Hemorrhoids may not be serious and life threatening but it can give pain and discomfort as if you have a death defying illness that can interfere with your daily activities. Worse than that, hemorrhoids are a little embarrassing because you wouldn’t want them to see that pain down there. The truth is most people suffering this condition don’t go to their doctors unless the symptoms have been aggravated. They would try home treatments or self medication tips to ease the pain and get relieved from anal lumps. Understanding the external and internal hemorrhoids can give you an idea how you can provide immediate solutions to your protruding hemorrhoids.
On the other hand, you can actually treat hemorrhoids through over-the-counter medications. You can buy it without a prescription at your local pharmacy. However, not all medications are effective for everybody. It is still recommended that you ask a pharmacist about the right treatment for you. Hemorrhoidal medications contain a variety of active ingredients and comes in different forms such as creams and gels, foams and suppositories and pads. These preparations may also include protectants, hydrocortisone, constricting medications, witch hazel, numbing medications, and combination products. You can apply it directly to the anal area.
Here’s a list of your hemorrhoid over-the-counter treatments:
Protectants- it includes zinc oxide, starch or mineral oil that can prevent excessive drying and irritation through forming a protective barrier that will heal the skin.
Hydrocortisone- It is a steroid that temporarily reduces itching brought by hemorrhoids.. You can think of Cortizone-10 Anal Itch Cream, Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream Hydrocortisone and TUCKS Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Ointment. It relieves itching that could be really bothering if you are in a meeting.
Constricting medications- These are also called vasoconstrictors. It can tighten the blood vessels and can help in shrinking inflamed tissues. These medications contain Phenylephrine, a common vasoconstrictor, that is a component of Medicone Hemorrhoidal Suppositories, Preparation H Ointment and Preparation H Suppositories and Tronolane Anesthetic Hemorrhoid Suppositories.
Witch Hazel- It is an astringent that can shrink blood vessels, promote drying and temporarily soothe the burning and itching hemorrhoids. It is also a natural ingredient that can be found in moist pads and wipes. It is used for gentle cleansing after bowel movements. It is included in the Preparation H Medicated Wipes and TUCKS Medicated Pads.
Oral Medications are helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. You can Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Aspirin (Ascriptin, Bayer) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for immediate relief.
Numbing medications. There are hemorrhoidal preparations that contain local anesthetic. Its main function is to numb the nerves and provide temporary relief of pain and discomfort. It includes Americaine Hemorrhoidal Ointment (benzocaine), Lanacane (benzocaine), Medicone Hemorrhoidal Ointment (benzocaine) , Nupercainal (dibucaine), Tronolane Anesthetic Hemorrhoid Cream (pramoxine) and TUCKS Hemorrhoidal Ointment (pramoxine)
Fiber supplements- Fiber is necessary if you are suffering hemorrhoid because it will soften your stool to promote comfortable and less irritating anal area. Having a high fiber diet is a natural and long term way of preventing the occurrence and recurrence of hemorrhoids. You can find lots of fiber supplements in the grocery store.
Combination products- There are over-the-counter treatments that combine different medications that work together in reducing pain, itching, irritation, burning and swelling of hemorrhoids. It includes the Preparation H Cooling Gel that contains the vasoconstrictor phenylephrine and astringent witch hazel and Preparation H Cream with Maximum Strength Pain Relief that contains the phenylephrine, the anesthetic pramoxine, and protectants (as mentioned above).
You can find these treatments in the local supermarket. However, these preparations don’t need to be prescribed but for your own safety, you have to ask a physician or pharmacist if it is suitable for you.
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