Hemorrhoid Ointments, Suppositories, & Creams
Ointments and Other Hemorrhoid Products
Typical hemorrhoids home treatments that will relieve the symptoms you're experiencing right now include:
Sitz baths and good hygiene
Hemorrhoidal ointments, creams, suppositories, and compresses
Hemorrhoids medications
Other nonsurgical minimally invasive treatments result in hemorrhoid removal.
Apply Topical Relief: Hemorrhoidal Ointments,
Creams, Suppositories, And Compresses
Applied during the early stages of a flare-up, hemorrhoidal ointments, creams, suppositories, and compresses can provide relief from the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. It's important to keep the anal area clean and dry. Then, apply the ointment, cream, or compress. Application following your sitz bath is ideal.Over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointments, creams, suppositories, and compresses often contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone or witch hazel. They can temporarily relieve hemorrhoid pain and itching. Creams containing steroids, such as hydrocortisone, can also weaken the skin around the anus and worsen your symptoms. So try to minimize applications of these hydrocortisone creams or avoid them altogether.
- Aloe vera
- Cranesbill root (wild geranium)
- Butcher's broom
- Horse chestnut
- Honey
You can apply horse chestnut as a compress, drink it as a tea, or take the capsules with water. Do not take horse chestnut if you're pregnant, are on blood thinners, or suffer from a bleeding disorder.
Petroleum jelly is another ointment you can apply directly to hemorrhoids to shrink inflamed tissues and numb the itching and pain.
You can also apply compresses 15-20 minutes twice a day.
An alternative is a cold pack. Wrap the cold pack in a towel and then apply it directly to the area. This will help relieve swelling.
Suppositories containing Vitamin E are particularly helpful for healing.
Topical rectal anesthetics, such as Fleet Relief or Nupercainal, are hemorrhoid ointments that generally contain Benzocaine, Dibucaine, or DermaFlex. They can provide temporary relief by numbing the area. Seniors experience higher levels of sensitivity to these products.
Don't use an over-the-counter ointment, cream, suppository, or compress for more than a week unless directed by your doctor.
Sitz baths and good hygiene
Hemorrhoidal ointments, creams, suppositories, and compresses
Hemorrhoids medications
Hemorrhoid removal
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