How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. Of course, everyone has veins in this area, but when they become enlarged they can bleed, itch and cause pain. Hemorrhoids can be located internally, externally or both. While rarely a serious condition, hemorrhoids certainly cause a lot of discomfort and concern. Here is a guide to the treatment of hemorrhoids at home.

Preparation H cream with Biodyne

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body. The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug. Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don’t have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

You’ll have option to make 4 interest-free payments by credit card once your order is confirmed using

Description

Preparation H is an OTC topical hemorrhoid treatment cream to relieve hemorrhoid pain and irritation. It has been the standard product for treating hemorrhoids for generations based on its proven effectiveness and ease of application. The active ingredient in this medicated hemorrhoid cream – pramoxine – works quickly to shrink the swollen hemorrhoid tissue, and most users experience significant relief within 6 hours of application.

What is Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that can cause discomfort and pain. They happen when the blood vessels around the anus and rectum become stretched or swollen. Hemorrhoids can occur due to stress during bowel movements, sitting for long periods, or increased pressure in the rectal area. When these blood vessels become swollen, they can be quite bothersome, leading to itching, burning, and pain. Imagine having a small balloon filled with blood near your bottom, causing discomfort and making it difficult to sit or go about your day comfortably.

Directions

Make sure to clean the area that needs treatment before applying the cream. To use, detach the protective cover from the dispensing cap and connect it to the tube. Lubricate the dispensing cap before inserting it partway into the anus. To apply the cream to the lower part of the canal, gently squeeze the tube. Apply a moderate amount of Preparation H cream to affected areas up to 4x a day as needed, and at night and in the morning after bowel movements are best. Ensure to clean the cap thoroughly after every use, and remember to replace the protective cover.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Preparation H is Pramoxine.

Cautions

Children under 12 should use Preparation H only with doctor’s approval and under guidance of a parent or guardian. Do not exceed dosage regulations of maximum 4 applications per day. If Preparation H hemorrhoid relief is insufficient you can speak with your doctor or pharmacist again.

Interactions

There are no established Rx drug or OTC product interaction risks between Preparation H and other products. It may be best to discuss any other product you are using to treat this region of the body with your doctor before you go to buy Preparation H online.

Side Effects

Side effects from using Preparation H are not common, but if skin irritation occurs at the application sight you may want to stop use and speak to your doctor again to discuss hemorrhoid relief treatment alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions about Preparation H

Does Preparation H Work? Preparation H is an over-the-counter medication commonly used for relieving symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. It contains active ingredients that may help reduce itching, inflammation, and discomfort. Does Preparation H Shrink Hemorrhoids? Preparation H may provide temporary relief by temporarily shrinking hemorrhoids due to its vasoconstrictor properties. However, it’s important to note that the effects are typically temporary and may not lead to a permanent reduction in the size of hemorrhoids. How to Apply Preparation H? To apply Preparation H, wash your hands thoroughly and gently clean the affected area with mild soap and water. Afterward, you can use a clean finger, or the applicator provided with the product to apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area. How Long Does Preparation H Take to Work? The time it takes for Preparation H to work can vary. Some people may experience relief of symptoms, such as itching and discomfort, shortly after applying the medication. However, for more significant improvements, it may take a few days of consistent use. Can You Use Preparation H While Pregnant? It is generally considered safe to use Preparation H during pregnancy. Be sure to tell your doctor, though. You will need to talk about any potential benefits and risks of using Preparation H cream while pregnant. How Long Does Preparation H Stay in Your System? Preparation H is not absorbed into the bloodstream and is mainly intended for local application. Therefore, it doesn’t stay in your system for an extended period. After application, the medication can provide relief for a few hours, but it gradually wears off. It is not typically detected in blood or urine tests. Can You Use Preparation H on Dogs? Preparation H is specifically formulated for use in humans and should not be used on dogs or other animals. If your pet is experiencing hemorrhoids or any rectal discomfort, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. Does Preparation H Expire? Yes, Preparation H does have an expiration date printed on the packaging. It is important to check the expiration date before using the product. Expired medications may not be as effective and could potentially have altered properties that may not be safe or provide the desired relief. If the product is expired, it is best to dispose of it properly and obtain a fresh supply.

