Curist delivers FDA-approved medicines to your door at a fraction of the price of traditional brands. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this time.
With so many hemorrhoid relief products out there, it can be difficult to decide which one to use. In this article, we will be looking at some common topical over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for hemorrhoid relief and discussing their similarities and differences.
What are Over-the-Counter Medicines to Treat Hemorrhoids?
There are many over-the-counter products you can choose to relieve hemorrhoids.
- Lidocaine (such as Curist’s Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine or RectiCare Anorectal Cream)
- Hydrocortisone (such as Preparation H)
- Witch Hazel (such as Curist’s Medicated Wipes or Tucks, Preparation H pads, or Preparation H wipes)
- Phenylephrine (brands Preparation H, Rectacaine)
However, you should use any one of these options for short-term treatment of 7 days or less.
Are Lidocaine, Hydrocortisone, and Witch Hazel all the same?
No, lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel are not the same medications. While they can all help relieve hemorrhoids, lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel all work differently and therefore have different uses.
Lidocaine cream is a local anesthetic that can help with pain and itching by numbing the area it is applied on. You should only use it in small amounts and apply it as a thin film on the affected area. You can apply it to affected areas up to 6 times daily.
Hydrocortisone is a steroid cream recommended to reduce swelling and pain caused by hemorrhoids. This is a good option if symptoms continue despite the use of other products, such as lidocaine cream.
Witch hazel belongs to a class of medications called astringents, which help remove moisture from the skin and tighten skin. Witch hazel wipes provide relief from local itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and are used to dry out or protect the skin around the anus. It is often recommended to use it with other hemorrhoid products such as lidocaine creams. But make sure to wash your hands before and after use and clean the affected area before application.
To shop affordable lidocaine and witch hazel products for hemorrhoids at a more affordable price, check out the Curist Hemorrhoids Collection.
How Does Lidocaine Work for Hemorrhoids?
Lidocaine is an anesthetic that reduces feeling in the area administered. When used topically, lidocaine numbs the skin and reduces the sensation of pain. Lidocaine works by blocking nerve conduction under the skin, thereby producing the numbing sensation that lidocaine creams are known for.
To shop for affordable lidocaine for hemorrhoids at a more affordable price, check out Curist Lidocaine Hemorrhoid Relief.
How does Hydrocortisone Work for Hemorrhoids?
Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid that prevents the formation and/or release of certain chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. When used topically, hydrocortisone can reduce swelling and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
How does Witch Hazel Work for Hemorrhoids?
Witch hazel is a botanical astringent with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Witch hazel is widely used as a natural topical remedy to help soothe pain and itching by reducing swelling in hemorrhoid tissue. Witch hazel can be used in many applications for hemorrhoids, including sprays, gels and wipes.
To shop for affordable witch hazel wipes for hemorrhoids at a more affordable price, check out Curist Medicated Hemorrhoid Wipes.
What are the Key Differences between Hydrocortisone, Lidocaine, and Witch Hazel?
Lidocaine vs. Hydrocortisone vs. Witch Hazel: Active Ingredients
Lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel are different active ingredients found in over-the-counter products for hemorrhoid relief. Lidocaine is an anesthetic that numbs the skin and reduces the pain in the area it is applied. Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain caused by hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is considered a botanical astringent commonly used to help soothe pain and itching by reducing swelling in hemorrhoid tissue.
Lidocaine vs. Hydrocortisone vs. Witch Hazel: Uses
Lidocaine and hydrocortisone are available as topical creams to apply to the affected area. Witch hazel is available as wipes that can be used to clean the anus after a bowel movement. Lidocaine cream is often recommended by colon and rectal surgeons to provide rapid relief from pain, itching, and burning caused by hemorrhoids. Witch hazel wipes are ideal to use along with other hemorrhoid products. Hydrocortisone should be used when symptoms persist despite the use of other products, such as lidocaine cream and witch hazel wipes.
Which Works Best to Treat Hemorrhoids: Hydrocortisone vs Lidocaine vs Witch Hazel?
Lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel do not cure the underlying condition of hemorrhoids, but they can help manage symptoms and provide relief.
Lidocaine cream numbs the affected area, which helps with the itching and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Products containing lidocaine are considered popular over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids. Lidocaine creams take around 30 to 60 minutes to start working and may last for 1 to 3 hours, depending on how long the cream stays on the skin. These products are recommended by healthcare professionals for relieving the mild pain, swelling, and inflammation of hemorrhoids, but only for short term treatment of 7 days or less.
Witch hazel wipes are ideal for use with other hemorrhoid products. Hydrocortisone should be used when symptoms cannot be relieved with the use of other products, such as lidocaine cream and witch hazel wipes. Do not apply lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel on skin that is broken, infected, swollen, or covered with rash. Discuss pain relief options with your doctor if your symptoms persist.
At Curist, the best hemorrhoid cream is Curist Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine 5%. The best hemorrhoid wipes at Curist is Curist Medicated Wipes for Hemorrhoids with Witch Hazel & Aloe.
Can I use Lidocaine, Hydrocortisone, and Witch Hazel Together?
Yes, you can use lidocaine cream, hydrocortisone cream, and witch hazel wipes together. It is recommended to try lidocaine cream and witch hazel wipes for 7 days or less. If symptoms persist, then use hydrocortisone cream for 7 days or less. If symptoms still continue, contact your healthcare provider.
