Hemorrhoids are swollen or distended veins in the anus or rectum. Classified into internal and external types, hemorrhoids usually occur due to increased pressure in these sensitive regions. Some hemorrhoids (usually of the internal variety) don’t show any symptoms. They tend to develop and then subside on their own. Others are more painful, causing plenty of itching, irritation, discomfort, and even bleeding.
Multiple factors can lead to hemorrhoids. These include constipation, obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, prolonged sitting on a toilet, lifting heavy weights, irregular bowel movements, lack of water and fiber intake, unhealthy diet involving excessive processed food, etc.
Hemorrhoids Treatment & Medication
Modern medicine provides plenty of options for patients dealing with hemorrhoids. This piece will list down the best and most effective over-the-counter (OTC) meds (tablets, capsules, creams, ointments, specialized wipes, etc.) for the condition.
Each of the entries in this article was carefully assessed for effectiveness, dosage, key ingredients, form, price, and usage. Read on to learn more about the best OTC hemorrhoid treatments and medications available in the market today.
Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment is made from the best ingredients that include essential oils, minerals, ginseng extract, amino acids, aloe vera extract, horse chestnut, and bio-enhanced herbs. This lidocaine ointment doesn’t leave any stains and works as a numbing cream to give you instant relief from hemorrhoid bleeding, pain, swelling, itching, and burning. The high-quality ingredients also provide it with anti-inflammatory and skin protectant properties.
PreparationH Hemorrhoidal Ointment
PreparationH Hemorrhoidal Ointment is one of the most well-known OTC meds for hemorrhoids treatments. The unique mixture of lidocaine and steroids makes it a highly effective skin cream. PreparationH Hemorrhoidal Ointment is the preferred choice and recommendation of gastroenterologists across North America.
Lidocaine works to numb the pain in your anal and rectal areas, while the steroids shrink the hemorrhoidal lumps down. As a result, the user gets immediate relief from burning, itching, and general discomfort. What’s more? You don’t need to apply too much of this cream. Just add one layer with your finger on your external hemorrhoids and you’re good to go!
PreparationH Hemorrhoidal Suppositories
If you need something for internal hemorrhoids, go for the PreparationH product in suppository form. These hemorrhoidal suppositories are specifically prepared to help insert the ointment into the anus.
Inserted with the finger, this is a hardened version of the PreparationH Hemorrhoidal Ointment. However, it softens and melts inside your bottom. In this way, the cream can directly reach your internal hemorrhoids.
Dr. Cole’s Herbal Balm Hemorrhoid Treatment
Dr. Cole’s Herbal Balm Hemorrhoid Treatment comprises essential oils and high-quality ingredients such as beeswax, witch hazel, yarrow, olive oil, and vitamin E. This organic balm is known for its ability to shrink and numb the hemorrhoids gently.
Remember to stir the contents around a bit (using a spoon or fork) when you open the container. This is because the beeswax usually settles onto the top. Once done, apply a dime-sized amount of the balm to your hemorrhoidal area 3 to 4 times every day. It will provide you with lots of soothing comforts, and the hemorrhoids will start to shrink away.
Tucks Multi-Care Relief Kit
The Tucks Multi-Care Relief Kit is often recommended to patients dealing with irritated or itchy hemorrhoids. Even though this product doesn’t shrink those bloated knobs in and around your anus/rectum, it can help with various other uncomfortable hemorrhoidal symptoms.
Comprising of a maximum-strength lidocaine cream, the Tucks Multi-Care Relief Kit can provide effective pain relief by numbing the hemorrhoidal area and soothing any burning or itchiness that may occur.
WiseWays Herbals Witch Hazel Salve
Soothing and anti-inflammatory, WiseWays Herbals Witch Hazel Salve is very good at treating painful hemorrhoids. Key ingredients include witch hazel, arnica, yarrow, chamomile, and calendula. If you want instant relief from hemorrhoidal discomfort, burning, or itching, there are few better options out there.
WiseWays Herbals Witch Hazel Salve is especially suitable for pregnant women. It’s the go-to treatment for expectant females when OTC medicines don’t provide any relief or comfort from hemorrhoidal problems.
Motherlove Rhoid Balm
Motherlove Rhoid Balm includes a blend of yarrow and witch hazel. Specifically for pregnant ladies, it helps reduce swelling, pain, and itchiness in the hemorrhoidal tissues induced by pregnancy and subsequent childbirth.
Aside from witch hazel and yarrow, other ingredients include olive oil, calendula flower, beeswax, and plantain leaf. Their combination hydrates the skin while giving it a soothing and relaxing feel.
If you’re experiencing hemorrhoidal pain or discomfort at any point in your pregnancy or after childbirth, the Motherlove Rhoid Balm is a must-try. You’ll notice a difference as soon as you apply it. The itchiness, irritation, and burning will start to subside straightaway. Moreover, the hemorrhoids are likely to begin shrinking within a few days.
TruRemedy Remedy Hemorrhoid Balm
This cooling balm effectively reduces the swelling, burning, and itchiness induced by hemorrhoids. It’s made up of a basic oil-fortified formula. Other ingredients include lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, yarrow, arnica, and witch hazel.
The TruRemedy Remedy Hemorrhoid Balm also helps eliminate bacteria and reduces the likelihood of future flareups by soothing and balancing your sensitive anal/rectal area. Store it in a refrigerator when not in use to get the maximum benefit from this cream’s cooling/soothing properties.
ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment
Canadian-manufactured ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment comes with zinc oxide. This gives the cream strong healing power. It’s very good at providing fast and long-lasting pain relief (with anesthetic) to hemorrhoid patients. Adequate protection from burning, itching, and swelling for sensitive and damaged skin is also guaranteed.
Parting Thought
The items mentioned in this list are among the best at dealing with hemorrhoid pain, itching, burning, flareups, and even bleeding. They have all been included after considering different factors, such as the level of effectiveness and the nature of pain relief provided.
Do you know of any other prominent hemorrhoid meds you feel should have been included in this post? Let us know in the comments below!
