Best Haemorrhoid Creams and Treatments

Haemorrhoids, commonly referred to as piles, are painful and uncomfortable lumps that can occur both inside and around the anus. These are essentially swollen blood vessels that may develop internally within the rectum, known as internal haemorrhoids, or externally under the skin surrounding the anus, referred to as external haemorrhoids.

No matter what causes them, haemorrhoids can be a sensitive issue that often leads to feelings of embarrassment for many individuals. Fortunately, there are several effective methods available to address haemorrhoids, which include a range of home treatments and beneficial lifestyle adjustments.

What Causes Haemorrhoids?

Many adults will experience haemorrhoids from time to time, however, the cause is often unknown. Haemorrhoids may develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum, which could be due to the following factors, each contributing to the condition in different ways:

• Straining during bowel movements, which can exert excessive pressure on the veins in the rectal area, leading to their swelling and inflammation.

• Pregnancy, as the growing uterus can put added pressure on the veins in the lower rectum, coupled with hormonal changes that may affect blood flow and vessel integrity.

• Obesity, which can increase abdominal pressure and strain on pelvic and rectal veins, potentially leading to the development of haemorrhoids.

• Eating a low-fibre diet, which often results in harder stools, making bowel movements more difficult and increasing the risk of straining.

• Having chronic diarrhoea or constipation, both of which can lead to repeated straining and irritation of the rectal veins, contributing to haemorrhoid formation.

What are the Symptoms of Haemorrhoids?

Symptoms of haemorrhoids include:

• Bleeding after you poo

• Feeling like you still need to poo even after going to the toilet

• Lumps or pain around your anus

• Mucus in your underwear

Ingredients to Look for in Haemorrhoid Creams

Ingredients to look out for that can help treat haemorrhoids include:

• Witch hazel

• Zinc Oxide

• Lidocaine

• Hydrocortisone

The Best Haemorrhoid Creams and Treatments

At Weldricks, we sell a range of products to help you treat haemorrhoid conditions.

Here are some of our best haemorrhoid creams and treatments:

Anusol Cream

Anusol Cream 43g £6.25 save £1.24

Anusol Cream is a medicine that relieves the pain, swelling, and irritation of internal and external haemorrhoids. It includes ingredients such as zinc oxide, balsam peru, and bismuth oxide. Anusol Cream contains a vanishing base, which means it's rapidly absorbed and can be used for both internal and external haemorrhoids.

Germoloids Cream

Germoloids Cream 25g £4.49 save £0.60

Germoloids Cream contains a local anaesthetic, making it a very effective treatment for haemorrhoids. The cream base acts as an emollient to help the passing of stools and reduce straining during bowel movement.

Preparation H Clear Gel

Preparation H Clear Gel 25g £3.45 save £0.59

Preparation H Clear Gel offers an instant cooling effect on dry, itchy skin around the anus. The formula is non-greasy and easy to apply. The gel contains witch hazel, which is scientifically proven to hydrate and moisturise dry and itchy skin.

Care Haemorrhoid Relief Ointment

Care Haemorrhoid Relief Ointment 25g £4.39

Care Haemorrhoid Relief Ointment contains zinc oxide, which is an antiseptic and has soothing and protective properties. Easy to use, it will help to relieve pain and swelling associated with haemorrhoids.

Fybogel Orange Flavoured Laxative Sachets

Fybogel Orange Flavoured Laxative Sachets Pack of 30 x 2 £17.59

The Fybogel orange high-fibre drink is an easy and convenient way to gently relieve constipation. It works naturally with your body to treat it without straining or discomfort and can help those with haemorrhoids as well as other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

Germoloids Suppositories Pack

Germoloids Suppositories Pack of 12 £4.69 save £0.60

Suppositories are for use inside the anus and will help to soothe itching and shrink haemorrhoids. The suppositories contain two active substances: zinc oxide and lidocaine.

What is the difference between Haemorrhoid Creams and Ointments?

The best approach to managing symptoms is to not rely too heavily on any single treatment option, but rather to mix and match different products as needed to achieve the most effective symptom relief. This strategy allows for a more personalized treatment plan that can address the varying needs and preferences of individuals.

In general, ointments are formulated to add moisture to the skin and tend to remain on the surface for a longer duration. This makes them particularly beneficial if you require additional hydration and a protective barrier for your skin. On the other hand, if you prefer a product that absorbs more rapidly into the skin and does not leave any residue behind, a cream might be the better choice for you. Creams are designed to penetrate the skin quickly, offering efficient relief without the greasy feel often associated with ointments.

How to Use Haemorrhoid Creams

Each product will be different, so make sure you read the instructions carefully before use. Before applying the cream or treatment, always ensure the area is clean and dry. You should also wash your hands thoroughly with soap before application.

Application of treatment will often differ depending on whether you have internal or external piles. When using the Anusol Cream and the Germoloid Cream, you should simply apply the cream to the affected area if you have external piles. If you have internal piles, you will need to insert the nozzle into your anus and squeeze gently.

How Do You Prevent Haemorrhoids?

There are several proactive measures you can take to significantly reduce the likelihood of developing haemorrhoids. Some helpful tips include:

• Eating a variety of high-fibre foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to help maintain regular bowel movements and prevent constipation

• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and soften stools, making them easier to pass

• Avoid straining during bowel movements by taking your time and not pushing too hard, which can put pressure on the veins in your rectum

• Going to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, rather than holding it in, which can make stools harder and more difficult to pass

• Exercising regularly, such as walking or swimming, to improve circulation and reduce pressure on the veins

• Avoiding long periods of sitting, especially on the toilet, as this can increase pressure on the anal veins

• Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these can dehydrate your body and lead to constipation, which is a major risk factor for haemorrhoids

• Keeping your anus clean and dry by gently washing with warm water and ensuring the area is thoroughly dried, which can help prevent irritation and infection

When should I See a Doctor?

You should see your GP if:

• You have symptoms of haemorrhoids, and they are getting worse, or there is no improvement after a week of home treatment, indicating that the condition might require a more thorough evaluation and possibly a different approach to management.

• You are repeatedly suffering from haemorrhoids, which could suggest an underlying issue or lifestyle factor that needs to be addressed to prevent frequent recurrences.

• You notice a change around your anus that isn’t normal, such as unusual lumps, persistent pain, or bleeding, which could be a sign of a more serious condition requiring medical attention.

Seek emergency care if your temperature is very high, you feel hot and shivery, or you have pus leaking from your haemorrhoids, as these symptoms could indicate a severe infection or complication that needs immediate medical intervention.

Browse our haemorrhoid care and more

We’ve suggested our best haemorrhoid creams and treatments, so take a look and see which ones might best suit your needs. Alongside our haemorrhoid care, you can also find treatments for a range of other conditions, including constipation and diarrhoea.