Do Hemorrhoid Creams Actually Work? Here's What They Can (and Can't) Do

If you've ever had hemorrhoids, there's a good chance the first thing you bought was a cream.

It makes sense.

They're easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and promise fast relief from itching, burning, and discomfort. Walk into almost any pharmacy and you'll find an entire shelf dedicated to hemorrhoid creams, ointments, wipes, and suppositories.

For many people, they're the first step toward feeling better.

But if you're reading this article, you're probably wondering something else.

If hemorrhoid creams work...why am I still dealing with hemorrhoids?

It's a fair question.

The short answer is this:

Yes, hemorrhoid creams do work. They just aren't designed to do everything.

Most hemorrhoid creams are intended to provide temporary relief from symptoms like itching, irritation, burning, and discomfort during a flare-up. They can make sitting, walking, exercising, or using the bathroom much more comfortable while your body heals.

What they aren't designed to do is address some of the factors that may contribute to hemorrhoids over time, like constipation, repeated straining, prolonged sitting, or supporting healthy veins.

That doesn't mean creams are a bad option.

It simply means they have a specific purpose.

Understanding what hemorrhoid creams can, and can't, do can help you choose the right treatment and avoid the frustration of expecting something they were never meant to deliver.

In this guide, we'll explain how hemorrhoid creams work, the different types available, when they make sense to use, and when it may be worth looking beyond temporary symptom relief.

How Do Hemorrhoid Creams Work?

Most hemorrhoid creams are designed to help relieve symptoms during a flare-up.

Rather than treating hemorrhoids themselves, they work on the irritated tissue around them to make you more comfortable while the flare-up settles down.

Depending on the product, a hemorrhoid cream may help:

• Relieve itching
• Reduce burning or irritation
• Temporarily numb pain
• Protect sensitive skin
• Reduce minor swelling
• Make bowel movements more comfortable

For many people, this temporary relief can make a big difference.

A painful bowel movement becomes more manageable. Sitting through a workday feels easier. Long car rides aren't quite as miserable.

Instead of constantly thinking about the discomfort, you're able to focus on your day again.

That's exactly what these products are designed to do.

The Most Common Types of Hemorrhoid Creams

Not all hemorrhoid creams contain the same ingredients. Different products are formulated to relieve different symptoms, and many combine several active ingredients into one cream or ointment.

Here are some of the most common types you'll find.

Hydrocortisone Creams

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and itching. These creams are often recommended when itching is the primary concern, but they're generally intended for short-term use. Using steroid creams for extended periods can sometimes irritate or thin the skin, so it's important to follow the directions on the label or your healthcare provider's advice.

Lidocaine Creams

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic. Instead of reducing inflammation, it temporarily numbs the area, helping relieve pain and discomfort during a flare-up. Because the effect wears off after a while, these creams are best thought of as temporary symptom relief rather than a long-term solution.

Witch Hazel Products

Witch hazel is commonly found in hemorrhoid pads and wipes, although it's also included in some creams. Many people like the cooling sensation it provides, and it may help soothe irritation around the affected area.

Protectant Ointments

Some hemorrhoid ointments contain ingredients such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or zinc oxide. These ingredients create a protective barrier over irritated skin, helping reduce friction and making bowel movements or everyday movement more comfortable.

Combination Products

Many over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams combine several ingredients. For example, a product may include a protectant to reduce friction, a mild anesthetic for pain relief, and an ingredient that helps calm irritation. The goal is to improve comfort by addressing several symptoms at once.

So...Do Hemorrhoid Creams Actually Work?

The answer depends on what you expect them to do.

If your goal is to reduce discomfort during a hemorrhoid flare-up, many people find creams helpful.

They can ease itching. They can reduce irritation. They can make sitting, walking, and using the bathroom more comfortable.

In that sense, yes, hemorrhoid creams work.

Where people often become frustrated is expecting creams to permanently solve recurring hemorrhoids.

That's usually not what they're designed for.

Think of it this way. If you scrape your knee, putting on a bandage protects the skin while it heals. The bandage isn't what heals your knee. It simply creates a more comfortable environment while your body does the work.

Hemorrhoid creams work in a similar way. They help manage symptoms while the body recovers, but they don't necessarily address the habits or underlying factors that may contribute to hemorrhoids coming back.

Why Do Hemorrhoids Keep Coming Back After Using Cream?

This is one of the most common questions people ask.

They apply the cream. The pain improves. The itching settles down. Everything seems to be getting better.

Then a few weeks, or even a few days, later, the hemorrhoids return.

That can be incredibly frustrating.

In many cases, it isn't because the cream "failed." It's because the cream was doing exactly what it was designed to do: provide temporary symptom relief.

If the same factors that contributed to the hemorrhoid are still present, another flare-up can happen. Some of the most common contributors include:

• Chronic constipation
• Frequent straining during bowel movements
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods
• A low-fiber diet
• Dehydration
• Sitting for much of the day
• Pregnancy
• Heavy lifting

That's why many healthcare providers recommend thinking about hemorrhoid care as more than just treating symptoms during a flare-up.

Lifestyle habits like eating enough fiber, drinking plenty of water, staying physically active, and avoiding unnecessary straining can all play an important role in reducing future flare-ups.

Creams vs. Supplements: What's the Difference?

People often compare hemorrhoid creams and supplements as if they're competing treatments. In reality, they serve different purposes.

