The short answer to the question “Does hemorrhoid cream work?” is yes, but you need a complete hemorrhoid treatment plan to heal them and help them to keep from coming back.
How hemorrhoid treatment creams work:
These products (think Preparation H and Tucks) work by using a topical analgesic along with and ingredient to help reduce swelling. These two ingredients can give you immediate relief for painful external hemorrhoids. Besides these two brands there are also all natural hemorrhoid creams available online.
What else to do to treat your hemorrhoids at home:
If you are going to treat your condition with hemorrhoidal cream, then you should not stop there. Doing this is a lot like putting a bandaid on a festering wound and not cleaning it out first. The ointment will make you feel better and will cover up the problem, but will not give you a long term solution.
Hemorrhoids are basically swollen irritated blood vessels that protrude through the rectal wall. Internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding (any rectal bleeding should be checked out by a doctor), while external hemorrhoids can be extremely painful. Think about them like varicose veins.
Internal Hemorrhiod Picture
So to get relief that is not temporary you need to stop the behavior that is causing the weakening of the anal walls and the protruding of the vessels. Most of the time this is caused by constipation and straining during bowel movements.
The easiest way to correct this is to follow a high fiber diet, and to go to the bathroom right away when the urge strikes. This will create a more comfortable bathroom experience and greatly reduce straining allowing your body to heal.
What else you can do at home:
Cream for hemorrhoids is one of the best ways to get instant hemorrhoid relief, but it is not the only thing you can do. Here are some steps you can take at home in addtion to the hemorrhoid creams.
- Use ice. Ice the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce both swelling and pain
- Wipe gently. Never rub or scrub a hemorrhoid it only makes things worse.
- Take Tylenol, but avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs as they can make any bleeding worse.
- Take warm baths. This keeps the area clean and is soothing as well.
Generally speaking with an adjustment of bathroom habits, the addition of fiber in the diet, and the use of hemorrhoid cream your hemorrhoids will resolve themselves. If they do not get better or if you have rectal bleeding that is unidiagnosed be sure to see a doctor.
Other Hemorrhoid Information
Filed under Hemorroid Relief by on Oct 18th, 2009. Comment. 