We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Online Pharmacy & OTC The 12 Best Hemorrhoid Treatments, Tested and Reviewed Reduce symptoms of bothersome hemorrhoids with these over-the-counter treatments. By Sarah Bradley Updated on March 01, 2024 Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health Hemorrhoids, or swollen veins in the rectum and anus, are typically a result of increased pressure in those same areas. Some people don’t even realize they have hemorrhoids, but others are painfully aware and desperate for quick relief. That's where over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments come in: these products, including creams and ointments with ingredients like witch hazel, hydrocortisone, and phenylephrine, as well as special pillows and bath salts, can safely and quickly reduce swelling and calm itchy skin. To give you as many reliable options for treating hemorrhoids as possible, we tested several hemorrhoid products at home, anonymously surveyed users about their experiences with over-the-counter treatments, and researched dozens of over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments, evaluating their ingredients, application methods, and instructions for use. We also talked to experts about their tips for treating hemorrhoids at home, and a gastroenterologist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding hemorrhoids, different treatment options, and how to evaluate them. Based on our extensive research and testing, here are the best OTC hemorrhoid treatments available today. What to Know Before You Shop Choosing between the various options online or on a pharmacy shelf can be confusing, but here are the essential things you need to know. Ingredients: There are several types of ingredients you may find in hemorrhoid treatments, and they're generally designed to provide different kinds of relief. According to Matthew Bechtold, MD, a University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist, you should consider products containing one or more of the following ingredients: witch hazel or zinc oxide to soothe and protect; hydrocortisone to relieve swelling and itching; pramoxine or lidocaine to numb the affected area; and phenylephrine to narrow blood vessels in the affected area. Form: Ointments add moisture to the skin and can stay on the skin surface longer, providing intense hydration and skin protection, while creams absorb more quickly into the skin and don't leave any residue behind. Safety: Most of these products are generally safe for topical use in most people, but Dr. Bechtold says to limit your use of any product with a topical steroid like hydrocortisone to no more than one week at a time. With long-term use, topical steroids can weaken and thin the skin. Speed: Many hemorrhoids will improve quickly with treatment, at least in terms of pain; often, you’ll notice fewer symptoms in just a few days. The actual healing process can take longer, though: anywhere from three to six weeks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best Fast-Acting: Preparation H Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid Cream at Amazon ($7) Jump to Review Best Cooling: Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best Suppository: Fleet Laxative Glycerin Suppositories at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best Wipes: Preparation H Flushable Wipes at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best with Lidocaine: Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best for External Hemorrhoids: Anusol Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Ice Treatment: Hilph Perineal Ice Packs for Postpartum at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Soak: Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak at Amazon ($27) Jump to Review Best Treatment During Pregnancy: Motherlove Rhoid Balm at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review In This Article Expand What to Know Before You Shop Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested and Selected How to Prevent and Treat When to See a Healthcare Provider Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads Amazon View On Amazon $8 View On Walmart $8 Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Use 4.8/5 Results 4.4/5 Pros Instant pain relief Soothing, cooling sensation Affordable Cons Not flushable Hard to separate Key Specs Type: Wipes | Active Ingredients: Witch hazel | Dose: 1 pad up to 6 times per day | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It The TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads are convenient, affordable, and provide instant cooling relief from pain and irritation. Our editor considered these an absolute staple for the postpartum period or for literally anyone with hemorrhoids. We particularly appreciated how easy they are to use and the cooling effect was so soothing to irritated rectal areas. We also noticed results within the first day of use, making these pads an easy choice for the best overall treatment. Keep In Mind It was a little hard to separate the pads sometimes, which means you could end up using more than one at a time (and waste your precious supply). We also didn’t love that they weren’t flushable, leaving us to dispose of them in the garbage. Best Fast-Acting Preparation H Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid Cream Amazon