Piles or hemorrhoids are the veins swollen in the rectum and the anus. It happens due to increase pressure on the veins in the anal region and also because of straining during bowel movements. There are some effective over-the-counter(OTC) hemorrhoids cream and ointments. They include numbing, soothing and anesthetic agents. But these are not the permanent solution to piles, they are simply used prolapsed hemorrhoids.
Here is the list of best over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatment
- Shield Rectal Ointment
This is used to treat piles along with other conditions such as skin irritation and eczema. This prevents the formation and release of different chemicals that cause skin problems.
- Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cream
Preparation H is the over-the-counter cream applied to temporarily relieve symptoms such as itching pain, burning and swelling
It contains pramoxine and phenylephrine where pramoxine belongs to a group of drugs called local anesthetics, and it works by reducing or blocking the sensations of pain and itching in skin nerves. Phenylephrine is the sympathomimetic amine that narrows the blood vessels in the affected area.
- Tronolane Hemorrhoids Cream
Tronolane anesthetic cream is used as a numbing cream. It's a chemical formula that contains zinc oxide, which is a mineral famous for its potent astringent properties, and pramoxine. This combination is used by patients to treat irritation, burning, itching, and other rectal discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. This cream provides users with comfort, lubricates the piles affected area, soothes it, and relieves pain.
- Recticare Anorectal Cream
Recticare Anorectal Cream is a solution for fast relief from itching, burning, and pain associated with piles and anorectal disorders. It contains 5% lidocaine, which is anesthetic and provides users with fast relief from painful sensations. It's the highest lidocaine strength available as an over-the-counter medicine.
- Nupercainal Hemorrhoidal Ointment
This ointment contains 1% dibucaine which gives temporary relief from pain, itching and burning. It is used externally to treat mild burns, insect bites and skin irritation.
- Anusol Haemorrhoidal Ointment
It has properties of astringent, antiseptic and emollient which gives fast relief from itching and pain.
- Americaine Hemorrhoidal Ointment
This ointment has anti-inflammation properties for healing piles and eases common symptoms of piles.
- Doctor Butler's Hemorrhoids & Fissure Ointment
This is the FDA-approved healing and pain-relief medicine that contains minerals, amino acids, and organic herbs in its formula to provide patients with hemorrhoids with bio-enhanced healing. Its use helps instantly relieve itching, pain, and burning linked with anal fissures and hemorrhoids. This ointment stops bleeding and reduces swelling and can relieve other annoying symptoms
- Equate Hemorrhoidal Cream
This protects the skin from increased irritation due to piles. When applied on piles, it shrinks them and gives relief from pain and discomfort. It manages different symptoms such as local anesthetic to reduce pain, glycerin for constipation and phenylephrine to reduce itching and irritation.
- Ma Ying Long Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment
This is a well-known ointment to treat external hemorrhoids. It clears away toxic material and promotes fast healing removing putrid tissues.
There are various over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments but it is always advised to consult a doctor before taking any medicine. People use different home remedies such as sitz bath, high-fiber meals, cold compress which help in easing pain and swelling. It is very important to build healthy toilet habits such as keeping yourself clean, prolonged sitting on the toilet and straining. If the patient suffering from piles does not want to use cream or ointment, here are some more over-the-counter treatments such as
- Hemorrwedge Ice treatment
- Thena sitz bath soak
- Tucks medicated cooling pads
- Hem control capsules from Naticura
Laser surgery is a better option than over-the-counter treatment
Laser surgery is a sure shot solution to piles whereas over-the-counter treatment reduces the symptoms and takes away pain and discomfort on a temporary basis. Laser Surgery for piles is a safe and minimally invasive technique where there is no cut and no pain. OTC ointments and pills, when taken inappropriately, may cause allergy, skin redness, mild burning, itching or skin irritation. If the OTC is not working to cure piles, then consider it as a side effect. There are no such problems in the case of laser surgery.
There are a bunch of restrictions when using an OTC such as read the entire label, including ingredients, dosages, time limits and warnings; note if the medicine should be taken with food or on an empty stomach; don't mix medicines with alcohol; avoid taking vitamin-mineral supplements at the same time; and, if you experience an allergic or adverse reaction, write down the likely cause so you can avoid that ingredient in the future. Whereas there is no such restriction after laser surgery. The advantages of laser surgery are:
- Negligible chances of recurrence
- Painless surgery
- Short hospital stay
- Recovery is faster as there are no stitches
- Quick relief from the symptoms
- Success rate is high
- Minimum postoperative pain
When you prefer OTC for piles treatment, you still have to undergo a lot of discomforts as the problem still exists. It does not cure piles immediately. Laser treatment takes 30-40 minutes and the piles are treated. After the surgery, the surgeon gives instructions and exercises for faster recovery. Follow these instructions and get back to your day to day activities within 2-3 days.
The success of laser surgery depends on the team as well as advanced technology used for the treatment and Pristyn Care has top-notch experts. They have well-equipped tools and laser to carry out the best laser treatment for piles. Get your piles treated right away!