How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. Of course, everyone has veins in this area, but when they become enlarged they can bleed, itch and cause pain. Hemorrhoids can be located internally, externally or both. While rarely a serious condition, hemorrhoids certainly cause a lot of discomfort and concern. Here is a guide to the treatment of hemorrhoids at home.

When Should You See the Doctor for Hemorrhoids?

Before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. And please, no “selfies”!

If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control), you should definitely see your doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.

How Can You Treat Hemorrhoids at Home?

Here are some things you can do at home to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids, including some home remedies:

Drink water – make sure you are well hydrated. When you do not have enough water intake, your bowel movements can become hard and difficult to pass. This increases pelvic pressure and makes the hemorrhoids get enlarged.
Eat more fiber – an adequate fiber intake is important to ensure that you do not get constipated and that the bowel movements remain soft and easy to pass.
Take a sitz bath – this means sitting in warm water for about 20 minutes at a time. No additives are needed. While some people buy special sitz bath seats from the pharmacy, all you need is a bathtub and some warm water. You can do this about 2 or 3 times a day. Remember to gently pat dry the anal area to avoid irritation.
Use soothing wipes – cleaning your anal area after bowel movements is important, as left over fecal material is irritating to the skin. While moist toilet paper or a wash cloth will work, many people prefer the pre-packaged wipes (Preparation H medicated wipes or Cottonelle flushable wet wipes are examples). These wipes often have witch hazel and aloe in them, which are soothing. Avoid baby wipes, as they are not usually flushable and can clog the toilet. Tucks (witch hazel pads) can be soothing, but are small and may be hard to apply.
Avoid rubbing too much – this can irritate the skin and hemorrhoids. The rougher toilet papers are the biggest problem, but any toilet paper can feel like sandpaper if you rub too hard or too much.
Heed the urge – get to the bathroom as soon as possible when you have an urge to pass a bowel movement. “Regularity” is overrated.
Don’t sit too long on the toilet – this engorges the hemorrhoidal veins and can make the situation worse. Take care of business and move on.
Avoid sitting for long periods – while everyone knows that pregnancy increases the risk of having hemorrhoids, sitting for a long time (like long distance truck drivers) can increase hemorrhoids, too. Get up and walk around frequently if your job requires a lot of sitting.
Apply ice packs – some doctors recommend this, but I don’t. I think the treatment itself may be more uncomfortable than the disease.
Use ointments, creams and suppositories – these can help in several ways. Most of them contain emollients – medications to soften and soothe the skin. Some contain hydrocortisone. This topical steroid reduces inflammation. Other products contain anesthetics such as 5% lidocaine. Be careful not to confuse hemorrhoidal suppositories with laxative suppositories. For example, while glycerin is good to soften your hands, a glycerin suppository is a laxative and will not help hemorrhoids. Don’t use these products for more than 10 days unless under the instructions of a doctor. They can make the situation worse with prolonged use.

What If a Hemorrhoid Won’t Go Away?

Most people will get relief from at-home treatments. However, sometimes these remedies do not work, or don’t work well enough. In that case, there are treatments that the doctor can provide. These can range from pills to prescription creams to minimally invasive procedures, and even to hemorrhoid removal surgery.

In the meantime, if you have more questions or feel your condition is urgent, contact your Temple physician or healthcare provider.

To schedule an appointment, please call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.

Benjamin Krevsky, MD, MPH

Dr. Krevsky is a gastroenterologist with clinical interests in colonoscopy, GERD, constipation and capsule endoscopy. A Professor of Medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Dr. Krevsky is an active clinician and educator, having published over 200 papers, audiotapes and books. He is also a member of several organizations, including American College of Gastroenterology, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and American Gastroenterological Association.

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