View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $8 View On Walgreens $11 Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Results 5/5 Pros Affordable and widely available Multi-symptom relief Itch relief without topical steroids Cons Messy May require multiple daily applications Key Specs Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Phenylephrine HCl, witch hazel, aloe, pramoxine | Dose: Apply up to 4 times per day | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It The Preparation H Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid Cream has multiple ingredients designed to help you feel better instantly like phenylephrine to reduce swelling, witch hazel and aloe to soothe, and pramoxine to relieve pain and itching. In testing, we thought this cream worked quickly and efficiently to relieve our symptoms, especially the itching—impressive, considering this cream doesn’t include hydrocortisone (which also means you don’t have to worry about prolonged topical steroid use). Our editors were a little split on its overall usefulness, though; one editor felt that while it provided symptom relief, it seemed to prolong the hemorrhoid healing process, and another noted that if you have severe symptoms, you’ll likely need to apply this cream as often as allowed (up to four times per day). Both agreed it absolutely works upon application, however. Keep In Mind It can be messy to apply, and you may need to use it repeatedly throughout the day depending on the severity of your symptoms. Best Cooling Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel Amazon View On Amazon $8 View On Walmart $8 View On Target $8 Our Ratings Effectiveness 3/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Results 5/5 Pros Affordable Instant relief of pain and irritation Helps heal hemorrhoids quickly Cons Effects don’t last long Messy Key Specs Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Phenylephrine HCl, witch hazel, aloe | Dose: Apply up to 4 times per day | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It The Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel has similar ingredients as the Preparation H Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid Cream, except for the exclusion of pramoxine or any other itch-relieving ingredients. But because it’s formulated as a gel rather than a cream, it provides a cooling sensation when applied, instantly soothing irritated rectal areas. In testing, we appreciated the cooling aspect and how our symptoms improved within one day but were a little disappointed that once the cooling sensation wore off, so did any other benefits. Keep In Mind It doesn’t offer long-lasting relief of symptoms. It’s great that you can apply the gel up to four times per day, but if your symptoms are severe, you’re going to be doing exactly that in order to keep getting relief. Best Suppository Fleet Laxative Glycerin Suppositories Amazon View On Amazon $8 View On Target $4 View On CVS $13 Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Use 3/5 Results 5/5 Pros Works quickly and effectively Softens stool for easier bowel movements Helps hemorrhoids heal Cons There's a learning curve for inserting them Some suppositories were rough rather than smooth Key Specs Type: Suppository | Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Dose: 1 suppository per 24-hour period | Uses: Relieving constipation Why We Recommend It The Fleet Laxative Glycerin Suppositories aren’t designed to provide hemorrhoid relief, but they can play an important role in keeping bowel movements soft, limiting exacerbation of symptoms, and preventing future hemorrhoids. According to Pratima Dibba, MD, gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan, glycerin suppositories like Fleet can relieve constipation and effectively help hemorrhoids heal. In testing, we saw results within a day of trying these suppositories, which helped soften bowel movements to the point where we no longer had to strain. We also had zero side effects while using this gentle option. Keep In Mind Inserting a suppository isn’t necessarily hard, but it’s also not for the faint of heart. There’s no way to do it without getting intimately acquainted with your rectum, so be prepared to take your time (and wash your hands extra well when you’re done). Best Wipes Preparation H Flushable Wipes Walmart View On Amazon $12 View On Walgreens $10 View On Riteaid.com $7 Our Ratings Effectiveness 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Results 5/5 Pros Works like a medicated toilet paper Treats pain and irritation Portable and flushable, even for septic tanks Cons You could go through a package quickly Package needs to be properly closed up to prevent drying out Key Specs Type: Wipes | Active Ingredients: Witch hazel | Dose: 1 wipe, as needed | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It Our experience with the Preparation H Medicated Wipes was simple but impressive: These witch hazel-infused pads really worked to relieve our symptoms quickly, helping us feel improvement within one day. They also couldn’t have been easier to use. They’re designed almost to be used in place of toilet paper, making it more comfortable for you to wipe after a bowel movement, while also treating symptoms of burning and irritation. Plus, unlike the TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads, these are flushable, which means you can leave them in