Hemorrhoid creams are applied directly to the affected area and are designed to provide temporary relief from symptoms like itching, burning, and discomfort during a flare-up.

Supplements, on the other hand, are taken orally and are intended to support your body over time. Depending on the ingredients, they may help support digestive regularity, healthy bowel movements, or healthy veins as part of a long-term wellness routine.

Neither approach is necessarily "better" than the other. They're simply designed to do different jobs.

Many people use a cream during an active flare-up while also focusing on healthy daily habits like eating enough fiber, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding unnecessary straining. Some also choose to include supplements as part of their overall approach to supporting digestive and vein health.

Rather than choosing one or the other, it's often helpful to think about how different approaches can work together.

What About Preparation H?

Preparation H is one of the most well-known hemorrhoid brands, so it's natural for people to wonder whether it's the best option.

The truth is that Preparation H can be an effective choice for temporary symptom relief, just like many other over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams.

Different versions contain different active ingredients, so the best choice depends on the symptoms you're trying to manage. Some formulas focus on relieving itching, others on reducing discomfort, while some include ingredients that help protect irritated skin.

The important thing isn't necessarily the brand name, it's choosing a product that's appropriate for your symptoms and using it as directed.

If you find yourself relying on any hemorrhoid cream for weeks at a time or repeatedly treating the same flare-ups, it's worth speaking with your healthcare provider to make sure something else isn't contributing to the problem.

Internal vs. External Hemorrhoid Creams

Not all hemorrhoids are the same, and neither are the products designed to treat them.

External hemorrhoid creams are applied around the outside of the anus and are intended to help relieve symptoms associated with external hemorrhoids, such as itching, irritation, and discomfort.

Some products also include applicators that allow certain medications to be used for internal hemorrhoids. It's important to carefully follow the instructions on the product label, as not every cream is intended for internal use.

If you're unsure which type of hemorrhoid you're dealing with, or if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include significant bleeding, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?

While many hemorrhoids improve with conservative care, there are times when medical advice is important. You should contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms last longer than a week despite treatment.
• You have severe or worsening pain.
• You notice heavy or persistent rectal bleeding.
• You have a lump that becomes increasingly painful or changes color.
• Your symptoms keep coming back despite making lifestyle changes.

Although hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, they're not the only cause. A healthcare provider can help determine whether another condition needs to be ruled out and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Looking Beyond Temporary Relief

If there's one thing to remember from this article, it's this:

Hemorrhoid creams absolutely have a place.

They can make flare-ups much more manageable by relieving itching, burning, and discomfort when you need it most.

But they're only one piece of the picture.

If hemorrhoids keep returning, it may be worth looking beyond temporary symptom relief and focusing on habits that support long-term digestive health. That can include:

• Eating enough fiber each day
• Drinking plenty of water
• Staying physically active
• Avoiding unnecessary straining
• Responding promptly when you need a bowel movement
• Supporting digestive and vein health as part of your daily routine

Small, consistent habits often make a bigger difference over time than any single product alone.

For those looking to build a more comprehensive approach, some people also choose to include supplements alongside these healthy habits. Products like Hem Hero are formulated with ingredients that have been studied for supporting healthy veins and circulation, while Easy Flow Fiber can help increase daily fiber intake and promote regular bowel movements. Together with healthy lifestyle habits, they may be part of a long-term strategy for supporting digestive and vein health.

The goal isn't to rely on one solution forever. It's to find an approach that helps you stay comfortable, confident, and focused on living your life, not your hemorrhoids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hemorrhoid creams actually work?

Yes. Hemorrhoid creams can help relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, and discomfort during a flare-up. They're designed for temporary symptom relief rather than permanently preventing hemorrhoids from returning.

What is the best hemorrhoid cream?

The best hemorrhoid cream depends on your symptoms. Some products focus on reducing itching and inflammation, while others temporarily numb pain or help protect irritated skin. Reading the label and following the directions can help you choose the right option for your needs.

Can hemorrhoid creams shrink hemorrhoids?

Some creams may help reduce swelling associated with a flare-up, which can make hemorrhoids feel smaller or less noticeable. However, they're generally not intended to permanently eliminate hemorrhoids or prevent future flare-ups.

Can I use Preparation H every day?

Preparation H products should be used according to the directions on the label. Some ingredients, such as hydrocortisone, are intended for short-term use. If you find yourself needing hemorrhoid cream every day or for extended periods, it's a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider.

What's the difference between hemorrhoid cream and hemorrhoid ointment?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but ointments generally have a thicker, oil-based consistency that helps create a protective barrier, while creams tend to be lighter and easier to spread. Both can provide symptom relief depending on the product and its active ingredients.

Why do my hemorrhoids keep coming back?

Recurring hemorrhoids can have many contributing factors, including constipation, straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, or a low-fiber diet. While creams can help relieve symptoms, long-term prevention often involves healthy lifestyle habits that support digestive health.

References

1. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hemorrhoids. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2024;67(5):614-623. View on PubMed
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Hemorrhoids. View source
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Treatment of Hemorrhoids. View source
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical Knowledge Summary: Haemorrhoids. View source
5. Alonso-Coello P, Zhou Q, Martinez-Zapata MJ, et al. Meta-analysis of flavonoids for the treatment of haemorrhoids. British Journal of Surgery. 2006;93(8):909-920. View study

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Hemorrhoid supplements are intended to support healthy veins, circulation, and digestion as part of a broader routine and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms, especially if you experience heavy or persistent bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms that don't improve.