Hemorrhoids are caused by a lot more than just sitting too much. There are best hemorrhoid over-the-counter medications. Hemorrhoids, or bulging and enlarged veins in the rectum and anus, are most commonly caused by sitting. More energetic activities than sitting are usually the cause. Hemorrhoids are caused by extreme pelvic pressure. It causes the veins inside your anus and rectal area to bulge and bleed. Rest assured, most cases of hemorrhoids are generally not severe. However, its symptoms like rectal itching, irritation, and burning can interfere with your daily activities. Thanks to over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications today, you can conveniently treat your hemorrhoids in the comfort of your own home.
Sorting through a vast selection of medications can be confusing, and not to mention that some medicines might not be safe or effective for you. Always ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend the proper treatment before trying over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatment.
There are a variety of over-the-counter medications for your hemorrhoids available at the pharmacy. Most hemorrhoidal medications are preparations that contain a variety of active ingredients to provide short-term relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. These treatments come in various forms. It includes creams, gels, foams, suppositories, and pads. They are administered directly to the anal or rectal area. Protectants, constricting medications, hydrocortisone, numbing pharmaceuticals, witch hazel, and combination products are hemorrhoidal preparations.
Protectants
It covers the delicate tissues to prevent drying and irritations. Also, these medications form a protective barrier on the irritated tissues, promoting healing. Hemorrhoid protectant medications often include zinc oxide, mineral oil, starch, and glycerin.
Vasoconstrictors
Vasoconstrictors or constricting medications can tighten blood vessels and help shrink tissues. This can help minimize the pressure induced by your hemorrhoids, which brings you relief from pain. Phenylephrine is a common vasoconstrictor used in certain hemorrhoidal medications such as medicine hemorrhoidal suppositories.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a steroid that relieves the irritation caused by hemorrhoids for a short time. While this steroid will provide some immediate relief, it will only work for a short time. While hydrocortisone will temporarily relieve the inflammation and pain caused by hemorrhoids, they are a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. Over-the-counter medications that contain a low dose of hydrocortisone include anti-itch cream and ointments.
Local Anesthetic
Medical professionals recommend you use numbing medications for hemorrhoids when you have hemorrhoids. This kind of medication hurts the nerve that transmits pain signals. It can provide relief from pain and other discomforts. Although most consumers use over-the-counter medications, you need a doctor’s prescription if you have more severe hemorrhoid symptoms.
Witch Hazel
Relief rubs for external hemorrhoids include witch hazel wipes that are available over-the-counter.
Natural witch hazel is an astringent, which means it causes tissue to contract. According to studies published in the Journal of Inflammation, it also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Apart from alleviating symptoms, witch hazel can reduce bruising. You have to apply a tiny drop of the rub onto hemorrhoid using a clean cotton ball. You should use a less direct way if it makes your symptoms worse. Also, don’t dilute the witch hazel with alcohol because this can dry up and aggravate the affected area.
Combination medications
Some over-the-counter medications include a mix of drugs that operate together in different ways to relieve hemorrhoids’ discomfort, irritation, itching, burning, and swelling and make stool passage easier. Combination products include vasoconstrictor phenylephrine and witch hazel, vasoconstrictor phenylephrine, anesthetic pramoxine and protect, etc.
Fiber Supplements
Fiber has been long-time recognized as a stool softener. It makes your bowel movements more pleasant, more manageable, and less irritating to the rectal area. You can get fiber from beans, fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread, and cereals. A high-fiber diet is a long-term, healthy, natural strategy to prevent and decrease hemorrhoid symptoms. However, many individuals struggle to get enough fiber in their diets. If this is a problem for you, several over-the-counter fiber supplements are available, including Calcium polycarbophil, Methylcellulose, Psyllium, and Wheat dextrin.
Key Takeaway
There is no shortage of over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids on the market. We’ve listed a few of the most popular ones below. However, we want to point out that these are general recommendations and that everyone is different. While one treatment might work for other people, it might not work for you. That is why you need to consult your pharmacist or your doctor before trying any of the hemorrhoid medications listed above. Rest assured, all of the over-the-counter medications above can help improve your symptoms and heal hemorrhoids.
