid Making Hemorrhoids Worse
- Blot the anus gently with white toilet paper moistened with water or a cleansing agent after bowel movements. Baby wipes or other pre-moistened towels are also useful for this purpose.
- Avoid rubbing the anal area. You can rinse off in the shower or on a bidet instead of wiping yourself with toilet paper. After cleansing, gently pat the anal area dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth.
- Use soaps that contain no perfumes or dyes.
What To Think About
Sometimes, increased pressure on external hemorrhoids causes them to get irritated and to clot. This causes a lump to form. You may suffer from severe pain at the site of a clotted hemorrhoid.
A procedure to relieve the pain can be done in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. The doctor applies local anesthesia and then makes a small incision where the lump has occurred to remove the clot and reduce pressure and pain. The procedure works best if it is done soon after the clot has formed.
If the pain is tolerable, you may choose to wait to see a doctor. The pain usually goes away in a few days. After 4 or 5 days, the pain from cutting and draining the hemorrhoid is usually worse than the pain from the clot.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Inner Hemorrhoids
Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them. However, theyre easy to treat and manage.
Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help care and over-the-counter remedies, says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An External Or Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
Thrombosed external hemorrhoids are a painful condition. These occurs when a blood clot develops in a hemorrhoidal blood vessel causing swelling and inflammation.
- When a blood clot occurs in a hemorrhoid, the hemorrhoid will become even more swollen. This swelling leads to increased pain.
- The pain is usually worse with bowel movements and may increase with sitting.
A thrombosed external hemorrhoid may resolve on its own however, this condition often needs medical care. Bleeding with a bowel movement is never normal and should prompt a visit to a health-care professional. While hemorrhoids are the most common cause of bleeding with a bowel movement, there may be other reasons for bleeding including inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and tumors.
Hemorrhoids are not arteries or veins, but instead are normal blood vessels called sinusoids that are located in the walls that surround the rectum and anus. When the venous pressure within these blood vessels increases, the hemorrhoids swell and dilate, because it is more difficult for blood to empty from them. This leads to the most common symptoms of bleeding and swelling.
Common situations that increase pressure within the hemorrhoidal blood vessels and lead to abnormalities include the following.
- Straining to have a bowel movement. This may be due to constipation or diarrhea.
- Prolonged sitting, including on the toilet
- Lack of exercise
Recommended Reading: What Kind Of Dr Do I See For Hemorrhoids
How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids
Doctors treat hemorrhoids with procedures during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital.
Office treatments include the following:
- Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid. Only a doctor should perform this procedureyou should never try this treatment yourself.
- Sclerotherapy. A doctor injects a solution into an internal hemorrhoid, which causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Infrared photocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that directs infrared light at an internal hemorrhoid. Heat created by the infrared light causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Electrocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that sends an electric current into an internal hemorrhoid. The electric current causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
Outpatient center or hospital treatments include the following:
Sometimes complications of hemorrhoids also require treatment.
Are There Natural Treatments For Hemorrhoids
First, some very good news: Neither type of hemorrhoid is dangerous, and severe complications that require medical care are rare. Symptoms often can be relieved by trying a few natural and self-care treatments.
- Draw a sitz bath. To relieve itching and irritation, fill a tub with three to four inches of warm water and sit in it with your knees bent for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel, but dont rub the area.
- Take fiber supplements. These draw water into your stool and make it easier to pass, helping to reduce hemorrhoid bleeding and inflammation. A psyllium husk fiber supplement, like Metamucil or a generic version, is a good choice. If psyllium causes gas or bloating, try a supplement with wheat dextrin or methylcellulose .
- Ease discomfort. Apply over-the-counter products that shrink the inflamed tissue and relieve itching. Try pads infused with witch hazel , or soothing creams that contain lidocaine, hydrocortisone, or phenylephrine .
You can also take steps to prevent flare-ups.
Read Also: What To Do With Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
How Are Haemorrhoids Treated
Haemorrhoids often go away after a few days without any special treatment. In most cases your doctor will recommend measures to relieve constipation if you have it.
If your haemorrhoids are causing you pain or discomfort, ask your doctor or chemist about medicated creams or ointments that may ease your symptoms.
What Causes Internal And External Hemorrhoids And Simple Ways To Treat Them
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure due to pregnancy, being overweight, or straining during bowel movements. By midlife, hemorrhoids often become an ongoing complaint. By age 50, about half the population has experienced one or more of the classic symptoms, which include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse . Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they can be a recurrent and painful intrusion. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do about hemorrhoids.
Also Check: Is Vicks Vaporub Good For Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids Treatment: Rubber Band Ligation
The principle of rubber band ligation is to encircle the base of the hemorrhoidal clump with a tight rubber band. The tissue cut off by the rubber band dies, and is replaced by an ulcer that heals with scarring.
A similar procedure was described in 460 BC by the Greek physician Hippocrates:
And hemorrhoids you may treat by transfixing them with a needle and tying them with very thick and woolen thread, for application, and do not foment until they drop off, and always leave one behind and when the patient recovers, let him be put on a course of Hellebore.
Rubber band ligation can be used with first-, second-, and third-degree hemorrhoids, and may be more effective than sclerotherapy. Symptoms frequently recur several years later, but usually can be treated with further ligation.
The most common complication of ligation is pain. However, bleeding one or two weeks after ligation or bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding the hemorrhoids may occur.