your bathroom or tuck them in your purse for use pretty much anywhere. Keep In Mind The overall value of these wipes will vary based on the package count and where you purchase them; on Amazon, a 48-count package costs just under $6, but other retailers charge more or only carry 10-count packages. Best with Lidocaine Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine Amazon View On Amazon $18 View On Walmart $22 Pros Blocks pain and itch Contains ingredients to protect skin Maximum amount of OTC lidocaine allowed Cons More expensive than other Preparation H treatments Not as widely available Key Specs Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, lidocaine, phenylephrine HCl, white petrolatum | Dose: Apply up to 4 times per day | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It If you’re looking to block uncomfortable symptoms rather than just reduce them, the Preparation H Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream is designed to numb discomfort for several hours at a time. In testing, it did just. Plus it worked quickly and effectively to banish pain and itching, too, thanks to its maximum-strength formula of 5% lidocaine. In addition to lidocaine, this particular Preparation H formula contains several ingredients to target multiple symptoms, including phenylephrine to shrink swollen tissue and glycerin and white petrolatum to protect the skin barrier and promote healing. Keep In Mind This Preparation H treatment is twice as costly as some others on this list, so you may want to try out some of the cheaper variations before opting for this one unless you have severe symptoms. That said, the inclusion of lidocaine is more than worth the extra expense—especially since it works so well. Best for External Hemorrhoids Anusol Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Walmart $19 Pros Long-lasting ointment Apply as needed Ingredients to heal and numb pain Cons Expensive Doesn’t relieve itch Key Specs Type: Ointment | Active Ingredients: Zinc sulfate, pramoxine hydrochloride | Dose: Apply as needed | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It The ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment is a little more expensive than the average hemorrhoid treatment, but you can apply it as often as needed. According to Sergey V. Kantsevoy, MD, director of The Center for Therapeutic Endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Anusol it’s the best treatment for external hemorrhoids and the one he recommends to his patients. ANUSOL includes zinc oxide (sometimes formulated as zinc sulfate, depending on the product), which goes a long way toward healing and protecting sensitive, damaged skin. It also includes pramoxine, an analgesic, to numb the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Keep In Mind It’s an investment, and if you want added itch relief you’ll have to ask your doctor for the prescription version that contains hydrocortisone. Best Ice Treatment Hilph Perineal Ice Packs for Postpartum Amazon View On Amazon $15 Pros Cooling or heating Washable covers Soft on skin Cons Require time to sit or lie down Key Specs Type: Cold pack | Active Ingredients: None | Dose: Use as needed | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It While the Hilph Perineal Cold Packs work wonders for postpartum women, the elongated shape and size make them perfect for instantly cooling and soothing irritated hemorrhoids and the hard-to-reach perineal area. Plus, these ice packs—which include soft, skin-friendly covers—are made to stay flexible even when frozen, so they don't cause further irritation. (Speaking of covers—they’re also removable and machine washable.) You also get two ice packs for $15, so you can constantly rotate and switch them out rather than wait for the same one to re-freeze. Another bonus? They can double as heat packs if you happen to find heat more soothing. Keep In Mind You’ll have to be seated or lying down to use these; you can’t apply like a cream and get on with your day. It could also be hard to get the right amount of cooling. Best Soak Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak Amazon View On Amazon $27 View On Walmart $27 View On Thena.biz Pros Can be used frequently Natural ingredients to relieve discomfort Softens skin Cons Ingredients may irritate some users Requires spending time in a tub or sitz bath device Key Specs Type: Sitz bath salt | Active Ingredients: Epsom salt, aloe, witch hazel | Dose: 2 to 3 soaks per day | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It A sitz bath can be an incredibly soothing treatment for hemorrhoids, working wonders for irritated, delicate skin. The Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak has both Epsom salt and sea salt, plus nourishing coconut and magnesium oils to soothe, heal, reduce inflammation, and repair tissue damage. We love the natural ingredients and its flexibility of use: You can dissolve the soak into a special sitz device, or simply blend it into a warm bath within your tub. Arturo Bravo, MD, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, recommends using a sitz bath soak with warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times per day, to improve blood flow to the area and relax the muscle around the anus. Keep In Mind This isn’t an “on-the-go” product; you have to take time out of your day to sit in a tub for it to work. Best Treatment During Pregnancy Motherlove Rhoid Balm Amazon View On Amazon $13 View On IHerb $13 View On Motherlove.