Hemorrhoid Creams

If you are to ask a number of people suffering from hemorrhoids or who have experienced a hemorrhoid attack, chances are that a hundred percent of them have tried using hemorrhoid creams for relief from the discomforts and pain associated with hemorrhoids. While this is the most commonly used medication for piles, hemorrhoid creams do not actually get rid of hemorrhoids. Instead, they just give temporary relief from itching, burning sensation and pain produced by hemorrhoids. Getting rid of the hemorrhoids requires a medical procedure.

Benefits

The main reasons for the popularity of hemorrhoid creams among hemorrhoid sufferers are its ability to give immediate relief itching, burning and pain, and it helps control the swelling, and it is easy to apply.

It also helps by lessening the friction in the anal area that happens with movements of the lower extremities. While it is often prescribed by a physician, they are commonly used without prescriptions too.

Active Ingredients Of Cream

Creams are applied by cleansing the affected area first, and then slathering the area with generous amounts.

These creams come in varieties but they are commonly analgesics, anesthetics or astringents.

Analgesics provide relief by cooling the affected area. Menthol is an example of an analgesic.

Anesthetics numb the affected area so that pain is not felt locally. Lidocaine is one form of pain killer that is commonly used in hemorrhoid creams.

Astringents on the other hand, have a cooling and calming effect.

Usage Warning

Some creams also contain low amounts of hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone that is necessary for a number of bodily functions but is also very effective in curbing inflammation, itching and general pain on the skin. Perhaps this is why a number of hemorrhoid creams are also used by some to get rid of puffy eyes.

This alternative use, though unprescribed, has led to a boost in the sales of some hemorrhoid creams. It is important to note though that hemorrhoid creams should not be used for purposes not indicated in the labels. It should be noted that it is a pharmaceutical product and not a cosmetic.

Herbal Extracts

Some hemorrhoid creams also contain quantities of herbal extracts:

Witch hazel is among the most popular herbal contents in hemorrhoid creams. It acts as an astringent that dries and tighten skin and tissues. The ability to shrink inflamed tissues makes witch hazel an ideal herb for treating hemorrhoids.

Another herbal extract often found in hemorrhoid creams is goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), it is used in traditional medicine as a topical ointment to reduce inflammation.

Gotu Kola, another popular herb that is used for treatment of many known diseases is also used for treating hemorrhoids.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), is a popular herb in European Folk Medicine and is used to treat wounds and bleeding, can also be found in a number of hemorrhoid creams.

However, most of the healing properties of herbs incorporated in the hemorrhoid creams are often based on medicine folklore. While they have been proven effective in providing temporary relief to a host of symptoms, studies are yet to be conducted on the possible side-effects of these herbs. Caution should be taken when using these products. Better yet, consult a medical professional.

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