Legs Up The Wall Stand
This yoga exercise can help improve blood circulation to the anus and reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Improved blood circulation helps to reduce blood clot formation in the hemorrhoids making them less painful.
Exercise steps to follow
- Lie near a wall and start on your side with your knees bent, heels facing the wall and your buttocks close to the edge of the wall.
- Swing your legs up and around so that your heels are resting on the wall with your legs perpendicular to the floor with your back flat on the floor.
- Move your buttocks closer to the base of the wall and slowly straighten your legs to rest up the wall.
- Keep your arms relaxed by your sides.
- Focus on your breathing and stay in this pose for as long as you wish.
You May Like: What Home Remedy Can I Use For Hemorrhoids
Best Hydrocortisone Cream For Hemorrhoids
While there are some effective hydrocortisone suppositories on the market to treat hemorrhoids, hydrocortisone creams are much more readily available.
Many popular brands offer an anti-itch hemorrhoidal cream to treat the bothersome symptom of itching.
These hemorrhoid creams can provide anti-itch relief without a prescription needed.
Home Remedies And Lifestyle
Generations have used home remedies to shrink hemorrhoids and prevent them from returning. Some treat the hemorrhoid directly, while others are aimed at alleviating the bowel irregularities that are often at the heart of the problem.
The following remedies can provide significant relief of acute hemorrhoid symptoms:
- Ice packs can relieve local inflammation and pain, but should never be placed directly on skin or left on for longer than 10 minutes.
- A sitz bath, in which a person sits in a tub of warm water for 10 to 20 minutes, can help reduce itching and irritation. Epsom salts or baking soda is often added to help alleviate inflammation.
- Witch hazel may decrease bleeding and prevent infection by acting as an astringent. You can dab it on gently with a cotton ball or even add a couple of tablespoons to a sitz bath.
- Aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and coconut oil are natural remedies that can help soothe and shrink minor external hemorrhoids. Avoid creams or lotions that contain these products and opt instead for the pure refined oil.
Good anal hygiene is also essential to avoid further injury and infection.
This can include a perianal irrigation bottle to squeeze warm water onto the anus after a bowel movement and disposable baby wipes to gently dab the area clean.
Don’t Miss: Can Adults Use Desitin For Hemorrhoids
Best Ointment: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
Packed with organic herbs, minerals, and amino acids, this popular ointment reduces pain, itching, and burning protects and soothes irritations reduces swelling and stops bleeding from hemorrhoids and small anal tears. With over 2,000 five-star reviews, you know itll provide some relief.
This really is a miracle ointment, . Ive been suffering from hemorrhoids for years and I knew when I became pregnant I was in for some trouble. Im now 5 weeks postpartum and a few days ago I developed a thrombosed hemorrhoid. It was excruciating I am on day two with five applications already and I have much improvement.
From Home Remedies To Advanced Surgical Techniques
Hemorrhoids can be the source of unrelenting aggravation for some and the cause of debilitating pain in others. The aim of treatment is threefold: to alleviate the immediate symptoms to prevent further exacerbation of the injury, and to resolve the underlying cause. This is often accomplished with high-fiber diets, stool softeners, and over-the-counter topical medications. In severe cases, however, surgical and non-surgical procedures may be used to remove the hemorrhoid.
Also Check: What Are Some Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
How Are External Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Because many of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids can also be caused by other conditions, it is necessary to have an in-depth exam. Your doctor may use a series of tests to confirm the presence of external hemorrhoids near the anus. These tests may include:
- proctoscopy
- anoscopy
Your doctor may begin with a physical exam. In cases of external hemorrhoids, they may be able to see the hemorrhoids.
If your doctor suspects that you have internal hemorrhoids instead of external hemorrhoids, they may use an anoscopy to examine the inside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids can also be seen with colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or proctoscopy.
What Are The Treatment Options For Hemorrhoids
Noncomplicated hemorrhoids may show relief with simple home remedies and over-the-counter drugs. However, some may require surgical intervention.
Nonsurgical options
- Compression with ice packs may relieve swelling and pain.
- A sitz bath with warm water relieves itching and burning sensation.
- The use of numbing ointments and steroids on the skin may relieve symptoms. However, steroids are not to be overused because they may cause thinning of the skin.
- The use of hydrocortisone suppositories and hazel pads on the skin may reduce the symptoms.
- Use of OTC painkillers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen may reduce pain, discomfort, and swelling.
- Substitute wet towels in the place of dry toilet paper because the dry paper may increase irritation.
Surgery
You may undergo hemorrhoidectomyâa surgical procedure in which a part or complete hemorrhoid is removed. This surgery is usually done under general anesthesia. It generally doesnât require any longer hospital stay.
You May Like: Are There Prescriptions For Hemorrhoids
What Is The Treatment For External Hemorrhoids H3 >
The most common cause of external hemorrhoids is frequent pressure while moving the bowel. Ways to diagnose external hemorrhoids include proctoscopy, digital rectal examination, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and anoscopy.
Also read: What is Parkinsons disease and what are its stages?
Treatment of external hemorrhoids can be done in several ways depending on its severity. Your doctor may ask you if you prefer certain medications or treatments. Some of the general treatments your doctor may suggest include using an ice pack to reduce swelling, suppositories, or hemorrhoid creams. These options can help people with milder hemorrhoids. If the disease is more severe, your doctor may suggest treatment with a surgical procedure.