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Results 5/5 Pros Quick relief Itch and pain relief Herbal ingredients Cons Only comes in a large tub Made for postpartum, not pregnancy (so check with your provider before use) Key Specs Type: Balm | Active Ingredients: Witch hazel, calendula, yarrow herb | Dose: Apply several times daily | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It Sitz baths are a pregnancy-safe treatment for hemorrhoids, but soaking your rectum three times a day isn't always possible—and when you're pregnant, you need hemorrhoid relief ASAP. Luckily, pregnant women can use Motherlove Postpartum Rhoid Balm to treat their hemorrhoids. It’s a convenient, comforting way to apply witch hazel and a few other botanical ingredients to your hemorrhoids, reducing inflammation and banishing your frustrating hemorrhoid itch. In testing, we appreciated how quickly the Rhoid Balm provided instant, soothing relief and our hemorrhoids felt better after just one day of use. In fact, it worked better than several other common hemorrhoid treatments (like witch hazel pads and lidocaine cream) in relieving our symptoms. Keep In Mind We would have loved to see this product available for purchase in a small tube versus a large tub, for maximum portability and ease of use. Because it contains natural ingredients and was formulated for postpartum use, you may still need to check with your provider that the Rhoid Balm is safe for use during pregnancy. Best Pillow Kieba Tailbone Cushion Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Sears.com $46 View On Kiebawellness.com Pros Ergonomic, contoured support Portable Washable cover Cons Non-adjustable firmness One size fits all sizing Key Specs Type: Pillow | Active Ingredients: None | Dose: None | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It Maybe you can’t safely use any OTC hemorrhoid treatments, or maybe you’re already taking the full dose of something and need additional pain relief—either way, the Kieba Tailbone Cushion relieves the pressure placed on hemorrhoids from sitting on hard surfaces, helping you heal faster. This donut-shaped cushion is specially contoured to support your hips and pelvis while keeping your perineum from coming into contact with anything firm, making it a solid complement to whatever other treatments or remedies you might be employing. This ergonomic pillow is also portable, featuring a non-slip bottom for safety, as well as a removable, washable cover, and non-deflating foam. You can use it at home, at work, in the car, or anywhere else you need a little extra comfort when sitting. Keep In Mind It’s not going to actively treat or heal your hemorrhoids—it’s more of a secondary treatment to go along with whatever other remedies you’re using. Best Itch Relief Preparation H Soothing Relief Anti Itch Cream Amazon View On Amazon $11 View On Walmart $14 View On Walgreens $11 Pros Immediate relief Fragrance-free Can be combined with other hemorrhoid treatments Cons Shouldn’t be used long-term Doesn’t include additional healing or numbing ingredients Key Specs Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone | Dose: Apply no more than 3 to 4 times per day | Uses: External hemorrhoids Why We Recommend It When hemorrhoid itching is severe enough, it can be as bad as coping with pain. The Preparation H Soothing Relief Anti Itch Cream is formulated with 1% hydrocortisone, a maximum-strength percentage you don't need a prescription for. It reduces inflammation and quiets that intolerable itch with instant results, and can be used up to four times per day. But remember: Hydrocortisone hemorrhoid products should only be applied for one week unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. Keep In Mind It will reduce itching, but can only be used in the short-term because of the hydrocortisone. It also doesn’t include any other common hemorrhoid ingredients, like phenylephrine, aloe, or lidocaine. We Also Tested Preparation H Ointment: Our biggest complaint about this particular type of Preparation H is the ointment formulation; it was messy to apply in testing, which made us not want to use it. Up & Up Medicated Hemorrhoid Fragrance free Wipes: These wipes worked fine, but we didn’t love the amount of waste they generated. Still, they were an effective product that would help in a pinch.TopCare Hemorrhoidal Cream: This is a cheap and effective brand, but the application was messy in testing. Like the Up & Up wipes, it might not be your go-to treatment. How We Tested and Selected the Hemorrhoid Treatments We tested hemorrhoid products at home for several days, evaluating each product’s effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. We also asked our editors to share any side effects they experienced, if any. The products we tested were selected based on advice from our experts and an anonymous survey of 15 people who have experienced hemorrhoids and utilized OTC treatments. In testing, we considered each product in the scope of the following categories: Effectiveness: We rated how well each product reduced symptoms of burning, itching, and pain, as well as how long (in number of days) it took to feel symptom relief.Ease of use: We rated how easy each product was to use or apply, depending on its form, from very easy to