Last Updated: April 3, 2026 | Medically Reviewed by the HemRid Medical Team

When hemorrhoids flare up, you want relief — now. Not next week, not "gradually over time." The good news: there are proven methods that work at different speeds, and the fastest approach combines immediate symptom relief with treatments that address the underlying cause.

Here are 9 evidence-based methods ranked from fastest to most thorough.

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1. Topical Lidocaine Cream (Relief in Minutes)

Speed: Immediate (2-5 minutes)

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs the nerve endings in hemorrhoid tissue. A maximum-strength 5% lidocaine cream provides the fastest possible hemorrhoid pain relief available without a prescription.

How to use it: Apply a small amount directly to the external hemorrhoid area. Relief typically begins within 2-5 minutes and lasts 1-4 hours. Reapply as needed up to 4-6 times daily.

What it does: Numbs pain, stops itching, reduces burning sensation
What it doesn't do: Doesn't shrink the hemorrhoid or treat the cause — it's purely for symptom management

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2. Ice Pack Application (Relief in 10-15 Minutes)

Speed: 10-15 minutes

Cold therapy constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and numbing pain naturally. It's one of the simplest and most effective immediate remedies.

How to use it: Wrap ice or a cold pack in a thin cloth (never apply ice directly to skin). Apply to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat every 2-3 hours as needed.

Pro tip: Alternate ice with warm sitz baths for a "contrast therapy" approach that many patients find more effective than either method alone.

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3. Warm Sitz Bath (Relief in 15-20 Minutes)

Speed: 15-20 minutes per session

A sitz bath — sitting in warm (not hot) water for 15-20 minutes — is one of the most consistently recommended treatments by gastroenterologists. Warm water increases blood flow to the area, helps relax the internal sphincter muscle, and reduces swelling.

How to use it: Fill a sitz bath basin or your bathtub with a few inches of warm water (around 100-104°F / 38-40°C). Sit for 15-20 minutes. Pat dry gently — don't rub. Repeat 2-3 times daily, especially after bowel movements.

Evidence: While large-scale clinical trials are limited, sitz baths are universally recommended in clinical guidelines from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and other medical organizations.

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4. Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Cream (Relief in 30-60 Minutes)

Speed: 30-60 minutes

Hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) reduces inflammation and itching. Preparations containing phenylephrine (like some Preparation H formulas) constrict blood vessels to temporarily reduce hemorrhoid swelling.

Important: Do not use hydrocortisone cream for more than 7 consecutive days. Prolonged use can thin the skin and worsen symptoms.

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5. Oral Hemorrhoid Supplements (Improvement in 2-5 Days)

Speed: 2-5 days for noticeable improvement

This is where you transition from "managing symptoms" to "actually resolving the problem." Oral supplements work from the inside to support the circulatory and vascular changes that cause hemorrhoids.

HemRid Max contains 7 clinically studied ingredients — Horse Chestnut Extract (20%), Witch Hazel, Hesperidin, Bilberry Extract, Butcher's Broom, Grape Seed Extract (Enovita), and Vitamin C — that work together to:

• Support healthy blood flow — reducing the blood pooling that causes hemorrhoid swelling
• Strengthen vein walls — addressing the root cause of hemorrhoid development
• Reduce inflammation — easing pain, itching, and discomfort from within

Evidence: A Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials found that Horse Chestnut Extract significantly improved venous insufficiency symptoms. A separate Cochrane meta-analysis of 24 trials found that oral flavonoids (including Hesperidin) significantly improved hemorrhoid bleeding, itching, and overall symptoms.

The fastest approach: Combine an oral supplement (for internal treatment starting day 1) with a topical lidocaine cream (for immediate symptom relief while the supplement takes effect).

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6. Increase Fiber Intake (Improvement in 1-2 Weeks)

Speed: 3-7 days for softer stools, 1-2 weeks for hemorrhoid improvement

Fiber is the single most evidence-backed long-term hemorrhoid treatment. A meta-analysis in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that fiber supplementation reduced the risk of persisting hemorrhoid symptoms by approximately 50%.

How much: Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily from food and/or supplements.

Best sources:

• Psyllium husk supplements (most studied for hemorrhoids)
• Beans and lentils
• Whole grains (oats, whole wheat)
• Fruits (pears, apples, berries)
• Vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts)

Important: Increase fiber gradually over 1-2 weeks to avoid gas and bloating. Drink plenty of water — fiber without adequate hydration can worsen constipation.

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7. Proper Bathroom Habits (Ongoing Prevention)

Speed: Prevents worsening immediately, contributes to healing over days

• Don't strain. If it's not coming easily, get up and try later
• Don't sit on the toilet longer than necessary. Put your phone away — prolonged sitting increases pressure on hemorrhoid veins
• Go when you feel the urge. Delaying bowel movements leads to harder stools and more straining
• Use a squatting position. A toilet stool (like Squatty Potty) positions the rectum for easier elimination and less straining
• Clean gently. Use water or medicated wipes instead of dry toilet paper, which can irritate hemorrhoid tissue

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8. Stay Active and Hydrated (Ongoing Support)

Speed: Supports faster healing and prevents recurrence

• Walk regularly. Even 20-30 minutes of walking daily improves circulation and bowel function
• Drink 8+ glasses of water daily. Proper hydration keeps stools soft
• Avoid prolonged sitting. If you have a desk job, take a standing or walking break every hour
• Avoid heavy lifting during active flare-ups (increases abdominal pressure)

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9. Medical Procedures (For Severe Cases)

Speed: 1-4 weeks for full resolution

If home treatments haven't worked after 2-4 weeks, or if you have severe symptoms (significant bleeding, prolapse, intense pain), see a doctor. The most common office procedure is rubber band ligation, which has an approximately 80% success rate for grade I-III internal hemorrhoids.

Read our complete hemorrhoid treatment guide for details on all medical procedure options.

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The Fastest Hemorrhoid Relief Protocol

For the fastest possible results, combine multiple approaches:

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When to Skip Home Treatment and See a Doctor

• Heavy or persistent rectal bleeding
• Severe pain that doesn't respond to OTC treatment
• Hemorrhoid that won't retract (prolapsed)
• No improvement after 2 weeks of consistent home treatment
• First-time rectal bleeding if you're over 40 (should be evaluated)
• Fever or signs of infection

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.