Hemorrhoids can be a real pain, so take back your power over piles with a simple and effective method of treatment: hemorrhoid cream! Hemorrhoid creams combine ingredients that target the itching, swelling, and discomfort that come with flare-ups. Keep reading to learn more about these ingredients, how to apply cream for piles, hemorrhoid cream uses, and why cream products make for such an effective treatment.
Who are we? We’re Doctor Butler’s, experts in down-there care of hemorrhoids and related conditions. We make proctologist-developed hemorrhoid ointments and complementary products to help you quickly leave the pain behind. Dr. Robert Cutler medically reviews all of the information here.
“Best Help Ever! This product is better than the prescription my doctor gave. I’m sticking with what works.”
Verified ReviewerWhat are Hemorrhoid Creams?
Hemorrhoid creams are applied externally or internally (depending on the active ingredients) to help temporarily relieve different symptoms. These creams may include a high percentage of one main ingredient (hydrocortisone, for example) to target itching or bundle a number of active ingredients that can address multiple symptoms at once.
Cream, unlike ointment (yes they are different!), has a higher concentration of water vs. oil, which means once applied it will be absorbed by the skin rather than sit on top of it. This makes hemorrhoid creams specifically a great option for convenient on-the-go use. If the cream doesn’t seem to work, try an ointment for piles instead.
How Does Hemorrhoid Cream Work?
Hemorrhoid symptoms can come and go. What may have been a slight itch in the morning could prove to be significant soreness at night, interrupting your day-to-day lifestyle. External hemorrhoid cream offers a multi-pronged approach to combating the usual sensations as far as discomfort is concerned. Here is a list of popular active ingredients found in hemorrhoid cream products:
- Phenylephrine – A vasoconstrictor that temporarily narrows blood vessels and decreases swelling.
- Lidocaine – A local anesthetic that numbs the area to which it is applied, relieving itching and pain.
- Zinc Oxide – A mineral that forms a protective barrier, preventing irritation while passing stool and calming skin inflammation.
- Lanolin – A natural protectant sourced from refined sheep’s wool that coats the skin to prevent further drying and relieve burning and irritation. It is an animal ingredient but the sheep is not harmed or killed for its wool.
- Glycerin – Another protectant and a humectant that improves the skin barrier function.
How to Use Hemorrhoid Creams
Each hemorrhoid cream will state specific instructions to be consulted and followed. Wash hands, then clean and pat the affected area dry before applying cream, ensuring that new bacteria is not introduced. If an applicator tube is required, attach this now, and apply the cream in a pea-sized amount to the affected area. Repeated two to three times a day, the hemorrhoid cream should begin to improve hemorrhoid symptoms within one to two weeks.
If your symptoms do not clear up at this time, you should speak to a doctor. The use of hemorrhoid cream for an extended period of time may also lead to further skin irritation. Do not apply hemorrhoid cream outside of its intended use and you should avoid direct contact with your eyes and mouth (what’s it doing up there anyway?).
How Effective Are Hemorrhoid Creams?
Hemorrhoid creams have two ultimate goals of use. The first is to begin soothing the symptoms interrupting your daily functioning, such as itching, pain, and burning. The second is to assist in healing the skin of the hemorrhoid inflammation itself, with noticeable improvement after seven days. How long hemorrhoid creams take to work depends on the size and severity of your hemorrhoids. In some cases, OTC cream for piles may be more or less successful or you may ultimately require a more significant intervention, such as surgical treatment.
Hemorrhoid Relief With Doctor Butler’s
Hemorrhoid creams are a great option for soothing symptoms, with fast-acting ingredients that help you more comfortably handle a flare-up. Doctor Butler’s is proud to offer a full line of hemorrhoid products to keep you covered before and after piles cream, in addition to our award-winning hemorrhoid cream with lidocaine. Don’t let the itching, burning, and pain of hemorrhoids hold back your lifestyle any longer. Stand up to piles with this fact, effective, and affordable treatment!
“Best Help Ever! This product is better than the prescription my doctor gave. I’m sticking with what works.”
Verified Reviewer
About Robert Cutler, D.O.
Dr. Robert Cutler has performed duties as a specialist in the field of Proctology over 30 years as a practicing physician. Over this time, he has had great success integrating patient care from both an efficiency standpoint and as a practical approach to holistic and preventative medicine.
Dr. Cutler also performs FDA approved Clinical Trials and has had formal research training in Human Subject Assurance Training, OHRP/NIH and Good Clinical Practice for Investigators, Quintiles. Dr. Cutler continues to work on creating more affordable solutions to help people who are affected by ano-rectal problems as well as various chronic or acute skin issues.
