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Best hemorrhoid cream: what to look for

Published 13 March 2026 ·Last reviewed 13 March 2026 by the editorial team ·How we create our content

At a glance

Hemorrhoid creams are among the most commonly used treatments for hemorrhoid symptoms. They are available over the counter from pharmacies and can provide temporary relief from itching, burning, and mild pain. They do not cure hemorrhoids, but they can make flare-ups more comfortable while other measures take effect.

This guide explains what to look for in a hemorrhoid cream, what different ingredients do, and what to keep in mind.

What hemorrhoid creams do

Hemorrhoid creams work by addressing symptoms rather than the underlying cause. They may:

Soothe irritated tissue
Reduce itching through anti-itch ingredients
Decrease inflammation through steroids or other anti-inflammatory agents
Provide a barrier that protects the skin
Temporarily numb the area through local anaesthetics

What to look for

Key ingredients and what they do

Local anaesthetics (e.g., lidocaine): numb the area temporarily, providing relief from pain and itching. Useful during acute flare-ups. Should not be used long-term.

Steroids (e.g., hydrocortisone): reduce inflammation and itching. Effective but should not be used for more than seven days without medical guidance, as prolonged use can thin the perianal skin.

Protectants (e.g., zinc oxide, bismuth): create a barrier on the skin, protecting it from moisture and irritation. Soothing and low-risk for longer use.

Vasoconstrictors: reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. Found in some formulations. Not suitable for everyone.

Soothing agents (e.g., witch hazel, aloe): provide a cooling or calming sensation. Generally gentle and well-tolerated.

Choosing between options

If your main symptom is…	Look for…
Itching	Hydrocortisone (short-term) or soothing agents
Pain	Local anaesthetic (lidocaine)
Burning	Protectant or soothing agent
Swelling	Anti-inflammatory or vasoconstrictor
General discomfort	A combination product

Practical considerations

Unscented products are generally better tolerated — fragrances can irritate
Check the instructions — some products are for external use only; others include an internal applicator
Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure which product is appropriate for your symptoms
Short-term use — most hemorrhoid creams are designed for up to seven days. If symptoms persist, see a clinician

What creams do not do

Hemorrhoid creams do not:

Shrink hemorrhoids permanently
Treat the underlying cause (constipation, straining, pressure)
Replace dietary and lifestyle changes
Substitute for medical treatment when symptoms are significant

They are one tool among many — useful for comfort, but most effective when combined with stool management, adequate hydration, and other measures.

When to see a clinician

If hemorrhoid symptoms persist despite cream use and self-care measures for more than two weeks, it is time to see a clinician. They can assess the hemorrhoids properly and discuss whether further treatment — banding, medication, or other interventions — is appropriate.

Common questions

Do hemorrhoid creams actually work?

Hemorrhoid creams can provide temporary relief from symptoms like itching, burning, and mild pain. They do not cure hemorrhoids — they manage symptoms while the underlying condition is addressed through dietary changes, hydration, and avoiding straining. For significant hemorrhoids, creams alone are usually not sufficient.

How long can I use hemorrhoid cream?

Most over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams are intended for short-term use — typically up to seven days. Products containing steroids should not be used long-term without medical guidance, as they can thin the skin. If symptoms persist beyond a week of use, see a clinician.

Is cream or ointment better for hemorrhoids?

This is largely a matter of preference. Ointments tend to be greasier and may provide longer-lasting coverage. Creams are absorbed more quickly and feel less greasy. The active ingredients matter more than the formulation.

Can I use hemorrhoid cream for internal hemorrhoids?

Some products come with an applicator for internal use. If you are applying treatment internally, follow the product instructions carefully. Not all creams are designed for internal application — check the packaging.

When to seek care Heavy bleeding or feeling faint? Get emergency help now. Emergency: 911

Not sure how urgent it is? Get help today.

Emergency
Heavy bleeding, black tarry stools, feeling faint, severe pain or trouble breathing.

Call 911 or go to the ER.
Today
Fever, pain getting worse, a hot swollen lump, or trouble passing urine.

Call your doctor or go to urgent care.
Soon
Bleeding or bowel changes nobody has checked, or anything lasting 3 weeks.

Book a doctor’s appointment.

Feeling overwhelmed? Call or text 988, any time.

See all the signs

For this topic, get medical advice if you notice:

Symptoms that do not improve after two weeks of treatment
Heavy or persistent bleeding
Severe pain or a new, rapidly growing lump
Signs of allergic reaction to any product

Recording how you feel is not the same as being checked. These are the signs that need a doctor’s attention.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room now if you have:

bleeding that will not stop, a lot of blood (the toilet water turns red, or you pass large clots), or any bleeding with feeling faint or dizzy
fainting, a racing heart or trouble breathing
confusion or slurred speech, extreme shivering, no urine in a day, or blotchy skin
sudden severe belly pain, or a swollen, hard belly with vomiting or not passing stool or gas
you cannot pass urine at all, or your bladder feels full and painful and you can’t empty it
redness, swelling or severe pain spreading quickly around your anus, genitals or groin, especially with a fever or feeling very ill
a fever with a painful swelling near your anus if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for example, from chemotherapy or transplant medicines)
black, tarry stools

Call your doctor or go to urgent care today (or the ER if you can’t be seen today) if you have:

a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, vomiting, or feeling generally unwell
pain that is getting worse over days, or severe pain that stops you sitting or sleeping
a hot, swollen or very tender lump near your anus or at the top of the crease between your buttocks, or foul-smelling discharge
trouble urinating
bleeding that is getting heavier or more frequent, or blood mixed into your stool
feeling much more tired than usual, looking pale, or getting out of breath more easily than you used to
not passing stool for several days, or new belly pain

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

you have never had these symptoms checked by a doctor or nurse — whatever your age
you have had rectal bleeding for more than 3 weeks
your bowel movements have been looser, thinner or more frequent than usual for 3 weeks or more, or you have lost weight without trying
symptoms have not settled after a week or so, or keep coming back
you notice a new lump near your anus, between your buttocks or in your belly, or an itch or discharge that does not clear
you have new leakage or trouble controlling your bowels
you are 45 or over, or have a family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and any of these symptoms are new for you

If you are unsure, it is always reasonable to ask. If things feel overwhelming, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. If you don’t feel safe, call 911.

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Related symptoms

Bleeding Pain during bowel movements Pain after bowel movements Itching Swelling or lump Pressure or fullness Protrusion

Discreet symptom tracking

Symptoms that come and go? Keep track, day by day.

For hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas and other anal and rectal problems. A short, discreet email asks how things have been, and saves each answer, so you can look back at every flare and every good week in your own words. If you haven’t had your symptoms checked, see your doctor first.

About ten seconds a check-in. No app, no password.
Nothing in the subject or preview says what it’s about.
Each Sunday, a link to your week, ready for your next appointment.

Start tracking →

Your notes

Your check-in

Takes about ten seconds.

20:00

Example. Nothing on the lock screen hints at symptoms or conditions.

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Thrombosed hemorrhoid: the sudden lump

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