subject: Over-the-counter Medications For Hemorrhoids [print this page] Hemorrhoids are often an embarrassing condition that affects many individuals. When anal and rectal veins become swollen, hemorrhoids occur. The swelling can occur from straining, lifting heavy objects, chronic coughing, or caused by prolonged sitting. Some common symptoms of hemorrhoids are pain around inside or outside of the rectum, inflammation, or rectal; hemorrhoids can be located internally, externally, or both. For mild cases of hemorrhoids, a increase of fiber in the diet, gentle stool softeners, and many other over-the-counter treatments are quite effective in reducing symptoms and riding the body of hemorrhoids.
Causes:
Usually caused by large amount of pressure forced upon the anus or rectum, hemorrhoids are painful and embarrassing. Often, hemorrhoids are caused y constipation, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting; however, women who are pregnant, those with low amounts of fiber in their diet, and those who suffer from tumors located on or near the pelvis are more prone to develop hemorrhoids.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of mild external hemorrhoids include: rectal pain, itching, burning, skin irritation, a sensitive, painful lump located near the anus, swelling around the anus, small, harmless amounts of blood in the stool or seen on toilet tissue, and hemorrhoids protruding from the anus. All of these symptoms, if mild, can be easily treated with a variety of over-the-counter treatments.
Over-The-Counter Treatments:
Creams
The most common over-the-counter cream used in treating hemorrhoids is hydro-cortisone cream, typically in low dose of 1 % hydro-cortisone. This is used to relieve the swelling and itching associated with external hemorrhoids. Brands such as Preparation H, found at drug stores and many supermarkets, are extremely popular and effective in reducing the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. There are also many natural and organic creams such as Nature's Answer Hemorrhoid Cream and Nelson's Hemorrhoid cream. These natural and organic creams do not contain chemicals and treat the symptoms using natural herbs and essential oils.
Antipruritics
Camphor, menthol, and juniper tar are popular over-the-counter Antipruritics. They provide temporary pain relief and longer relief to symptoms such as burning and itching. Antipruritics are applied near the anus by using cotton balls or special tools sold at pharmacies used to apply creams, gels, and other topical treatments for hemorrhoids.
Medicated Pads
Many popular medicated pads contain witch hazel. Witch Hazel cools and soothes the painful, swollen areas along the anus. Tucks is a common brand of over-the-counter medicated pads that contains witch hazel; it has been proven to treat itching, skin irritation, and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Other pads are infused with Aloe Vera. Aloe works as an astringent and also helps to soothe the affected areas.
Local Anesthetics
Over-the-counter local anesthetics, such as Lidocaine and Benzocaine, work to block the nerves from sending pain, itching, and burning signals to the brain. These medications are used primarily for external hemorrhoids and provide temporary relief from the majority of hemorrhoid symptoms.
