Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
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If you have hemorrhoids, you'll likely try anything to get relief! Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and lower intestine that can cause itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding. These veins may be internal or external.[1] While they can be annoying and a little embarrassing, keep in mind that most adults will experience them in their lifetime, so you're not alone! One option available to you is hemorrhoid cream, which can provide pain relief and can also help with inflammation. Clean the rectal area before using the cream, and then use your finger or applicator to apply the cream.
Steps
Use the bathroom before applying hemorrhoid cream. You won't be able to go to the bathroom for 2-3 hours after using the cream so take time to use the bathroom first! In particular, try to have a bowel movement beforehand if you need to.[2]- The cream needs time to work after you apply it, which is why it's important to wait to use the bathroom afterwards.
Clean the area around the hemorrhoids first with a shower or bath if you have time. In a shower or a bath, use warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap to clean away any fecal matter. Be gentle, as you don't want to agitate your hemorrhoids more than you have to. Pat the area dry when you're done.[3]- Stick to warm water, as hot water may irritate your hemorrhoids.[4]
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Pat the area with a cleansing wipe if you don't have time for a bath. You may need to apply the hemorrhoid cream several times a day, and you likely won't have time to clean the area each time in the shower. Blot the area with a fragrance-free cleansing wipe meant for sensitive skin.[5]- You can find these types of cleansing wipes in the toilet paper section. It's actually a good idea to use these all the time after going to the bathroom if you have hemorrhoids, as dry toilet paper can irritate them.[6]
Wash your hands thoroughly. Scrub your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. You don't want to introduce excess bacteria to the area. Also, you may want to trim your nails if they are long, as you don't want to accidentally scratch your hemorrhoids.- You can also use latex or nitrile gloves if you'd like, which you can buy at the drugstore or grocery store.
- Be sure to wash your hands after you finish applying the cream as well.
Squeeze a small dollop out of the tube onto your finger. You'll likely only need a pea-sized amount. Squeeze it onto the finger you will use to apply the cream to the area, or onto a 2 by 2 in (5.1 by 5.1 cm) piece of sterile gauze.[7]- You may need to puncture the tube with the top of the cap first to open it.
- These medications typically contain an anti-inflammatory medication like phenylephrine HCl and a topical pain medication like pramoxine HCl.
Rub the medication gently into the affected area. Use your finger or the gauze to massage the medication into the external hemorrhoids. If you don't get enough cream on the hemorrhoids, you can add more to your finger, but don't touch your finger to the tube after using it to apply the cream, as this could introduce bacteria to the product.[8]- You should be able to feel the hemorrhoid when you touch it with your finger, as it will be more sensitive than the surrounding area. Don't be afraid to move around a bit to find the right spot!
Cap the cream and clean your hands. After you've applied the cream, replace the cap on the cream. Then, scrub your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water for 20-30 seconds. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them off with a clean towel before going about your day.
Wait 1-3 hours to use the bathroom after you use the cream. For best results, you need to leave the cream in place for a few hours. If possible, avoid going to the bathroom and wiping the area during this period to help the cream do its job.[9]- If you do have to go to the bathroom during this time, then you will need to repeat the application after you are done.
- You can apply this cream up to 4 times daily. Try using it when you wake up or just before you go to sleep. You can also use it each time you a bowel movement.[10]
Place the dispensing cap on the tube. If you need to use the cream for internal hemorrhoids, use the applicator head provide with the cream. Attach the head to the top of the tube as directed by the package.[11]- You may need to snap the head on or screw it on.
- Do not try to use another applicator for the cream, as you may injure yourself.
Rub some of the cream onto the applicator cap. The cream will act as a lubricant, so make sure to rub a decent amount over the applicator. If it's too dry, it may be more painful when you try to insert it, and you don't want that![12]
Push the applicator head lightly up your rectum. Find your anus with your finger, then gently push the applicator into your anus. It may feel a little strange, but as long as it's not painful, you're fine! You don't need to push it in very far, just 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm). Pushing it too far could be painful.[13]- You don't need to "find" your hemorrhoids for this type of application. Applying it internally should hit any internal hemorrhoids you have.
Squeeze more cream out of the tube if you need to. At this point, you may need to push more cream out of the tube, depending on the type of applicator you have. Remember, you'll only need a pea-sized amount. In some cases, you may have a plunger applicator. If so, use the plunger to insert the cream into your anus.[14]- Make sure you've read the instructions for your tube so you understand the applicator.
Clean the applicator head and your hands. Take the applicator head off the tube and wash it thoroughly. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before washing the soap off.[15]- Wash your hands even if you used gloves.
Avoid using the bathroom for about 3 hours afterward. The cream has to sit on the hemorrhoids to do its work. To make sure you don't disturb it, avoid using the bathroom and wiping this area for a few hours.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionCan ointment help shrink the internal hemorrhoid?
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MSLuba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Board-Certified Family Nurse PractitionerWhile external treatments using ice, sitz baths, hemorrhoidal creams, and ointments can definitely help with internal hemorrhoids, it is best to use suppositories, which can reach the internal hemorrhoids better. Also, you must stay well hydrated, eat a high-fiber diet, and avoid straining when going to the bathroom to help hemorrhoids heal as well as to prevent them from happening in the first place.
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Tips
- Try taking a sitz bath several times a day for relief from itching and pain. A sitz bath just means soaking the area in warm water. You can find sitz baths that will fit over your toilet, making it easy to take one.[16]Thanks
- Apply ice to the area for pain relief. It will also help with swelling. Always put a cloth between ice and your skin.[17]Thanks
Warnings
- It is okay to use hemorrhoid cream for as long as your doctor recommends, since it does not contain steroids. However, make sure to tell your doctor if you continue to have symptoms after finishing your treatment regimen. If your hemorrhoids are still present, they may recommend a different treatment.[18]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d03205n1
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uf7564
- ↑ https://familydoctor.org/condition/hemorrhoids/
- ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5ccefdbd-bbbe-4cbf-9fdb-3c568643e14d
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hydrocortisone-for-piles-and-itchy-bottom/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hydrocortisone-for-piles-and-itchy-bottom/
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d03205n1
- ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5ccefdbd-bbbe-4cbf-9fdb-3c568643e14d
- ↑ https://fda.report/DailyMed/5ccefdbd-bbbe-4cbf-9fdb-3c568643e14d
- ↑ https://fda.report/DailyMed/5ccefdbd-bbbe-4cbf-9fdb-3c568643e14d
- ↑ https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.283.pdf
- ↑ https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.283.pdf
- ↑ https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/r/rectogesic.pdf
- ↑ https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/how-can-i-treat-my-hemorrhoids
- ↑ https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/how-can-i-treat-my-hemorrhoids
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uf7564
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Hemorrhoids can be painful and irritating, but luckily applying hemorrhoid cream can bring you relief. Remember that you won’t be able to go to the bathroom for 1 to 3 hours after applying the cream, so it’s a good idea to go beforehand.To apply the cream, first, wash the area with a gentle cleanser, then wash your hands to remove any bacteria. When they're clean, squeeze a pea-sized amount of cream onto your finger and rub it onto the affected area. Once you’re done, wash your hands thoroughly with an anti-bacterial cleanser for at least 20 seconds. If your hemorrhoids are internal, you’ll need to attach an applicator to the tube of cream. Squeeze a small amount of cream into the applicator, then gently insert it into your anus. Depending on the type of applicator you have, ou’ll either need to push a plunger to release the cream, or squeeze more out from the tube to apply it. Finally, wash the applicator thoroughly to prevent future infection. For tips on how to find a hemorrhoid on your skin, keep reading.
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