Hemorrhoid Spray vs. Cream vs. Ointment vs. Wipes — Which Works Best?

Choosing the right treatment for hemorrhoid relief can feel overwhelming. Sprays, creams, ointments, wipes — each promises comfort, but which one fits your symptoms and lifestyle?

As a proctologist-developed brand, Doctor Butler’s® helps thousands find fast, safe, and lasting relief. In this medically reviewed guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and best uses of each treatment type — so you can make an informed choice and get fast relief.

Doctor’s Note:
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments relieve symptoms like itching, swelling, and discomfort, but they don’t cure the underlying causes of hemorrhoids which can range from diet, weight, fitness, genetics or more. If symptoms persist beyond seven days, see a healthcare professional.

How Hemorrhoid Treatments Differ

OTC hemorrhoid treatments come in several forms, and choosing the right one depends on three key factors:

• Your symptoms (itching, swelling, pain, hygiene needs)
• Your lifestyle (mobility, work, travel)
• How quickly you need relief

Let’s break them down in detail.

Quick Comparison Table

Hemorrhoid Sprays

Best for:

• External itching and irritation
• People who prefer touch-free application

Sprays deliver fast relief without direct contact. Look for sprays with lidocaine to numb itching and witch hazel to soothe swelling.

Doctor Butler’s® Advantage:

• No butane or propellants (safer for sensitive skin)
• Targets discomfort with 5% lidocaine, phenylephrine, witch hazel and added soothing botanicals in our Advanced formula.
• Mess-free, easy to use on the go

Try It: Doctor Butler’s Advanced Relief Hemorrhoid Spray →

Hemorrhoid Creams

Best for:

• Mild swelling and itching
• Situations where easy spreading is preferred
• When fast relief outweighs the need for long lasting protection

Creams are lightweight and absorb quickly, but they don’t coat as well as ointments and last a lot shorter.

Competitor Snapshot:

• Preparation H Cream: Widely available in a variety of formulas each made a little differently: hydrocortisone cream for itch relief, witch hazel gel for cooling relief, and a multi-symptom cream for swelling, burning, itching and discomfort
• Recticare Hemorrhoid Cream: Available in two formulas. One targeting symptom relief, and another targeting relief plus skin protection.
• Both Preparation H and Recticare items contain parabens.

Doctor Butler’s Approach:
Doctor Butler’s offers just one cream. It was developed to address the specific issue of fast pain relief, as we find our ointments to be better all-around treatments when dealing with hemorrhoids or fissures. If fast relief is your #1 priority, our Pain Relief Formula Hemorrhoid Cream is made without parabens, and with our blend of plant extracts, minerals and an amino acid to deeply soothe irritated skin.

Hemorrhoid Ointments

Best for:

• Moderate to severe discomfort
• Internal or external hemorrhoids
• Nighttime protection or prolonged relief

Ointments can deliver the same concentrated active ingredients as creams, like lidocaine (numbing) and phenylephrine (reduces swelling), but over a longer period of time. This means that while the relieving effect might not be felt immediately, it’s still fast – just 10 or so minutes – but the relief will stick around for almost double the time a cream can.

Doctor Butler’s® Ointment Highlights:

• 4% lidocaine + phenylephrine for rapid relief
• Enhanced with Lysine, Horse Chestnut and Sea Kelp to soothe fatigued, irritated skin
• No dyes, no fragrances, no parabens

Try It: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment →

Hemorrhoid Wipes

Best for:

• Gentle cleaning after bowel movements
• Treating irritation and flare-ups
• Travel, work, and post-workout hygiene

Hemorrhoid Wipes, similar to Hemorrhoid Pads, can be used as a standalone treatment or a preparation step to clean the area before applying ointment, cream or spray (so long as the wipe doesn’t contain the same actives that are in the other treatment – so if you use a witch hazel wipe, use a lidocaine/phenylephrine ointment and not a witch hazel spray).

Pads are generally formulated with Witch Hazel and are meant to provide cooling, soothing relief for itching, burning and discomfort and can stay in place for 10 to 15 minutes if needed. Wipes can be folded over and used this way as well.

Doctor Butler’s® Flushable Hemorrhoid Wipes:

• Infused with witch hazel + aloe
• Fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free
• Safe for sensitive skin and everyday use

Try It: Doctor Butler’s Flushable Hemorrhoid Wipes →

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

Read through the following quotes. Which sounds most like you?

• “I want fast relief without touching the area.” → Spray
• “I need long-lasting protection and deep relief.” → Ointment
• “I need the fastest relief possible and can forgoe long lasting treatment.” → Cream
• “I want to stay clean and do all I can to prevent irritation.” → Wipes

Pro Tip: Many people combine treatments.
Example: wipes after bowel movements + spray during the day + ointment at night.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent bleeding
• Severe pain unrelieved by OTC products
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids that don’t improve
• Symptoms lasting longer than 7 days

For most mild to moderate cases, OTC products — paired with proper hygiene and lifestyle changes — are highly effective.

FAQs

Q: Are sprays as effective as ointments?
A: Sprays are great for fast relief and hands-free application, but ointments last longer and coat better for severe discomfort.

Q: Can I use sprays and wipes together?
A: It depends. If the wipe claims it’s for hemorrhoids that means it has an active ingredient – and you shouldn’t double up on treatments with the same active ingredients. If it’s just a cleansing wipe through, you can absolutely clean with the wipe and then use a spray treatment.

Q: What’s safest during pregnancy?
A: This is always a conversation to have with your doctor who can evaluate the risks and benefits of different treatments. A witch hazel wipe or pad is low risk, and the calculus starts to change when you introduce steroids like hydrocortisone.

Q: How long should I use OTC products?
A: No more than 7 consecutive days unless advised otherwise. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare provider.

Find the Right Doctor Butler’s® Product for Your Relief

• Advanced Relief Hemorrhoid Spray →
• Physician-Developed Ointment →
• Soothing Witch Hazel Wipes →