Hemorrhoids make your comfort disturbed? No need to worry, because there are many hemorrhoid ointments that can relieve symptoms. There are ointments to treat hemorrhoids that are sold over-the-counter, but there are also those that must be used bought with doctor's prescription.
Hemorrhoids or piles are lumps that appear in or around the anus. This condition is generally harmless and will go away on its own in a few days.
However, hemorrhoids often cause pain and itching to the point where sitting is uncomfortable. Some people who have hemorrhoids can also experience complaints of bleeding anus. nowTo overcome various complaints due to hemorrhoids, drugs can be used, one of which is hemorrhoid ointment.
Common Types of Hemorrhoids Ointment
There are a variety of hemorrhoid ointment products that are sold over the counter in pharmacies and drug stores. However, make sure you read the information on the packaging label before buying it. The label usually lists the composition of the drug used, possible side effects, dosage, and how to use it.
The following are some types of drugs in hemorrhoid ointments that are effective for relieving hemorrhoid complaints:
1. Polycresulen
Policresulen is an acidic compound that can stop bleeding and inhibit the growth of bacteria. This content is also widely used to treat hemorrhoids.
How to use this hemorrhoid ointment is to be smeared thinly on the anal area affected by hemorrhoids 2-3 times a day. Remember, the use of this ointment must be according to the doctor's instructions.
The side effects that may appear are generally relatively mild, namely itching or a burning sensation at the beginning of use. These side effects usually go away when treatment is stopped.
2. Lidocaine
Lidocaine is an anesthetic that is widely used as a local anesthetic. In addition to providing a local anesthetic effect, lidocaine It can also be used as a treatment for hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids ointment containing lidocaine serves to stop the itching and pain caused by hemorrhoids. This type of hemorrhoid medicine must be used according to the doctor's instructions, because excessive and inappropriate use can be dangerous.
However, the side effects that appear are generally mild, such as irritation or temporary numbness in the anus area that is smeared.
However, please be careful and consult a doctor before using this medicine if you are allergic to the ingredients of the drug, suffer from liver disease, or are on medication for a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia).
3. Phenylephrine rectal
Phenylephrine rectal in hemorrhoid ointment can relieve swelling of the veins around the anus that causes hemorrhoids. In addition to reducing swelling, this drug can also relieve itching, burning, and irritation in the anus.
To use an ointment containing this medicine, first wipe the anus with a clean cloth. After that, apply hemorrhoid ointment phenylephrine slowly over the swollen anal area. Use this hemorrhoid ointment 3-4 times a day, but avoid using this ointment for more than 7 days.
This medicine is not suitable for use in children under 2 years of age. For those of you who have heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using this ointment.
Immediately stop use and go to the doctor immediately if side effects appear, such as severe irritation, bleeding from the rectum, headache, to blurred vision or ringing in the ears. Treatment needs to be done immediately to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
4. Hydrocortisone
This drug is a type of topical corticosteroid that is usually sold over the counter. Hydrocortisone can reduce pain, itching, and swelling of the anus due to hemorrhoids.
Follow the instructions for use on the medicine package and make it a habit to wash your hands before and after using it. After using this ointment, try not to have a bowel movement for at least 1-3 hours for the medicine to work effectively.
Talk to your doctor about using this ointment if you have a fever or have a history of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and infections, such as tuberculosis.
5. Combination ointment
Combination hemorrhoid ointment contains a mixture of various substances or ingredients that are believed to relieve swelling, irritation, or inflammation of the anus caused by hemorrhoids. Some of the substances commonly contained in this combination hemorrhoid ointment are:
- zinc oxide.
- Bismuth oxide.
- Bismuth subgallate.
- Petroleum jelly.
- Certain herbal ingredients, such as witch hazel, aloe vera, and Peruvian Balm.
These combination ointments can generally be obtained without a doctor's prescription. However, this combination ointment is not suitable for use by people with hemorrhoids who are under 18 years of age, have blood in their stools, and are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this medicine.
In addition to applying hemorrhoid ointment, hemorrhoid symptoms can also be relieved in several other ways, such as:
- Eat fiber-rich foods.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Avoid the habit of straining during bowel movements.
- Give a cold compress on the anus that has hemorrhoids for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. This step aims to relieve pain and swelling in the anus.
To be more safe and effective, hemorrhoid ointment should be used according to the doctor's instructions or the instructions on the package label. If hemorrhoids do not improve after using hemorrhoid ointment or are getting worse, you should consult a doctor for further examination and treatment of hemorrhoids.