Hemorrhoids - Info Site

Over the counter relief for hemorrhoids

Over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications.

Controversy continues to rage about the effectiveness of hemorrhoid medicines. In the United States , annually are spent around $200 million on creams, ointments, and suppositories that promise to relieve inflammation and pain.

The basic ingredient in all these medicines is a lubricant such as lanolin, cocoa butter, vegetable oil, or one of many others. Some also include an anesthetic such as benzocaine or lidocaine, or an astringent such as tan-nic acid or zinc compounds, purported to reduce swelling by constricting capillaries. Hemorrhoids, however, are not capillaries; they're veins, and astringents may have no effect on them. Anesthetics may provide short-term relief, but only in cream or ointment form: Suppositories usually go too far up into the anal canal to help the hemorrhoids below.

Lubrication is the greatest benefit of most over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications. Plain petroleum jelly works as well and can be applied with your finger. For pain relief, attempt acetaminophen and sitz baths.

  < Conventionl treatments  

 

 

Hemorrhoids - Info Site Topics

> Symptoms of hemorrhoids:
      - blood in stool
      - anal pain
      - anal itching
      - anal bleeding
      - bloody stool
About Us | Site Map | Contact Us | ©2006 Hemorrhoids -Info Site