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Common at-home treatments for hemorrhoids

Common at-home treatments for hemorrhoids
Type of medicine Examples Notes
Stool softener Docusate sodium (sample brand names: Colace, Docu, Stool Softener)

Softens bowel movements

Helps avoid straining while sitting on toilet
Bulk-forming laxatives and fiber supplements

Methylcellulose (sample brand names: Citrucel, Soluble Fiber Therapy)

Polycarbophil (sample brand names: FiberCon, Konsyl Fiber)

Psyllium (sample brand names: Metamucil, Konsyl)

Wheat dextrin (sample brand name: Benefiber)

Prevent hard dry stools which make hemorrhoids worse

Might reduce bleeding and other hemorrhoid symptoms

Needs to be taken with plenty of water (8 glasses of water a day)

Your doctor might suggest starting with a small dose and then increasing over time
Pain relief Pramoxine rectal foam, ointment, or wipes (sample brand names: Proctofoam, Pramox)

Can help with pain and itching

Area must be gently cleaned and allowed to dry before using
Medicines to dry or protect skin

Witch hazel (sample brand names: Tucks, Preparation H pads, Preparation H wipes)

Zinc oxide topical paste (sample brand names: Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Desitin)

May dry or tighten skin around the anus

Zinc oxide also protects skin from irritation

Area must be gently cleaned and allowed to dry before using

Can apply after a sitz bath (soaking in warm, shallow water)

Witch hazel wipes or unscented baby wipes can be used to clean the anus after a bowel movement
Steroid cream Hydrocortisone rectal cream (sample brand name: Preparation H hydrocortisone)

Reduces swelling, and pain caused by hemorrhoids

Do not use for longer than a week

Do not use at all if you are pregnant unless your doctor or nurse tells you to
Medicines to shrink hemorrhoids Phenylephrine ointment or suppository (sample brand names: Preparation H, Rectacaine)

Phenylephrine shrinks swollen hemorrhoids, and relieves itching and discomfort for a few hours

Area must be gently cleaned and allowed to dry before applying
Numbing ointments

Benzocaine rectal ointment (sample brand name: Americaine)

Dibucaine rectal ointment (sample brand name: Nupercainal)

Lidocaine rectal cream (sample brand name: RectiCare)		 Benzocaine, dibucaine, and lidocaine can help with pain and itching, but should not be used without talking to a doctor first. They should only be used once in a while, in small amounts.
  • This table lists some examples of over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids. There are many more brand-name and generic versions available, too. Read all labels to make sure you're not using too much of one ingredient.
  • Do not use over-the-counter treatments for more than one week without speaking to your doctor. They can damage your skin.
  • Follow instructions carefully – for example, it's important to clean and dry your skin before using creams or ointments. You can use an unscented baby wipe to clean your anus after a bowel movement.
  • If you have rectal bleeding, or if your bowel movements look like tar, see your doctor or nurse. These problems could be caused by something other than hemorrhoids. You should also see your doctor or nurse if your hemorrhoid symptoms still bother you after you have tried taking care of them yourself.
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