very difficult. We also considered things like how messy the product was and if its packaging or overall application process was wasteful or ineffective.Value: We asked our editors to share if they would purchase this product again or recommend it to others, along with what they liked and disliked most about it. How to Prevent and Treat Hemorrhoids Since hemorrhoids usually develop as a result of constipation and straining to have bowel movements, there are ways to prevent them from forming. Likewise, you can make lifestyle changes as a first-line treatment when they start popping up. Dr. Bravo says one of the most important steps in treating hemorrhoids is avoiding constipation (hard or infrequent stools), which may include taking stool softeners. You can try an over-the-counter stool softener like Colace (docusate), which doesn't force you to have a bowel movement but simply makes it easier to pass stool. Another alternative is a natural stool softener with soluble fiber ingredients like psyllium. Speaking of fiber, increasing the amount you have in your diet is also a good way to prevent and treat hemorrhoids; Dr. Bechtold suggests eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to get your daily dietary fiber up to the recommended amount of 20 to 35 grams per day. If increasing your fiber and fluid intake doesn’t work well enough to eliminate constipation, Dr. Kantsevoy says you should start taking bulking agents like Metamucil and Miralax to help keep your bowel movements regular. Make sure you also refrain from straining or lingering on the toilet, sitting for prolonged periods of time, and—if possible—taking medications that cause diarrhea or constipation, says Dr. Bechtold. When to See a Healthcare Provider Hemorrhoids are fairly common, affecting about 10% of adults, says Dr. Kantsevoy. Most of these, he adds, won't need medical treatment unless they're bleeding or causing intense pain. But it can also be hard for people to diagnose themselves with hemorrhoids, so it’s not a bad idea to see a provider if you think you have them to confirm before you treat them. It’s also a good idea to make an appointment with a provider if you’re having anal bleeding, which could point to a more serious case of hemorrhoids (or something else entirely). Hemorrhoids that are severe enough to cause anal bleeding or intense pain and that don’t respond to typical interventions or procedures may require surgery, says Dr. Bravo. Our Experts We speak to experts at every stage of testing products and reporting and writing this story. They advise us on subjects like what ingredients to look for in products, how to treat hemorrhoids, and what kind of changes you should expect to see with treatment. Here are a few of the people we spoke to. Henry Govekar, MD, colon and rectal surgeon at Rush University Medical Group in Chicago Matthew Bechtold, MD, a University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist Sergey V. Kantsevoy, MD, director of The Center for Therapeutic Endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore Arturo Bravo, MD, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Heather Viola, DO, primary care physician at Mount Sinai Randall Cooper, MD, colorectal and general surgeon at Summit Health Pratima Dibba, MD, gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan Frequently Asked Questions Are OTC hemorrhoid treatments effective? According to Dr. Dibba, OTC hemorrhoid treatments don’t “cure” hemorrhoids—and there’s not enough research data to support their long-term use—research does show they can reduce the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. Many cases of hemorrhoids will heal on their own with lifestyle changes (i.e. regular bowel movements), but if your symptoms are persistent, you’ll need in-office intervention with a specialist. What OTC hemorrhoid treatments are safe for pregnancy? Warm sitz baths and dietary and lifestyle modifications (like eating more fiber, limiting fatty foods, and getting regular exercise) are safe in pregnancy and should be tried first, says Dr. Bechtold. If that doesn't work, you can try medicated wipes containing witch hazel, which are a treatment recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Can an internal hemorrhoid be cured by home treatments? In some cases, yes. Dr. Bravo says internal hemorrhoids can be treated at home if they’re not large, don’t have fissures or tears in the skin, and are not thrombosed (i.e. they don’t contain any blood clots). Otherwise, you should avoid treating an internal hemorrhoid at home. What’s the difference between hemorrhoids and fissures? There's a big difference between hemorrhoids and fissures, though you can have both types of issues at the same time. According to Dr. Kantsevoy, hemorrhoids are enlarged or engorged veins that can be inside or outside the rectum; fissures, meanwhile, are vertical splits or tears in the lining of the anus. Why Trust Verywell Health Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She battled hemorrhoids during all three of her pregnancies, so she knows how important it is to find safe products that provide quick, healing relief. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. FamilyDoctor.org. Hemorrhoids. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. What can I do for hemorrhoids during pregnancy? See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit